Women headed to WNOSL FINALS

Delaware Rising is headed to the first ever Women’s Northern Ohio Soccer League finals!

An impressive season so far to confidently earn their way into playoffs, and defeat Panthers FC in the semi-finals!

Every player on the team has been vital to the success this season. The deadly attack force of Rachel Austin, Lindsey Whitmore, Paige Pinion. The skilled midfield of Sarah Gundler, Kindall Duke, Emma Stanley, Allison Stankus, and Jules Vazquez. The calm and collected defense of Jamison Murphy, Brynn Blackstone, Lexie Syroka, and Madison Stahr. The ability of goalkeepers Brielle Young and Brianna Rogers. And Well-rounded players like Payje Wilson, Sela Whitney, and Catie Dzikowski, who have put in crucial shifts in a handful of positions.

The team has their sights on bringing home the league trophy!

Delaware Rising will take on City of Ohio in the finals at Mount Vernon Nazarene University Saturday, July 22nd at 4:30pm. Come show your support or catch the livestream!

Men’s Finish as Quarterfinalists

What a season.

The men’s third season as a club comes to an end, highlighted by impressive performances, clutch results, incredible goals, vicious tackles, and spectacular saves.

A particular accomplishment to be recognized is the team’s fight to secure playoffs, finishing 6th to clinch the last available spot. Delaware Rising’s third playoff run in a row.

Among the results, the team did well to adjust to a couple big challenges throughout the season: a handful of injuries, a new coach coming in mid season, and games being rescheduled.

Coaches Josh Diehl and Chris Stohl, as well as captains Landon Kuhn, Evan Wherley, and Nathan Chwalik led the team to a new standard and have played a big role in the successes this year.

A swath of new players have brought their talents to the team and it showed on the field: Gabriel Thomas in net, Cooper Solomon, Nick Flury, and Brent Rader in the back line, Asher Bridenstine in the midfield, and forward, Galvin McCall.

Returning players also showed how they’ve improved - players like Mason Morris, Alex Brown, Seth Barrett, Ryan, Miller, Cody Lumby, Evan Scott, Connor Sexton, Eddie Kondrad, Jeramy Hermiller, and Colin McComb, among others made big contributions on and off the field.

The club would like to thank the players, fans, and volunteers that have helped to make this season a success. Thank you!

We’ll see everyone again soon.

As always, Up The Rising!

Women's Roster Announcement

It is our pleasure to officially release our 2023 women’s roster!

Our coaches are proud to work with some of the most talented players in central Ohio. There was so much skill present at our tryout sessions, and many of these great players come from our very own Delaware County and even the city of Delaware!

Here is a list of players on the squad this year and a small bio about each of them:

Rachel Austin - Rachel played club soccer for Ohio Premier and at Olentangy High School, where she was captain of the team that appeared in the 2021 state championship. She was named a Super 12 player for the 2021 season. Rachel currently plays division one soccer at Youngstown State University.

Brynn Blackstone - Brynn attended Westerville North High School and played her club soccer at Sporting Padula Soccer Academy. She’s currently a sophomore at Ohio Wesleyan University playing as a defender for the Battling Bishops.

Kindall Duke - Kindall is currently playing Division 1 soccer at Western Michigan University. She played club soccer at Ohio Premier ECNL, and high school soccer at Marysville High School. In high school, she was All-State, 3-time All-District, and 3-time First Team All-League. She holds the goal record and is the leading points holder at Marysville High School.

Jamison Murphy - Jamison played soccer at IMG Academy DA, GA, and DPL levels. She currently plays for Kenyon College and was awarded Most Improved Player, and Athletic and Personal Development POY when at IMG. Jamison won the 2022 DPL Championship in Dallas, Texas, and was NCAC 2022 season champions with Kenyon College.

Paige Pinion - Paige played her high school soccer at Findlay High School, where she was selected 1st Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-District, and 2nd Team All-Conference. She played club soccer at Ohio Extreme and GTFC Ohio North. She currently plays as a midfielder at Ashland University.

Brianna Rogers - Brianna attended Dublin Scioto High School where she was named First Team All-OCC. She continued her soccer career at Ashland University, where she currently plays as a goalkeeper. She is a 4-time Defensive Player of the Week, All-Tournament MVP, and 2021 & 2022 GMAC Champion. In 2022 she was tied for 5th in the country for shutouts.

Elise Schneller - Elise is a Delaware native having played her high school soccer at Buckeye Valley High School. She was a 4-year varsity starter, 2-time captain, 1st team all MOAC her junior year, 2nd team all MOAC her senior year.

Madison Stahr - Madison is currently playing in the defense for Columbus United’s U18 team. She is from New Albany, OH, and is preparing to continue her soccer career at Otterbein University.

Allison Stankus - Allison is a Delaware native having also played her high school soccer at Buckeye Valley High School. She was a 4-year varsity starter and received an MSL honorable mention her senior year. She played club soccer for the like of Worthington United, OP, and Barca.

Emma Stanley - Emma is a Delaware native, having attended and played for Buckeye Valley High School. She played all four years on their varsity team along with playing club soccer for Columbus United FC, FC42, and Polaris FC.

Lexie Syroka - Lexie played varsity soccer all four years at Olentangy Berlin High School, where she was also a captain. Her club career involved playing for Polaris SC and FC42. She’s currently a freshman at Ashland University, where she was selected as Second Team OCC Cardinal Division.

Brielle Young - Brielle attended and played soccer for Marysville High School, along with a club career at FC 42, Sporting Columbus, and Columbus United. She currently plays as a goalkeeper for the University of Toledo.

Juliana Vazquez - Juliana played 5 years of division one soccer at the University of Pittsburgh. She continued her playing career by signing a professional contract with Puerto Rico Sol FC.

Lindsey Whitmore - Lindsey played her club soccer for Westerville United, Sporting Padula Soccer Academy, and Polaris Soccer Club. She attended Olentangy Berlin High School and was a 3-year varsity letterman in soccer, 2nd team All-OCC senior year, 2-year varsity letterman in track, and 1-year varsity letterman in cross country. She currently attends Otterbein University and earned a varsity letter in her freshman year.

Sela Whitney - Sela attended Buckeye Valley High School and was a 3-year varsity letter winner. She captained the Lady Barons during her junior and senior seasons, while also receiving Mid-State League 2nd Team honors. Her club career consisted of six years as a Classics Eagle.

Payje Wilson - Payje is another local player, having played her high school soccer at Delaware Hayes High School, where she lettered all four years. As a senior, she received the Most Valuable Player award. Payje continued her career playing club soccer for the Classic Eagles Club Soccer team.

Men's Roster Announcement

It is our pleasure to officially release our 2023 men’s roster!

Our coaches are proud to work with some of the most talented players in central Ohio. There was so much skill present at our tryout sessions, and many of these great players come from our very own Delaware County and even the city of Delaware!

Here is a list of players on the squad this year and a small bio about each of them:

Harrason Ahn - Harrason is a new signing for DRFC. He’s currently a sophomore playing at the University of Mount Union as a defender. He attended Gahanna Lincoln High School and we’re excited to see what he brings to the Boys in Blue this season.

Seth Barrett - Seth is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. His knowledge of the game made him a massive asset for the entire season, as he led the backline with 11 appearances. He is from Columbus, OH, but now residing in Delaware. He has European experience playing in the U19 Bundesliga with Quelle Fürth.

Asher Bridenstine - Asher is another new signing for the 2023 season. He’s currently a freshman playing at the University of Findlay. Asher is from Kenton, Ohio. He traditionally plays in the midfield and we’re excited to see him feature for us this year.

Alex Brown - Alex is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. The Delaware native, brought a lot of energy and control to the midfield. He notably helped secure a playoff berth against ACU with his defensive efforts. Now playing for Bluffton University, he started 17 matches and was selected for the HCAC all-tournament selection.

Forrest Church - Forrest is in his first season with the Rising. He played his high school soccer at South Kitsap High School. He continued his soccer career at the University of Memphis as a scholarship athlete in track and soccer.

Nathan Chwalik - Nathan is playing his 3rd season with DRFC. A Delaware native and former Walsh University player, he locked down the left side of the field contributing in the backline with 11 appearances and an assist in the playoff run.

Robbie Comstock - Robbie is playing his 3rd season with DRFC. From Piqua, OH, but currently residing in Delaware. The former UNOH defensive midfielder brings great physicality and defensive awareness. As captain, he helped lead the team to another playoff run last season.

Brandon Eddy - Brandon is a fresh face joining the Rising in the 2023 season. He’s currently a sophomore playing at Baldwin Wallace University as a midfielder. Brandon attended Olentangy High School where he was a three-year letter-winner.

Kyle Eddy - Kyle joins his brother as a new signing on the DRFC roster this year. He’s currently a senior playing midfield for Baldwin Wallace University. Kyle attended Olentangy High School where he was a four-year letter-winner.

Wyatt Fields - Wyatt is a new signing for the Rising this season. He captained his team, Belpre High School, where he primarily played as a forward with 50 career goals and was even named all-Ohio his senior year.

Nicholas Flury - Nicholas is a new signing this year, coming from Otterbein University, where he is currently a senior. He is a three-year letterman and two-year starter with a 2019 honorable mention All-OAC.

Jeramy Hermiller - Jeramy is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. From Ottawa, OH. The winger/forward contributed his first season with 1 goal and assist. He is currently playing collegiately at Findlay University.

Bo Howard - Bo is joining us for his first season with the Rising. He’s currently a senior at Watkins Memorial High School playing in an attacking role. He was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year and First Team LCL.

Mohamed Jabby - Mo is playing his first season with DRFC.

Eddie Kondrad - Eddie is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. From Lewis Center, the defender has put in strong shifts in the backline during his first season. The former Olentangy Liberty High School captain is looking forward to another quality season.

Landon Kuhn - Landon is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. The 2022 DRFC Player and Fan’s player of the season, ended the season contributing with a handful of assists and goals to his name. From Lewis Center, he formerly captained Olentangy Berlin, and is now playing for Ohio Wesleyan University.

Cody Lumby - Cody is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. From Sunbury, OH. He previously played for Big Walnut High School and is now playing at Mount Union. The midfielder provided a vital assist in our win 1-0 against GCFC last season and also tallied up a goal in his 9 appearances.

Nick Manivilovski - Nick is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. A Delaware native, formerly played with Olentangy High School, and is now playing for Baldwin Wallace. The forward contributed a goal in his 9 appearances for the club last season.

Galvin McCall - Galvin joins us for his first season as a member of the Rising squad. He played varsity for three years at the American School of Paris in Saint-Cloud, France.

Colin McComb - Colin is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. A Delaware native, formerly played for Olentangy, and is currently playing with Capital University. The forward/winger made a huge impact last season scoring 2 goals with one against GCFC in our 1-0 win.

Ryan Miller - Ryan is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. He’s from Galena, OH. As a midfielder, he has played for Olentangy Berlin and now plays for Franciscan University where he received honorable mention as a freshman. He is excited about playing for the club and to continue honing his skills.

Mason Morris - Mason is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. From Lewis Center. He has played for Olentangy Berlin and was selected OCC special mention while winning districts. The 2022 leading goalscorer is excited to represent his community for another season.

Ryland Owens - Ryland is playing his 2nd season with DRFC. From Pataskala, OH, he played for Watkins Memorial High School and formerly for Liberty Christian, which is a nationally ranked school. The 2022 young player of the season made a name for himself last season, and is looking to continue his momentum.

John Seliskar - John is coming in for his 2nd DRFC season, a Delaware native. He will be playing for Bluffton University alongside a handful of DRFC players. The former Buckeye Valley High School captain, brought a lot of energy to the team last season. And is looking to bring his game to the next level.

Connor Sexton - Connor is coming in for his 2nd DRFC season. A Delaware native, he played at Olentangy Berlin amongst a few of the other DRFC players. He is now the goalkeeper for Capital University, where he set a record for most saves in his match against Ohio Wesleyan.

Evan Scott - Evan is coming in for his 2nd DRFC season. From Powell, he has previously played for Olentangy Liberty High school, which was a 2019 state runner up. The winger is now lacing up his boots with Baldwin Wallace. Evan is excited to play the sport he loves, while proving Delaware is better than any other part of Ohio!

Cooper Solomon - Cooper joins the team for his first year after playing as a defender at California University of PA. He played 900+ minutes his freshman year and started 14/16 games. He played his high school soccer at Gahanna Lincoln High School.

Aaron Stearns - Aaron is in his first year with DRFC. He currently plays as an attacked for Bluffton University. He played his high school soccer at Watkins Memorial High School, along with a club career at Legends and USA Elite.

Gabriel Thomas - Gabriel is a new goalkeeper signing this season. He’s currently playing college soccer at the College of Wooster. He attended St. Charles Preparatory High School, and played club soccer for Worthington United. He’ll be a key player among our group, holding down the fort between the sticks.

Evan Wherley - Evan is coming in for his 3rd season with DRFC, from Columbus. The former Notre Dame College midfielder has a great knowledge of the game and leadership skills that resulted in him being named captain. He will continue to be an important player and leader at the club this year!

Zach White - Zach is coming in for his 2nd season with DRFC, from Galena. He has played center back for Tiffin university, and is currently playing for Indiana University East. Zach is looking forward to improving his game, keeping fit, and of course bringing a title to Delaware Rising!

Quarterfinals: Delaware Rising vs City of Ohio

Delaware Rising for the second season in a row prepared for another playoff match! This year DRFC made the long journey north to Cleveland to take on City of Ohio SC.

Although there was excitement in the air, the day began a bit strange as the team had difficulties discovering where the game field was, as the location had been moved. And to their surprise it was very small for a soccer field and had no seating for fans... However, the evening continued.

KICK-OFF

Things kicked off, and kick off they did. Due to the size of the field, the defensive lines and goalkeepers for both teams were continuously dealing with air balls, through balls, and runs in behind. This was a very different type of game. Challenges were being placed heavily by both teams, and could easily be considered the most physical game of the season. Somehow both teams managed to keep a deadlock after play in the first half. However, this wasn’t without the help from a Ryland Owens goal-line clearance, a strong midfield presence from Ryan Miller and Evan Wherley, and a few saves from Connor Sexton. Delaware Rising even had a few chances from midfielders, Mason Morris and Landon Kuhn, and forward, Colin McComb.

SECOND HALF

The second half things continued neck and neck between both teams. A deep ball played into the corner by defender Nathan Chwalik, was difficult for City of Ohio defenders to deal with as Evan Scott picked up the ball and beat the keeper to volley it into the net. What a massive goal to give Delaware Rising continued momentum. The City of Ohio went down and reacted very seriously to the challenge from Scott as everyone in the stadium was concerned for his condition. After a couple minutes he resumed play. Shortly after this goal Delaware Rising midfielder, Landon Kuhn earned a free kick right outside of the box. As Delaware Rising players kick the ball back into play quickly, they find the back of the net with a shot from Mason Morris. However, after the center referee called for a goal. The side official requested it to be called off as a mystery ball rolled onto the other side of the field during this and the goalkeeper had jogged over to get it… Unfortunately, this was the start of a momentum change in the match as City of Ohio doubled down and converted after a barreling down the side of the field. Their second came not long after in similar fashion. Towards the end of the game, DRFC resorted back to their 3-defender formation that they had run throughout season play. And Delaware did all they could to fight back pounding City of Ohio with countless chances. But it wasn’t in the cards. Full time 1-2 City of Ohio.

The game hadn’t gone as the team had wanted, and had left a sour taste because of the conditions of the game. However, we can only look forward, prepare for the next season, and learn from the mistakes.

As always another incredible playoff push and run from Delaware Rising as they close their season. We are so proud of the players and staff! Thankful for all of the fans support throughout the season! And as always Up The Rising!

Week 10: Delaware Rising vs. Amish Country United

DRFC clashed with Amish Country United on match week 10, with a lot at stake. On our behalf, we needed a win or a draw to advance to the NOSL playoffs. As for Amish Country United, they needed all three points to hop into second place. From the start, everyone knew this would be a good game.

The guys kicked the ball off, and the game was underway. From the start, DRFC had the majority of possession and created attack after attack. Within the first few minutes, Rising midfielder Landon Kuhn received a ball from Evan Scott and had a shot on goal. Luckily for Amish Country United, the keeper got a hand on it and deflected it wide. This continues all half with DRFC attacking and them ACU kicking it long for a counter. Whenever ACU stopped the Rising, they would make one pass and then play a ball in the air for their striker to either run onto or hold up. It worked sometimes, but DRFC defense shut it down. Seth Barrett was winning every ball out of the air, while Nathan Chwalik and Ryland Owens used their blistering pace to track down the through balls. The first half stayed like this, and DRFC had the majority of possession but no goals to show for it. Both teams went into the half with the score being 0-0.

The second half started, and it was much like the first in terms of possession. DRFC was passing it around the back and looking for holes in the Amish defense to exploit. Eddie Konrad played multiple through balls, and one went to Evan Scott, who turned the defender on his back, and his shot smacked the crossbar. The game stayed at 0-0 until the 75th minute, where Amish attacker #21 hit DRFC on a counter, hit the ball, got a weird deflection, and put ACU up 1-0. Meaning they would be advancing to the playoffs to face City of Ohio. However, DRFC did not let up. Amish began to sit back and absorb our attack, but it wasn't enough because, in the 82nd minute, Landon Kuhn took on their defense. He got a ball played into him, stepped to it, and got fouled in the box.

Regarding DRFC with a penalty and a chance to go to the playoffs. Kuhn stepped up and slotted it bottom corner. Sending the keeper the wrong way, the game was now tied at one a piece. Roles became reversed as DRFC sat back and the Amish attacked. Ball after ball, DRFC cleared every one of them and booted it upfield. Cody Lumby and Max Deckop were not letting anything past. One ball got passed by Nathan Chwalik to Evan Scott, who took it to the corner only to be run right through—winning a foul and wasting precious seconds. The final whistle blew, and the score was still 1-1, meaning DRFC advanced to the playoffs!