DMS11 TEAM

Match Reports

DMS11 played their ninth game of the season against SC Bayern. In a game played on a field way too small for a U11 game let alone a U19 Premier game, DMS11 came away with a 6-2 victory. It was a game of freekicks and long throwins, with the end score well deserved. Man of the Match was Daniel Steres and Majeed Shahin. Eddie Ponce won the goal of the game with a 35 yard screamer. Vinny Muscarella had a huge impact on the game with his attacking dynamics in the first half, and strong defensive discipline in the second.

A sloppy performance by the DMS11 standards saw a slim victory over bottom place LAFC. LAFC deserve applause for their level of commitment and standard of play. They are one of the better teams we have played this season. Man of the Match was Austin Mandel and Vinnie Muscarella. Welcome back to John Paul too, who saw out his first full half of the season.

DMS11 played Arsenal FC at the CYSA Complex. In a tough game with good competiton, DMS11 took a 1-0 lead into the second half. The first goal coming from a Zach Hendrickson assist and a Vinny Alvarez left footed shot. In the second half a red card should have caused us problems, but the team lifted their effort higher and with goals from Austin Mandel, Logan McDaniel and Cullen Wilson we saw off Arsenal with a 4-0 win. Steve McKenzie coached the game and did a great job of keeping the players focused and tactically aware. Man of the Match goes to Mike Manella and Logan McDaniel. Great to see John Paul Herold back in the heart of defense and continue our excellent defensive record of 4 straight shutouts.

Saturday Sept 29th, was the first Chance DMS11 had to go to the top of the league. Playing current top of the league Pats meant a win would put DMS11 2 points clear. In windy conditions, and Coached by Jake Gwin, DMS11 controlled large parts of the game. Pats had a number of chances to make the superior possession meaningless for DMS11, but great individual saves by Chris Violas meant their sporadic attacks were fruitless. DMS11 had a number of close shots, one coming off the cross bar. With a few minutes left to go in the game, a simple yet clinical finish by Wally Vasquez secured all 3 points and put DMS11, the Champions, back on top. 1-0. Man of the Match goes to Chris Violas for two crucial saves that allowed us to maintain our momentum during the game.

Sunday brought our 5th game of League. Facing WCFC, we knew we would be in for tough game. However, the biggest opponent did not come from WCFC. Infact, both teams had a tougher deal with the main issue than each other. More to come on that later. However, in a tough game Austin and Majeed scored our two goals in a 2-0 win. A lot of respect to WCFC for their determination and their league standing is not a reflection on their talent and playing ability. We wish them the results they deserve for the rest of the season. Man of the match went solely to Austin Mandel, but mention to Majeed for getting his first league goal for DMS11.

DMS11 played their fourth League game vs fc Barcelona. Lying in 4th place, 1 point behind top place fc Barca, DMS11 had to win to to keep pace with the early leaders. The game went to plan with Austin Mandel and Wally Vasquez giving DMS11 a 2-0 lead at the half. Robert Santana and a cracking shot from Vincent Alvarez took it to 4-0. An amazing solo run by AB sealed the victory, and Logan McDaniel finished the game to secure a 6-0 win. Great defending for a shutout, superb control of the midfield, marshalled by Mike Manella and an all round team effort to take us into 2nd place, 1 point out of first still. We have played the top place teams in the last two games, winning both and establishing DMS11 as the returning Champions, fighting to retain our title again. Men of the Match go to Vincent Alvarez and Mike Manella.

DMS11 resumed their league title defense on Saturday Sept 15th in the 3rd league game of the season. Playing Irvine Strikers, top of the league after two games, DMS11 knew this was a must win game. Our title could be out of reach to this very good team if we did not get the result. Irvine started stronger with very good 1 touch penetrating play. With a little adjustment we took control of the game and opened the scoring with an amazing volley from Daniel Steres, 28 yards out. Wally Vasquez, avoiding the bait of inappropriate physical attention, responded in the best way possible, heading our second goal. HT 2-0. Strikers came out very strong and clawed their way back into the game with two opportunistic goals. 2-2. Introducing Austin Mandel to the game led to an immediate response, with the ever hungry Logan McDaniel twisting their defense inside out before a great cross to Austin to side foot home. 3-2. Danny Barrera struck an amazing half volley into the top corner from outside the box. 4-2. With a minute left the ball crossed the end line for our goal kick. Their forward kicked the ball back onto the field and somehow it curled into the net and the Ref awarded a goal. Sideline Ref was still catching up with the play. A lesson learned by us, but the victory more than earned and worthy. Irvine played very strong and are a top team. We now sit 1 point off the top. Great job all the players of DMS11. Men of the Match - calm under aggression Walter Vasquez and fight and power Paris Figueroa.

The second league match was more intense and DMS11 dominated the play more than yesterday against a battling Valley United. With Austin and Mike visiting Brown University, our line up was changed and we again struggled to put the ball into the net. As United celebrated a much heralded tie, we left disappointed in our inability to hit the back of the net. We were stopped by some fine goalkeeping, the woodwork and inches off target. There were two men of the match again - the consistant Eddie Ponce for back to back games, and Logan McDaniel - tireless work.

DMS11 started their defense of the Premier League on saturday September 8th v Cypress FC. In a game largely dominated in possession, we failed to put the ball in the net and were punished when Cypress tied the game for a 1-1 result. Man of the Match went to two excellent performances by Daniel Steres and Eddie Ponce.