Sparks Fly as Dynamite Outlast Cavalry

Three weeks ago, when the Denver Dynamite faced the CSC Cavalry in Monument, they were denied their 4^th trip to the US Open Arena Soccer Championships Round of 16 suffering a devastating 12-7 loss.  This past Saturday, was a different story as the Dynamite continued to shift their momentum forward toward the post season; but not before a 1^st quarter scare.

The first quarter opened up with an offensive onslaught by both sides, but Dynamite keeper Garrison Goodner was equal to the task for most of it; not allowing a goal until two slipped by in the final 6 minutes of the period.  The second quarter saw the Dynamite ignite as Travis Carey connected with a Josh Elbaum pass into the corner for an upper ninety shot to get Denver on the board.  Seven minutes later, Sean Stedeford would send a Tony Thomas restart rocketing into the back of the netting to end the half with both teams level at 2. 

The third quarter opened with a bang as the Dynamite continued to let their sparks fly as Ryan Truxal gave Denver their first lead of the night just 56 seconds in.  Not even a minute later, Justin Ferguson would convert off of rookie George Hunt to extend their lead to 4-2.  But the Cavalry would find their way to the back of the net to draw the game within 1 halfway through the period.  The defensive battle would continue with Goodner making several clutch saves, and just when it appeared that the game was destined to head into the 4^th as is, Travis Carey lit of the boards again burying a Tony Thomas corner kick for the eventual game winner.

Enter the fourth quarter; all the frustration from both offenses began to mount resulting in 3 power plays.  While the Dynamite, could not find their way past Orlando Rojas again, the Cavalry were able to convert on their power-play to make it a one goal game once again.  However, the Cavalry would self-destruct on their attack with an illegal slide in the Dynamite’s offensive zone meriting a blue card and a power-play with just 3:35 remaining in the match followed by a scuffle in front of the net that may have proved the Cavalry’s Scotty Lilibridge lucky to have just exited the match with a yellow card; and the Dynamite would hold on for their first victory of the season and to close out 2012 in 2^nd place.

“We were able to play a much better and more up tempo game despite not having 5 key players Joey Covillo, Jay Hamilton, Michael Ogletree, Roby Monroe and Mark Cromie who were not available for this match. Going down 2-0 early, we were able to make the necessary adjustments to win the next 3 quarters and ultimately pull off the 5-4 win! With players like Ryan Truxal, Luke Burgard, George Hunt and Greg Borchers stepping up in replacement, these younger guys gave a spark that turned the tables and helped us to the victory! Tonight showed that we can count on everyone on this team to make and impact and difference when called upon" said Coach Estrada.

The Dynamite return to action January 13^th at their home in the Apex Field House against Cavalry for their final regular season meeting and if the past two matches have anything to say; it sure will be another barn burner.  Single Game tickets are still available online or at the door for just $5.