Photos courtesy of Ernesto Aguilar
It was a sensational night for amateur soccer in the state of Oregon, as IPS and DNA FC put on a spectacular show in the OPSL Open Division Championship Final, before a record-crowd, right in the heart of Portland, Oregon on a warm summer night. You couldn't have asked for better community support as more than 300 people at the new Buckman Fields bared witness as IPS battled back to cement themselves as one of the best clubs in state history as they won 5-1.
DNA FC takes the early lead and brings the intensity as their magic run continues
DNA FC couldn't have asked for a better start in front of their biggest stage in their club's short history. They absolutely brought the focus and intensity needed for a final. Nino Ayala was brought down in the box and Titi Martinez delivered the bullet-like-finish. DNA FC nearly held the lead all of the 1st half, as they mixed timely defending with clever passing and creativity, and narrowly missed on going up 2-0 on a few occasions.
The tying goal for IPS gave them confidence
IPS was relentless all night. Their first goal in the 40th minute sums it all up. DNA FC worked their tails off defensively and actually cleared the ball out of the box 3-4 different times but the clearances kept landing in all the wrong spots. IPS put back rebound after rebound until they scored.
IPS was just warming up, halftime score 1-1, but the 2nd half was all IPS
IPS had a couple of more absolutely scintillating finishes that they'll cherish in their lore. IPS began to launch the type of attacks that have characterized them throughout the years. Arlo, Davor, Ryo, Brett, Chaco, and company began to turn up their intensity even more and they were rewarded with some breathtaking finishes that DNA FC goalkeeper Sean Ervin could do nothing about. And that's what championship performers do in these type of final matches, they rise to the occasion.
Total team effort by IPS and fantastic season for both clubs
The OPSL has crowned a new champion this season, and they have earned it with a magnificent performance in the final. Even when they were down in the score-line they were relentless, this season has to be as impressive as any in IPS' vaunted club history. For DNA FC they put together a marvelous season and were impressive performers all season long, they've set a new benchmark for their club.
Sportsmanship makes this a special night for the OPSL
The record-crowd of 300+ was privy to watch quite a thrilling show of not only top-level soccer and great skill but they also were treated to a great display of sportsmanship from both clubs. Almost immediately following the final whistle, players, coaches and benches of both IPS and DNA FC exchanged hugs, high-fives, even tears and supportive well-wishes. It truly was a special night for the OPSL. There truly is a brotherhood and respect for competition in the beautiful game when it's at its best.
The officiating was superb from the crew of 4
Many players and fans noted the terrific performance from the officials. The crew performed in great synchronization throughout and earned a lot of praise for keeping the show going. It really was an enjoyable night, some of the best amateur soccer around in one of the best soccer communities around.
Contributed by Moises Arellano
IPS/Marathon Taverna (10-1)
DNA FC (7-3-1)
WHAT: OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
WHEN: 7:30 Tonight, Friday June, 24 2011
WHERE: The new Buckman Fields, Benson Poly, NE Portland, OR.
The OPSL Championship Open Division Final is upon us. Tonight's match is going to be a donnybrook.
One could describe this final as the battle between the traditional, well-established, some might even say Oregon's (non-MLS) dominant power; versus the new up and coming club, the new guys who have been pushing steadily, learning, working, eating their Flintstone's vitamins, and now finally have broken through.
It's David versus Goliath based on the all-time series
The all-time series has been as lopsided as you can imagine and dominated by IPS. Now there have been some intermittent classic matches sprinkled in there, some hotly contested, but as they say, scoreboard. IPS has made it their duty to pummel teams when they think they're improving.
Some low points for DNA FC in the short-history delivered courtesy of IPS
Sometimes, when DNA FC had less talented squads, the players would literally shake in their boots and self-destruct less than 20 minutes into the match. Other times, when DNA FC had squads which thought they were finally ready to go to-to-toe, before you knew it, IPS had laid another walloping of epic proportions. The half-time speech usually was simple, don't quit, never quit, don't embarrass yourself further, let's try to keep it to single digits. We're talking final scores of 5-0, 6-1, 7-2 type of stuff.
IPS one of the standards of amateur soccer in Oregon
Many people think the dominance happened overnight, but it didn't, just ask Manager Harvey Hurst, how difficult it is to stay at the top, even when you get there. IPS traces it roots decades back, and in essence they've had terrific clubs for decades but the true secret to their success… They approach every season as if they've never won a thing. Each year they have that hunger. They take losing personal.
DNA Futbol Club, the new up and coming force in amateur soccer in the region
This season has truly been a true success story for DNA FC, all the hard work finally aligned with the stars, the moon and the sun. Some might say were it not for injury plagued campaigns the prior two seasons, they'd have gotten there sooner but the truth is, this club has now matured to a point well beyond prior seasons.
The common theme: sheer hard work and humbleness. All along, back to when it was freezing cold, when you could see your own breath, they pledged to approach this OPSL campaign the right way, there was something special about this group. Everyone involved in those early weeks set the tone, to not focus on the playoffs but to just take it one day at a time.
In a way, that theme has carried them through devastating injuries to key players, and through pulverizing losses suffered at the hands of IPS.
What to expect tonight
Both clubs love to control the ball, love to attack, and use their weapons. It should be a spectacular match full of opportunities for both clubs.
May the best club win. It's going to be a great show for fans of amateur soccer in this region.
Contributed by Moises Arellano
IPS defeats Swoosh FC Kell's 4-1 and advances to OPSL Championship Final.
What started out as another nail-biter in this edition of this classic match-up was turned upside down when Davor delivered a world-class free kick that, without exaggeration might be the goal of
the season. A quick PK later and it was 2-0 to IPS. Swoosh made it 2-1 but IPS got the 3rd goal and broke it open. 4-1 to IPS. The #1 seed advances to take on DNA FC in the final.
DNA FC soundly defeats defending champions Thirsty Lion, 2-0 and advances to play for the OPSL Championship, for first-time in their history.
There was not a heck of a lot of space in this match early, this felt like a tough playoff match and then Edson sliced and diced, dropping a dime-and-a-half to Nino Ayala who cleverly finished in
the 15th min. DNA FC and Thirsty Lion traded scoring chances for the rest of the match but the DNA FC defense was focused and stood tall. Titi Martinez earned a free kick in a dangerous 1v1 and
Pancho Paniagua had the courage to step up and boy did he deliver a wondrous free kick in the 70th min. The 2nd world-class strike of the night for the OPSL.
-15th min. -Nino Ayala (Assist: Edson)
-70th min. -Pancho Paniagua (Assist: Titi Martinez)
-GK: 0 Goals Against (90 min.) - Sean Ervin
OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: DNA Futbol Club vs. IPS/Marathon Taverna
Friday, June 24th - 7:30PM at Buckman Park Soccer Field
Contributed by Moises Arellano
