Revolution's Season Ends a Week Too Soon

Saturday the Revolution played a near flawless match in the round of 16 in Association Cup, resulting in a solid 2 to 0 win. But on Sunday the season ended in the quarterfinals with a gut wrenching loss in overtime against the outstanding Boca Junior team from San Francisco. Our guys fought so hard all day in miserable weather, but against the run of play Boca put in the winning goal to win 2 to 1.

Oscar O'Con was tremendous playing in the worst conditions imaginable for a keeper. He kept us in the game all day with good positioning and sure hands. We won the battle of possession but had difficulty putting the ball in the net against another great keeper playing for Boca. The Revolution left everything they had on the soccer field. After the game ended, the reality set in for many of us that it was the last game this close-knit group of players would play together. Many of the guys grew up on this team playing with the Revolution the last 5 years. For that reason, Sunday was just an extremely sad, emotional day.

I really want to thank the players that have been with the team since the birth of the Revolution 5 years ago; Ben Margiott, Jordan Freeman, Mitch Arredondo, Braden Henderson, Jeremy Rosso, Mike Pieri, Ryan Wakefield and Dylan Wakefield. You all are so talented that I feel privileged to have been your coach. Of course, our second season, we had a superior draft picking up Dominick Sandoval, Matt Sanchez, Marwan Rayyan and Justin Singh. Justin is perhaps the toughest player I have ever coached. He played half the season with torn ligaments in his knee, had surgery in November, and he quickly came back in the second half of our winter season giving the team his all. Oscar O'con, Andrew Gutierrez and Jeffrey Martin are all very skillful players and they were the next great additions to our team. Ryan Moe, and Daniel Keifer joined the team this season and performed well and bonded with the team. Daniel Kiefer was simply huge this season playing keeper for much of the season due to injuries to Oscar. Late in the season, we picked up Stephen Cosenza and Stephan Sykora and they really helped us. Obviously, I am very proud of this team and I think they are wonderful young men.

It has been a privilege to coach the men of the Revolution the last 5 years. Lothar Wakefield, Chris Margiott and Dan Arredondo coached with me over the years and their hard work paid off turning out some great players. Carla Freeman and Steve Pieri kept the team running smoothly and within budget. I also would like to express my appreciation to all of the parents on this team that have been so supportive of this team. We had some wonderful times together and they are cherished memories already. We had a wonderful run.

Association Cup

In the opening weekend of Association Cup the Revolution showed tremendous talent defeating all three opponents to move on to the Round of 16. The offensive attack was relentless. The skill and speed of our team makes us extremely difficult to defend. Our defense was also superb throughout the games even though several defensive players were hurt, sick and unable to play. The guys in the back do not get many opportunities to score but this weekend Ryan Wakefield, Daniel Kiefer, Jeremy Rosso and Mitchell Arredondo all scored. Mitch's free kick late in the second game was a thing of beauty and it propelled us into the top of the bracket. the Revolution once again proved to be a great team. Congratulations.

Coach D is Retiring

After 23 years of coaching youth soccer in Elk Grove, Dennis has decided NOT to return to coach another season in the new FC Elk Grove soccer club. Hopefully all the Revolution players will migrate to another Elk Grove Competitive or Select team next season. Tryouts begin on April 2, 2011. Of course the Revolution players and their parents are like extended family. With more time on his hands, Dennis will be at more high school games cheering on our guys. The Revolution has had a great run the last 5 years, winning so many championships. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.