YEAR IN REVIEW: U23
Year In Review
Our U23’s had a very successful season under Head Coach Alberto Vasquez. The team was stacked with talent, and going into the season, we knew that the team would be able to compete for a Colorado Premier League Second Division Championship. It was a relatively new group of players playing together, so the only question was whether or not the group would have the maturity and focus to come together and build a cohesive unit in addition to the challenges presented with Covid, limited trainings, and a competitive league schedule.
The boys took it in stride, and much like our other teams were very grateful to take the field after months of uncertainty. That renewed energy led to immense growth throughout the season. “I think in all the years of watching our FC Denver teams, this U23 team grew the most,” said FC Denver President Eric Ridgeway Fulton. “A lot of recognition goes out to the coaching staff, with Alberto as the Head Coach and others like Director of Coaching Stephen Latta, Liam Hutchison and myself sort of coaching by committee. But also the captains of the team: Malek Abusnina, Carlos Martinez, Grey LaPiano, all long-time FC Denver players who pulled the team together under challenging circumstances.”
The team went undefeated through the regular season, with six wins, three draws, and zero losses. Although there may be one remaining game to be played to complete the 10-game season, our U23’s have been presumed Champions, holding the top position at this time. This would mean moving up to the First Division next season, so congratulations to our U23’s on a very successful season!
Team Awards
This year we had two awards given out, as voted for by the players. This carries extra significance since those are the guys who you practice with every day, play in games with, and see you at your best and worst.
The first award is for the Most Valuable Player, and the nominees were: Alexis Tellez, Christian Meija, Tucker Pimsner, Ayub Khalif, Grey LaPiano, Jesus Garcia. Congrats to each of you for receiving MVP votes.
The Most Valuable Player Award, as voted for by his peers, went to Jesus Garcia. Congratulations Jesus!
Here’s what Jesus had to say about winning this award:
The second award is for the Best Teammate, and the nominees were: John Colvin, Malek Abusnina, Jesus Garcia, Carlos Martinez, Grey LaPiano, Christian Meija, Ayub Khalif, Tony Madera. Congrats go to all these players for receiving votes by their peers and for being great teammates.
The Best Teammate Award, as voted for by his peers, went to Malek Abusnina. Congratulations Malek!
Here’s what Malek had to say about winning this award:
Congratulations again to all of our U23 team for overcoming adversity this season and building a solid foundation of success moving forward! This is just the beginning of our development program, so keep an eye out for much more in the future.