Week 8: Showstoppers

Week 8 Recap: Shutouts, Showstoppers, and a Date with Destiny

Week 8 brought more goals, more grit, and two strong wins for Delaware Rising FC. With both squads firing, the women earned another clean sheet on the road while the men thrilled the home crowd with a goal-filled performance at Buckeye Valley. This club is rolling, and the momentum couldn’t be better timed with the League Cup Final just around the corner.

Let’s dive into the action:

Women’s Team: Locked In and Locked Down

June 29 @ Mansfield Liederkranz – 2-0 Win
A familiar opponent, a familiar result. For the second time in two weeks, the Rising Women took care of business against Mansfield, this time over a full 90 minutes. The squad looked composed from the start and executed on both ends of the pitch to secure another shutout and three points.

Goals:

• Captain Lindsey Whitmore opened the scoring with a cool finish after a sharp setup from Lindsey Castillo.

• Then Castillo got on the scoresheet herself, burying the second after a crisp assist from Avery Curtin.

Player of the Match: Lindsey Castillo — one assist, one goal, and nonstop work rate on the pitch. She’s been in her bag lately, and this performance sealed it.

The backline stayed solid, the midfield clicked, and Delaware left Mansfield with another clean sheet and even more momentum heading into July.

Men’s Team: Eight Goals and Eyes on the Cup

June 28 vs Ohio City SC – 8-4 Win
It was a goal fest at Buckeye Valley as the Rising men lit up Ohio City SC in one of the wildest matches of the season. While the defense had its hands full, the attack was relentless, firing eight into the back of the net and putting on a show for the home fans.

Goals:

• Lincoln Wallace got the party started early, finishing off a smart setup from Alex Spiers.

• He followed it up just minutes later with his second, this time assisted by Brady Smith.

• Captain Landon Kuhn stepped up and buried a penalty to make it three.

• Aidan Shepardson buried a goal after a bouncing ball in the box from Mubelele Mhango.

• Right after halftime, Wallace completed his hat trick thanks to a smooth feed from Mhango.

• Mhango then got one of his own, smashing in goal five after another connection with Shepardson.

• Mason Morris joined the party with a back-post curler, set up by none other than Captain Kuhn.

• Wallace added his fourth of the day from the penalty spot, capping off a massive day for the Rising forward line.

It wasn’t perfect defensively, but it didn’t need to be. The attack looked dangerous every time they touched the ball, and the team left no doubt that they’re peaking at the right time.

Looking Ahead: Cup Final & Home Finale

Next Up for the Women:
📅 July 12
🆚 Twinsburg United
🕔 5:00 PM
🏟️ Buckeye Valley High School

It’s the last home match of the regular season for the DRFC Women, don’t miss your chance to see this electric squad up close as they look to close out strong.

Next Up for the Men – League Cup Final:
📅 July 6
🆚 Valentis Athletica
🕞 3:30 PM
🏟️ Western Reserve Academy

This is what it’s all about. 90 minutes from lifting silverware. The Rising Men are locked in and ready to finish the job.

Rain or shine. Home or away. Cup or league.
Delaware Rising is built for it all.
Up. The. Rising.

Week 7: Storms & Statements

Week 7 Recap: Storms and Statements

Week 7 brought the full spectrum — rain delays, road wins, high-scoring performances, and a ticket punched to the League Cup Final. Both squads were on the move all week, and whether it was battling the weather or lighting up the scoreboard, Delaware Rising FC once again proved they’re built for the long haul.

Women’s Team: Halftime Hustle and a Road Reset

June 18 @ Mansfield Liederkranz – 2-0 Win
Sometimes it only takes a half to make a statement. The DRFC women hosted Mansfield for a midweek showdown that was ultimately called at halftime due to intense wind and rain, but not before Rising did what they came to do: take the lead and take the points.

Goals:

• Lindsey Castillo, assisted by Lindsey Whitmore

• Rileigh Glassburn, assisted by Kindall Duke
  

Player of the Match: Rileigh Glassburn, who led the front line with energy and precision in tough conditions.

From the opening whistle, Delaware looked sharp and composed. The passing was crisp, the press was aggressive, and both goals came from well-worked sequences. Though the storm cut the match short, the Rising women made the most of every minute, proving once again they can take care of business no matter the circumstances.

June 21 @ Süsserfuss Ballverein – 1-6 Loss
After a strong showing earlier in the week, Rising met a red-hot Süsserfuss side on the road. Despite early flashes of attack, Delaware fell behind and was unable to recover.

Goal:

• Alexis Ivory, assisted by Lindsey Castillo
  

It was a tough night, but also a reality check against a clinical and physical team. The effort never dipped — even late into the match, the women kept pushing — but the final ball didn’t fall their way, and Süsserfuss capitalized on their chances. These are the kinds of matches that sharpen teams over the long haul. Expect a response.

Men’s Team: Cup Final Bound and Statement Victory

June 17 @ Akron United – 4-1 Win (League Cup Semi-Final)
The Rising Men stepped into a big moment on the road and didn’t blink. Delaware booked their place in the League Cup Final with a composed and confident performance against a tough Akron United side.

Goals:

• Ryan Miller, assisted by Keegan White

• Landon Kuhn, assisted by Mason Morris

• Mubelele Mhango, assisted by Chewy Koo

• Kyle Querry, assisted by Brent Rader
  

Player of the Match: Captain Landon Kuhn, who continues to set the tone week after week.

Delaware managed the match brilliantly — cool under pressure, lethal in transition, and solid at the back. The squad looked dialed in from kickoff and showed the maturity of a team with silverware in sight. One more win stands between them and lifting the League Cup.

June 22 @ Twinsburg United – 8-0 Win
Just five days later, the Rising Men returned to league action and did it in style. A complete performance saw the team fire on all cylinders from start to finish.

Goals:

• Landon Kuhn, assisted by Austin Young

• Kyle Querry (unassisted)

• Mubelele Mhango, assisted by Landon Kuhn

• Lincoln Wallace  assisted by Mhango

• Joe Roberts, assisted by Eli Traber

• Nino Stassi, assisted by Landon Kuhn

• Austin Young, assisted by Landon Kuhn

• Lincoln Wallace assisted by Mason Morris
  
  

From start to finish, it was total control. The defense stayed organized, the midfield dictated tempo, and the attack showed both creativity and killer instinct. It was a statement win, not just about skill, but about chemistry and confidence heading into a critical part of the season.

Looking Ahead: Doubleheader Weekend at Home

⚽ Next Up for the Women
📆 June 29
🆚 @ Mansfield Liederkranz
🕑 2:00 PM

Back on the road against a familiar opponent, the Rising Women look to repeat the result from earlier this week — this time over a full 90 minutes. Expect fire from the kickoff.

🟦 Next Up for the Men
📆 June 28
🕐 1:00 PM
🆚 vs. Ohio City SC
📆 June 29
🕔 5:00 PM
🆚 vs. Süsserfuss Ballverein
📍 Both matches at Buckeye Valley High School

Two massive opportunities to take more points at home — and keep league momentum rolling. 

Week after week, this club is growing… in form, in fight, and in community. Whether it’s a short half, a stormy night, or a road trip to the finals, Delaware Rising FC continues to rise.

Come out. Be loud. Wear blue. And as always…
Up. The. Rising. 

Week 6: Reschedule, Resilience

Week 6 Recap: Reschedule and Resilience — A Week of Growth On and Off the Pitch

Week 6 brought a mix of emotions for Delaware Rising FC — a narrow road battle for the Women and a week of scheduling twists for the Men. While not everything went our way on the scoreboard, the commitment, passion, and progress from both teams continue to shine through.

Let’s unpack it:

Women’s Team: Nothing Left Unspent in 1-2 Battle

After a dominant two-game win streak, the DRFC Women came into their match against Ohio City SC ready for a true test. Having outscored their previous opponents 14-1, Rising hit the pitch in Cleveland with focus and fire, determined to keep the streak aliv

It wasn’t the start they wanted — Ohio City struck early, sneaking in a goal just five minutes into the match. But Rising didn’t flinch. They responded with urgency, discipline, and a spark of brilliance from an unlikely spot.

Ali De Gracia, the ever-reliable centerback, stepped up with a stunning right-footed volley into the top corner, leveling the match before halftime. Not only was it a spectacular goal from a defender, but it also earned her well-deserved Player of the Match honors.

The second half saw both teams battling for control, but a deflected shot gave Ohio City the edge with just 15 minutes to play. Despite relentless pressure and attacking waves from Delaware, the final whistle came too soon.

It was a tough 1-2 loss, but there’s no questioning the heart this team showed on the road. And with two more matches this week, expect them to bounce back fast and hungry.

Men’s Team: Navigating a Stretch of Schedule Shake Ups

It’s been a bit of a chessboard for the DRFC Men these past two weeks. With the Stark County United forfeit win in Week 4 and now a rescheduled game with Süsserfuss due to turf conflicts, the guys are keeping their rhythm while looking ahead to what's next.

But don’t let the quiet week fool you — the Men are staying sharp with training sessions dialed in, all eyes on their next huge test: the League Cup Semi-Final.

Looking Ahead: Regular Season Rolls On, Semi-Final Awaits

🚨 Next Up for the Men: League Cup Semi-Final
📆 June 17
🆚 Akron United
🏟️ German Family Society of Akron

This is the big one. The boys are one win away from the Stimulus Cup Finals, and everything they’ve worked for comes down to 90 intense minutes. With rest, focus, and form on their side, expect a battle in Akron that you won’t want to miss.

⚽ Next Up for the Women: Midweek Momentum
📆 June 18
🆚 Mansfield Liederkranz
🏟️ Buckeye Valley High School

Back at home and ready to rally, the Rising Women will look to shake off the narrow Week 6 loss with a strong performance against Mansfield. The fans can expect goals, grit, and a fired-up squad looking to reclaim their winning ways.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just finding your way to the double blue, now is the time to show up, show out, and shout loud.

This club is building something special — and the story’s just getting good.

Up. The. Rising. 

Week 5: Women Dominate, Men Punch Ticket

Week 5 Recap: Women Dominate, Men Punch Ticket to League Cup Semis
By Your Delaware Rising FC Supporter Extraordinaire

Week 5 was one for the books. The Women’s team delivered a jaw-dropping performance on the road, while the Men took care of business in a high-stakes League Cup showdown. Confidence is soaring, goals are flowing, and the Delaware is Rising! 

Women’s Team: Statement Win on the Road

What we witnessed this week was nothing short of dominance. The Delaware Rising Women overwhelmed their opponents in an 8-0 rout that showcased the depth and dynamism of this squad.

Here’s how the scoring unfolded:

• Rileigh Glassburn, assisted by Emma Barnhart, opened the floodgates.

• Ava Bruns, also set up by Barnhart, doubled the advantage.

• Ashley Green finished from an Alexis Ivory assist.

• Then Ivory got in on the scoring, fed beautifully by Kindall Duke.

• Kindall Duke took over from there, scoring and assisting seemingly at will. She added her first of two goals thanks to a pass from Lindsey Whitmore.

• Kasey Duke found the net next, with another dime from Kindall.

• Ivory secured her brace with yet another assist from Kindall.

• And finally, Kindall sealed the deal with her second goal to make it eight.
  

With 2 goals and 3 assists, the clear Player of the Match was Kindall Duke, who continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenses and a fan favorite for us.

Men’s Team: League Cup Statement Win

No bye week after all — and no mercy either.

The Delaware Rising Men’s team stepped into their League Cup quarterfinal matchup against Mansfield Liederkranz with purpose and walked away with a dominant 3-0 win at Otterbein University.

• The opener came from Aidan Shepardson, assisted by Landon Kuhn.

• Shepardson struck again shortly after, this time with help from Brady Smith.

• The third and final goal was slotted home by Quinn Berry, once again set up by Landon Kuhn, who had himself a brilliant performance.
  

Aidan Shepardson was an easy choice for Player of the Match — with 2 goals, he led the charge and delivered when it mattered most.

This win now propels Delaware Rising into the League Cup Semifinals, where they’ll face Akron United FC. The stakes just got higher, but so did the energy.

Looking Ahead: Eyes on the Rise

🟦 Women’s Team @ Ohio City SC
📆 Saturday, June 15
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 Benedictine High School, Cleveland

Another road test awaits our women, but this group has proven they’re road warriors. With the form they’re in, anything feels possible.

🟦 Men’s Team vs. Süsserfuss Ballverein
📆 Date & Time: TBD
📍 Stay tuned for location details

One team steamrolling. Another one surging through the cup. Delaware Rising is cooking, and the summer is just heating up.

As always — bring the noise, bring the blue, and UP THE RISING.

Week 4: Big Win, Bigger Momentum

Week 4 Recap: Big Wins, Bigger Momentum for Delaware Rising FC
By Your Dedicated Delaware Rising FC Supporter

Week 4 brought goals, grit, and another wave of momentum for Delaware Rising FC. 

Let’s break it down.

Women’s Team: Six Goals, One Statement Win

The Rising Women were back and absolutely flying this weekend, picking up a commanding 6-1 win over Panthers FC. From start to finish, the match was all DRFC — sharp passing, relentless pressure, and a real display of team chemistry.

This one was a showcase of shared brilliance:

• Megan Michels opened the scoring, calmly finishing off a crisp corner from Erin Hudson.

• Kindall Duke followed with a fantastic goal.

• Lindsey Castillo slotted home another, this time from a smart assist by Avery Curtin.

• Then came Ally Curtin, taking matters into her own hands with a goal.

• Alexis Ivory added to the tally, set up perfectly by Avery Settles.

• And to close it out, Ashley Green tucked away the sixth, assisted by Kasey Duke.
  

The Player of the Match? Lindsey Castillo — composed, clinical, and consistently dangerous. Her presence on the ball changed the game, and her finish was textbook.

This squad is heating up at the right time — and if you're not watching them play yet, you're seriously missing out.

Men’s Team: A Win by Forfeit, but the Water Still Rises

Sometimes, a win is a win — even when it doesn’t come the way we’d hoped. The Rising Men were set to clash with Stark County United, but the visitors were forced to forfeit due to a lack of available players, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Delaware.

It’s not how the team wanted to earn points, but the result helps build momentum after a hard-fought Week 3 and keeps the squad fresh and focused on what's next — and what’s next is a big one.

Looking Ahead: All Eyes on the Cup and a Big Test for the Women

🚨 Next Up for the Men: League Cup Showdown
📆 June 3
🆚 Mansfield Liederkranz
🏟️ Location: Otterbein University

This isn't a regular league match — it's a League Cup battle, and the Rising will be looking to make a statement. With fresh legs and plenty of attacking firepower, expect the boys to come out firing.

⚽ Next Up for the Women: Major League Test
📆 June 7
🆚 Twinsburg United
🏟️ Location: Tiger Stadium

Twinsburg will be a real challenge, but this Rising team is riding high off a dominant Week 4. With goals coming from all over the pitch and chemistry growing stronger every match, confidence will be key heading into this matchup.

Whether you're following from the stands or streaming from home, there's never been a better time to support your local club. Week 4 showed us just how much talent and spirit Delaware Rising FC brings to the field. And trust me — the best is still to come.

Let’s pack the stands, raise the noise, and keep this energy rolling.

Week 3: Hard Battles at Home

Week 3 Recap: A Hard-Fought Battle and a Big Weekend Ahead
By a Loyal Delaware Rising FC Supporter

With the Women’s team on a well-earned bye week, all eyes turned to the Rising Men’s squad as they took the field Saturday at Buckeye Valley High School for what turned out to be an intense, gritty clash with Ashland United.

And while the final score wasn’t in our favor with a narrow 2-1 loss, this match was a testament to just how much heart and resilience Delaware Rising FC brings to every game.

Men’s Team: Falling Just Short in a Fight to the Final Whistle

The sun was high, the crowd was loud, and the atmosphere was electric as the Rising hosted Ashland United in front of our home faithful. The match was physical, fast-paced, and fiercely contested from the first whistle to the last.

Delaware struck first, thanks to a moment of pure class from Mason Morris, who bent a free kick into the back of the net with pinpoint precision midway through the first half.

Ashland managed to edge ahead with a second in the later stages of the game, but Rising didn’t stop fighting for even a second. From backline battles to attacking surges in the closing minutes, the boys in blue gave everything they had.

It wasn’t the result we wanted but make no mistake: this team is tough, talented, and absolutely relentless.

Looking Ahead: June 1st Doubleheader at Buckeye Valley High School

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and bring your friends… June 1st is going to be HUGE.

For the second time this season, both our Women’s and Men’s teams will take the pitch on the same day, right here at Buckeye Valley High School in a doubleheader showdown.

🕐 Women’s Match – 1:00 PM
🕔 Men’s Match – 5:00 PM

It’s more than a game day, it’s a full-on Delaware Rising celebration. Expect passion. Expect noise. Expect our teams to come out hungry and ready to represent the 740 with pride.

Whether you’ve been in the stands since day one or you're just discovering the magic of local football, now is the time to get behind your club.

Let’s fill the stands. Let’s raise our voices. Let’s show the Northern Ohio Soccer League what Up the Rising truly means.

Week 2: Up The Rising

Week 2 Recap: Highs, Lows, and Hat Tricks for Delaware Rising FC

Delaware Rising Football Club gave us a rollercoaster of emotions in Week 2 — some serious highs, a couple of tough moments, but above all, a whole lot of pride in the crest. Both the Women’s and Men’s teams laced up, battled hard, and showed that the spirit of Up the Rising is alive and well in Delaware, Ohio.

Women’s Team: A Tale of Two Matches

Match 1: Rising vs. Panthers FC – A Statement Win (3-0)
On a sun-soaked evening at Crestview High School, the Rising Women came out flying against Panthers FC. From the first whistle, the energy was electric — pressing high, connecting passes, and asserting dominance all over the pitch.

Goals came from three different players — the kind of team effort that tells you this squad isn’t just deep, they’re dangerous.

• Lindsey Whitmore broke the deadlock early, calmly slotting home after a slick build-up.

• Kindall Duke followed with a beautiful finish from the penalty spot.

• And then — oh yes — Ali De Gracia, pushed up and buried one to put the nail in the coffin from a long way out.

Ali wasn’t just the Player of the Match for scoring. She anchored the backline, snuffed out Panther attacks, and still found the legs to get forward and score.

Match 2: Rising vs. Susserfuss Ballverein – A Tough 3-0 Loss
The second match of the week was a tough one. The Rising ladies held their own in long stretches but couldn’t find the breakthrough, eventually falling 3-0.

But in the thick of the fight, Avery Curtin stayed strong for our midfield. She never stopped running, battled every 50/50, and was a calming presence in possession. Even in defeat, she showed the kind of grit that keeps us proud.

Men’s Team: Topple’s the Opponent (6-0 over Mahoning Trumbull United)

Delaware Rising’s Men’s side? Pure fireworks. They hosted Mahoning Trumbull United and treated the home fans to a six-goal showcase. It was the kind of night where the scoreboard barely kept up.

The attacking movement was fluid, the defense was rock solid, and the chemistry? Chef’s kiss.

Goal scorers:

• Aidan Shepardson kicked things off with a confident finish.

• Beelal Hasan added a second with style and pace.

• Landon Kuhn got on the scoresheet too, linking up beautifully with the midfield.

• And then came the hat trick. Ryan Miller, our maestro in the middle, put on a clinic. Three goals. Vision, movement, ruthless finishing — Miller was everywhere.

No surprise he took home Player of the Match honors. He owned that midfield.

Looking Ahead

We’re only in Week 2, and already Delaware Rising is turning heads. The women’s team has shown they can shut out opponents and bounce back strong, while the men’s team sent a message that they’re a force to be reckoned with.

If you’re not already in the stands, what are you waiting for? This club is building something special. One game at a time. One goal at a time. One heart-filled performance after another.

Let’s carry the momentum. Let’s pack the stands. And as always...

UP THE RISING.

Week 1: Delaware Rising FC

This past Sunday, Delaware Rising FC kicked off our fifth season in the Northern Ohio Soccer League (NOSL) with a doubleheader that had everything we love about this club—new faces, returning veterans, a loud home crowd, and plenty of grit. Both our women’s and men’s teams opened their 2025 campaigns on home turf, and while the results went in different directions, the passion and fight were unmistakable.

Women’s Match: Tough Result, Strong Foundation

The women’s side opened the day against a sharp Ohio City SC team, ultimately falling 0–2. But don’t let the score fool you—this was a composed, hard-fought performance from a great group. With a mix of new additions and returning players, the team showed signs of cohesion and resilience that will elevate them for the season ahead.

Player of the Match honors went to Myah Byers, who anchored the backline with confidence and poise. As a center defender, she was a rock—winning tackles, organizing the shape, and stepping up in big moments. Her leadership in the heart of the defense had a huge impact on the pitch. This is a squad with promise. The chemistry is building, and the fight is already there.

Men’s Match: Goals, Grit, and Three Points

The men’s match brought fireworks in a wild 6–4 win over Wooster FC. From the first whistle, it was an open, attacking affair. Delaware Rising came out on top thanks to relentless pressure and a spread of scoring across the lineup.

Here’s how the goals shook out:

• Lincoln Wallace scored twice, making defenders pay with his pace and nose for the goal.

• Brent Rader added two more to the scoreline.

• A Wooster own goal gave us a lift after a dangerous ball into the box.

• And Eli Traber, our center back, got on the scoresheet with a class finish off of a corner.

Traber also took home Player of the Match honors—and for good reason. He brought leadership, physicality, and determination to the backline, while also contributing a clutch goal. In a match that demanded both toughness and composure, he delivered both.

Looking Ahead: The Spirit Remains

Five seasons in, and Delaware Rising is still growing but the core values haven’t changed. We saw it this weekend in every challenge, every sprint, every cheer from the sideline. These teams are built on hard work, unity, and pride in the crest.

The women’s team laid a solid foundation and showed they’re ready to push forward. The men’s team lit up the scoreboard and walked away with three points. Together, they’ve launched the season with heart—and there's more to come.

This club isn’t just rising… it’s thriving.

#UpTheRising