This weekend, the guys had their first away game, where they squared off against Amish Country United. About a 2-hour drive from the home field, they arrived at Hiland High School looking to bounce back from last week's loss. It was another scorching hot day at the pitch and didn't look to get any cooler. The guys did their routine and then suited up for kick-off. Amish Country United kicked it off first, and we were underway. The guys put them under pressure right from the start, with winger Evan Scott winning the ball after the first kick and creating a chance that went right past Ryland Owens's foot. It was a promising start, and the guys once again had attack after attack just waiting to get their first goal. After a while, some subs were made, including #47 Mason Morris making his debut. Right off the bat, he was dominant, and after midfielder Landon Kuhn slotted him in, he finished the shot and put the Rising up 1-0. Those two didn't stop there and switched roles. This time Mason played a ball over the top to Landon, who then brought it down and tucked it away to put the guys up 2-0 at the half. As the heat continued to beat down, the guys were drinking as much water as possible to combat it during the break. Half time ended, and the second half began with DRFC up 2-0. The half went on, and the play got a little slower as they were fatigued, and Amish Country United took advantage by scoring one off of an error and cutting the lead in half. Play went on, and both sides had numerous chances, but Amish Country had a good attack and was fouled, leading to a free kick on the side of the box. It was swung in, and their center-back got up above everyone and headed it into the bottom corner to tie the game. DRFC had attacked as well, with crosses getting swung in and balls being played down the line, but none of them were finding the back of the net, leaving the door open for Amish Country to grab a winner. Which eventually happened from another freekick. It was swung out and cleared, but then it got put back, and the whole line didn't step up as one leaving, and Amish Country United player onside where he tapped the ball in and went up 3-2. The game went on for a bit longer, but the guys couldn't tie the game back up, and it finished with a 3-2 loss. Many lessons were learned, and the team found some spots they need to work on to succeed in the league. So while the result didn't go our way, it will be used as a learning lesson to help us succeed in our future matches! #UpTheRising
Week 1: Delaware Rising vs. Team Vulpine
It was a hot summer morning to start Delaware Risings 2022 season. The guys arrived at their new home field located at Buckeye Valley High School with one goal in mind, to get a win under their belt. The pre-game festivities had started as fans arrived, including a tailgate with cornhole and food, a merchandise shop, and more! The guys warmed up, and the starting 11 was announced over the intercom. After a quick team photo, it was officially the beginning of the 2022 NOSL season. The new light blue kits were out and underway as the game had begun. You could tell this would be a physical battle from the start as the referee was making numerous calls on both teams. DRFC was controlling possession almost the whole game, yet every time they took it down into Vulpine territory, it was either cleared out, or a foul was committed. And this was the story of the whole game. It was in a stalemate until halfway through the first half; Vulpine intercepted a pass in the back and went one on one with Connor Sexton, slotting it past him to go up 1-0. The guys now needed to amp up their attacking efforts, which they did. Crosses flew in left and right, with many of them connecting yet struggling to find the back of the net. The guys were on the attack almost all half yet were down one to end it. As they gathered up and tried to find a sense of shade, coach Tyler Tredway gave his halftime speech and allowed the captains to interject.
As that concluded, it was time for the second half, with Vulpine getting us started. They kicked the ball off, and it was a repeat of the first half all over again. Chance after chance for the guys, yet none were getting passed the line. Captain and center midfielder Evan Wherley was whipping in crosses all over the field, including corners. He had an outstanding performance in connecting the attack with the defense, along with his midfield partner Max Deckop. The clock began to wind down, yet the chances still came in, including one late in the game where JP Seliskar connected with a cross with a bicycle kick. Seliskar made a great connection, yet it went wide by the smallest of margins. At the end of the game, Vulpine had taken the 1-0 win over DRFC. It was a heartbreaker as the guys gave it their all for the badge. But they move and now turn their attention to their next game against Amish Country United this weekend. #Uptherising
