Week 9: Delaware Rising vs. Ambassadors FC

Delaware Rising was slotted to take on Ambassadors FC on the Fourth of July weekend, Saturday July 2nd. A beautiful day kicked off with the team making the journey up to Malone University to play in their brand new soccer specific stadium.

The match began with an Ambassadors’ kick, and they came out of the gates fierce with a one-on-one chance with our goalkeeper, Tanner Masters, in the first few minutes. He makes quite the save stretching out his right leg to protect the goal. Unfortunately, the ball bouncing back into play falls to an Ambassador player, who is brought down in the box. A penalty kick is called right in the beginning of the game, and it is slotted in the goal by the home team. Delaware isn’t out of it though, as they string together a flurry of attacking opportunities through some well built up possession. About 10 minutes into the first half, Delaware Rising winger, Mason Morris, half-volleyed a loose ball from a well placed corner kick. The ball thundered into the back of the net without a chance for the Ambassadors GK. Around 20 minutes later, Mason Morris picks up a pass from Max Deckop in the middle of the field. He drives past one defender and as he approaches goal finds space between three defenders to rip a shot. Delaware Rising are up 2-1 after a quick rip from Morris finds the right post and in. Ambassadors tries to create any chances they can, as they counter often, trying to slot their quick forwards through the Delaware three-man backline. Chance after chance is thwarted cooly by the back line of Ryland Owens, Seth Barrett, and Nathan Chwalik. Tanner Masters occasionally being forced to make some saves, but nothing threatening. Defensive midfielders Evan Wherley, Ryan Miller, Max Deckop, and Cody Lumby are also helping out stopping any Ambassador buildup or chances. The first half ends 2-1

The second half starts with a DRFC kick and Delaware proceed to build up creating again numerous chances, Landon Kuhn dancing on the ball, combining with his forwards throughout the half Evan Scott, Nick Manivilovski, Jeramy Hermiller, and Luke Fleming. Ambassadors continue to half a few increasingly threatening chances as they settle into the game, Tanner Masters and the defense continuing to half a solid game. Not too long into the second half Ambassadors find themselves again one-on-one with Masters, but the speedy Owens makes it back in time to put in a check. Unfortunately, the refs deemed it enough contact to warrant another PK. A different Ambassadors FC player steps up to take this kick. And as he takes the kick, Tanner Masters on his line guesses correctly parrying the ball to the left for Delaware’s defenders to pick up! What a save, to keep Delaware’s lead in this important match! After a slew of chances from Ambassadors FC, Delaware Rising switches to a 4-back as a tactical decision from head coach, Tyler Tredway. And as the clock winds down. Delaware players see the game out with some excellent technical play in the corner of the field. Landon Kuhn and Nick Manivilovski maneuver around numerous defenders as they can’t seem to disposes them. And not to long after the final whistle is blown! Delaware Rising have won 2-1 against Ambassadors FC in Canton, OH!

This win sets up Delaware Rising nicely as they take on Amish Country United next weekend. A win or a draw will put Delaware into the playoffs!

A solid win to kick off July 4th weekend celebrations!

Week 8: Delaware Rising vs. City of Ohio SC

DRFC had a match against top of the league City of Ohio SC this past weekend and were looking to get another win this week. It was the third game in 7 days, and the guys had yet to lose. They came out looking decent in warm-ups while City of Ohio's players slowly trickled in. The game started once they had 11 guys on the field, and we were underway. An explosive start, say DRFC created a couple of chances, but they were unlucky, and the score remained at 0's. It didn't take too long for the game's first goal to go in. City of Ohio attacker shot it, and it took a weird deflection off a Rising Defender before going in. Everyone was shocked and confused about how it went in, but the score was 1-0 in favor of the league leaders. Half time came around, and the guys knew they were still in it. They just needed to finish chances. The guys began to find more footing and gain possession, but it wasn't enough to score. Then City of Ohio hit on a counter-attack, and with a cross into the middle, they had an easy tap-in to go up 2-0. Making the mountain to climb just a bit bigger. The game began to wind down, and City of Ohio had scored another to go up 3-0, which ended up being the final score. The guys fall this time but go again next week in a crucial match against Ambassadors.

Week 7: Delaware Rising vs. Greater Columbus

Week 7 was an important game day for Delaware Rising FC, as the matchup against Greater Columbus (GCFC) took place on Tuesday, June 21st (only three days after a tough Team Vulpine draw). Yet, the boys were excited for the matchup as Delaware Rising secured an important 1-0 win against them not too long ago in Week 4.

It was a hot day with the temperature sitting at the mid 90’s even into the evening. It was certain that water breaks would be important for the health and safety of the players on the pitch. The temperature didn’t stop the fans from cheering on the home team, as the support was evident with impressive attendance around 50+

The starting lineup featured: Tanner Masters, Nathan Chwalik, Seth Barrett, Ryland Owens, Mason Morris, Ryan Miller, Rob Comstock, Landon Kuhn, Evan Wherley, Nick Manivilovksi, and Colin McComb.

At 6:45, the center referee blew the whistle for the starting kick-off. And Delaware Rising was able to keep possession for the next few minutes as they tried to find any opportunity to break the GCFC lines. After both teams start to get settled into the match. Delaware Rising begins to put the GCFC backline under a bit of pressure. With a Delaware corner, Evan Wherley whips in a cross that gets easily cleared away. A quick throw from Wherley finds Mason Morris who whips in a cross of his own. The ball not dealt with by Columbus is slotted into the back of the net by a vigilant Landon Kuhn in the 12 minute. The fans love it as they cheer for their team leading against the top conference team at home. After a defended Greater Columbus corner, Masters boots the ball up to DRFC forwards past half field. The team builds a masterclass of possession as they switch the ball between midfielders Ryan Miller and Landon Kuhn. Kuhn finding space out wide is disposed near the opponent’s corner flag. A throw from Wherley to Kuhn has Kuhn gliding his way into the box. He is soon brought down by defenders in what could have been a PK but is settled by the side judge as a free kick. Both Wherley and Kuhn stand over a dangerous free kick just to the right of the Columbus box. After some planning between the two, Kuhn comes forward whipping the ball in to the box hoping for a DRFC attacker to get on the end of it. After a few deflections, the ball pops out 16 yards outside of the goal. Midfielder, Evan Scott, was waiting in the area. He finds the ball and slots it just to the right of an outstretched Columbus goalkeeper. Delaware Rising up 2-0 in the 18th minute. Scott loving it, runs to the sideline to greet the DRFC media, “Up The ******* Rising!” He shouts pointing to the crest on his jersey. The fans love it just as much as they applaud the dominating performance. Greater Columbus doesn’t give up their fight though as after this goal is put away they begin a barrage of attacks, and in the 34th minute they find a goal of their own. A mistake in the back, as defender Seth Barrett leaves his line to pressure a forward. The rest of the defensive line and midfielderd are unable to track back fast enough as Columbus puts a ball in the air towards the open space. The Greater Columbus forward then proceeds to chip a rushing Tanner Masters. The score now 2-1 leaves anything possible in the game.

The score remains 2-1 as both teams break for halftime. Delaware Rising who has been in this position before doesn’t want to let this game slip away, and goalkeeper Connor Sexton steps up to take the game’s second half in place of Tanner Masters. After a quick break both teams resume play on the field for the second half. Wherley meets the ball in the opponents third for a cross into the box. A defender heads it wide, and winger, Mason Morris tries to get a shot off from his angle. It is barely blocked by a Columbus defender, as it spills into the middle of the box. Columbus goalkeeper comes to meet it but it falls to DRFC forward, Nick Manivilovski, who makes no mistake. He secures his first goal of the DRFC season in the 51st minute. He runs over to his friends and family in the stands as he celebrates his goal. Though DRFC has the goal a lot of game was yet to be played. Chances came for both teams with Greater Columbus seeming to have a few better opportunities but the Delaware backline: Ryland Owens, Seth Barrett, and Nathan Chwalik, as well as midfielders: Ryan Miller, Cody Lumby, Rob Comstock, Max Deckop, Evan Wherley, and Alex Brown contribute to keeping the scoreline at 3-1.

The ref blows the final whistle and Delaware Rising earn their second win against Greater Columbus.
The Rising looks to carry their momentum in the next match on Saturday against Northern Conference leaders City of Ohio SC.

Week 6: Delaware Rising vs. Team Vulpine

This weekend the guys made the trek up to Berlin Hiland High School to take on Team Vulpine. Due to some of the damages to Team Vulpine’s home field, the game was pushed back a couple hours and hosted at Amish Country United’s home field.

It was a warm sunny summer day, but was filled with gusts of wind. The game started off with Delaware Rising keeping the majority of the possession, their play style filled with graceful one-two passing and constant switching of the ball. Unfortunately a turnover in our half resulted in a quick breakaway from the Vulpine forward who was able to place it below charging goalkeeper Connor Sexton, who went in the air to attempt the save. The Delaware Rising squad was determined. With a quick succession of passes up the field, breaking through the Vulpine lines, Landon Kuhn was able to find Colin McComb in the box. Colin made no mistake as he slotted his shot, cooly, into the back of the net. Chances came on both ends as Vulpine kept trying to send their forward over or through the Delaware Rising three-man back line. Within about three-quarters of the first half Team Vulpine was able to find some space out wide in their attacking third. And with a ball crossed to the top of the 18, DRFC defender Ryland shutdown the player attempting to get a shot off. Unfortunately, Ryland’s physical presence was enough for the center referee to make the decision for a Vulpine PK. Many Delaware Rising players were showing their discontent for the call, as a handful were pleading with the ref. To no avail, the Vulpine captain continued to step up to the box to take the kick. Sexton showed no fear as he set his heels on his line and peered at the Vulpine player. The field was silent. The PK taker placed his shot low and to the bottom right of the goal, but it was easily snuffed out by Sexton. This massive moment in the game spurred an intensity from the Delaware Rising players for the remainder of the game. The rest of the first half was filled with numerous chances, and even Jon Dembski having an opportunity from a Colin McComb pass. Halftime 1-1.

The second half Delaware Rising was playing into the wind, which did not make things easy for them. The team attempted to play as much as they could on the ground, but the wind was making it difficult. Delaware Rising defenders were sitting 15 yards further back to adjust to the conditions, and Sexton was in support to sweep up anything that came past them. Unfortunately, Delaware Rising could not put the ball into the back of the net after numerous chances. Vulpine had a few chances of their own, but Connor Sexton continued to come up big handling a couple one-on-one threats. The game resulted in a 1-1 draw thanks to the heroics of Connor Sexton, who was awarded the Delaware Rising Man of the Match.

Delaware Rising looks to capitalize against their next opponent on Tuesday, conference leaders, Greater Columbus, who DRFC defeated 1-0 a couple weeks ago.

Week 5: Delaware Rising vs. Stark County United

This weekend the guys traveled up to North Canton to play against the bottom of the league Stark County United. It was a long drive, but the guys arrived and waited for the field to be opened. Warmups started once they were in, and before you know it, the game was underway. In the first half, DRFC dominated possession and rarely lost the ball. Stark County could barely get it out of their end, and when they did, it went right back at them. Colin McComb made a darting run and got the ball, chipping the keeper for the match's first goal, but was then called offsides. Keeping the game level. The guys had a couple more chances but kept putting them wide or over the fence into the woods. It wasn't long before Jeramy Hermiller slotted in Cody Lumby, who tapped the game's first goal past the keeper—giving DRFC a 1-0 lead over Stark. Then right after that, Ryan Miller played Jeramy Hermiller a ball in, and he shot it outside the 18. It hit off the right post and trickled on in, giving the guys a 2-0 lead going into halftime. The guys have been here before and needed to keep the energy up and bury this game away. But things didn't go to plan. Coming out in the second half, Stark was constantly on the attack, and DRFC couldn't handle it. They eventually broke the seal and scored a goal making it 2-1. After that, DRFC found some footing, but it wasn't enough as Stark knocked on the door again. A ball was crossed in by stark and went to the back post, where Tanner Masters followed. It was headed to the other corner out of reach, and the game was all square at two a piece. The second half went back and forth with chances on both ends now. Late in the game, a ball was crossed into Rising winger Mason Morris who couldn't redirect it on frame. Then in the dying seconds of the match, Stark took the ball down to our end, and in the attack, two DRFC defenders got hurt. But play went on, and Stark got a cross in and scored the winning goal with almost no time left to play. Leaving DRFC with a 3-2 loss from Canton. The guys hung their heads but not for long as they prepared to play Team Vulpine!

Week 4: Delaware Rising vs. Greater Columbus FC

This week Delaware Rising FC took on the league leaders Greater Columbus FC. It was an away game at Grandview High School and was supposed to kick off at 11 am. But a miscommunication with the officials led to extended warm-ups, and the game started closer to noon. The sun was blazing down on the field as it had done every game, so the players tried to stay cool during the delay. As the referees got ready, some last-minute stretching was done, and the starting eleven for both teams took the field. DRFC kicked the ball off, and the game was underway. Both teams came out to attack from the beginning, but that wasn't the most significant part of this game. The defense was outstanding for both teams. Rising defender Nathan Chwalik was lights out when defending. Chasing down Columbus's attacks and not giving them any room to create chances. Chwalik did this all game and was outstanding. Not to mention Ryan Miller, who usually plays in the midfield, stepping up when needed and keeping the defense organized. The attacks came from both ways, and DRFC was doing well at absorbing the pressure and retaining possession in the back. Decision-making was crucial, and the defenders were able to pick out the right passes and start attack after attack. Most of the first half was back and forth with Greater Columbus on the attack and the DRFC winning the ball and launching a counter, yet nothing had come out of these chances. Later on, in the half, DRFC midfielder Nate White had the ball and was blatantly pushed from behind, yet no foul was given, causing Coach Tyler Treadway to talk with the ref, ultimately leading to a yellow card. Not too long after, another miscall was made, and Treadway and the ref went back and forth again, leading to a second yellow, and he was sent off, but then Rising defender, Jon Dembski talked to the ref and was shown a straight red. The game was tied at zeros, but the Rising were down in personnel. After the madness died down, the game was back underway. It stayed even with both teams fighting to break the deadlock when DRFC won a free kick outside the 18. Rising captain Evan Wherley stood overtop it and whipped a cross in that the keeper claimed, but then he fell over his own defender and dropped the ball, leading to a tap in goal. The ref blew his whistle after the goal was in and waived it off, stating the defender was pushed into his goalie, causing the collision. That wasn't the right call, and after complaints, the center ref stuck to his decision and kept the game at 0-0. The goalie got up and took his free kick, and the game continued. The end of the first half got scrappy but concluded with a tie; both teams went into their talks knowing a win was within reach.

The second half began, and the Rising kicked the ball off to start. It was much like the first half, the guys absorbing pressure and then springing an attack. Yet this half was much scrappier. DRFC defender Seth Barrett was on top of his game and won every ball in the air. He wasn't letting the other team push him around and played his best! And Rising midfielder Colin McComb took control of the game at the center of the field. He acted as the connection between the defense and attack, creating some real chances for the guys. These players and many others stepped up this half and led to an outstanding performance. The game stayed rough, and numerous fouls were called or not, and time was almost out. It was now stoppage time, and three extra minutes were added. McComb is taken out on his own 20-yard line, and Sexton now takes the free kick. He blasts it up the field, and a Columbus defender muffs the clearance and gives it right to Wherley, who crosses it in. Cody Lumby then flicks it on to McComb, who was waiting near the six-yard box. He then wraps his foot around it and slots it home, giving the Rising a 1-0 lead over the league leaders with little time left! The Rising fend off any last-second attacks and get the three points, with the final score being DRFC 1-0 GCFC! What a game! At the end of the day, when things weren't going their way, DRFC was able to secure the win and gain momentum for the rest of the season!

Week 3: Delaware Rising vs. Mansfield LiederKranz

On Wednesday the 25th, DRFC took on Mansfield Liederkranz back at home. The guys were excited to play, and with the game being in the evening, the weather was perfect! The guys did their regular routine and the game started with Mansfield having the first kick. The whistle blew, and it was game time. From the start, DRFC was absorbing Mansfield's pressure and then hitting them on the attack but were unlucky with their chances and didn't finish them. The Rising found success switching the field and then flying down the wing. It worked until Mansfield stopped the attack and hit the guys on the counter midway through the first. The ball was played right through the midfield, then slotted in for Mansfield's striker to finish and put them up 1-0. The game stayed like that until Mansfield won a free kick on the left side of the field. They whipped it in, and goalkeeper Tanner Masters came out to get it before colliding with a Mansfield player. The two clashed hard, and the whistle then was blown to make sure both were ok. After the refs talked, they gave a penalty to Mansfield, causing an uproar in the crowns and DRFC sideline. Masters stepped up to the occasion, though, by guessing right and saving the penalty to keep it 1-0 at the half. The second half started, and that scoreline didn't stay for long. Mansfield scored three goals unanswered and went up 4-0 against the Rising. Late into the game, Rising player Evan Scott picked up the ball at the corner of the 18-yard box. The defender gave him space, so he swung it in, and it went right through the keepers' hands to make it 4-1. Not too long after, Mason Morris made a darting run and was slotted in by Luke Fleming. He took on the defender and beat him, then shot the ball into the bottom right corner making it 4-2. The Risings' energy went up, but it was just too late as the final whistle was blown with a score of 4-2 in favor of Mansfield.

Week 2: Delaware Rising vs. Amish Country United

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