Tag Archives: portland adult soccer

DNA FC takes on Kells FC Swoosh this Thursday night

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What: DNA FC (0-2-0) vs. Kells FC Swoosh (0-1-1)

When: Thursday April 11, 2013

Where: Buckman Field, Portland, OR

Time: 8 pm

By Moises Arellano

Just a reminder to all that DNA FC takes on Kells FC Swoosh in the new mid-week match slot of Thursday night, 8 pm, at Buckman Field, Portland, Oregon.

This will be only the third Thursday night match in the last three-years for DNA FC. It definitely has the makings of a good match if history is an indicator. It always seems to be a barn-burner when these two meet up, no matter the standings, there’s always some good-clean-soccer to be had. Well played, and last-minute heroics too.

Some epic battles and cardiac finishes between DNA FC and Swoosh

Take 3 season’s ago famous 6-6 match, or last season’s bipolar series: first the 4-1 demolition of DNA by a 10-man Swoosh;  the 3rd & series tie-breaking match of the series–the against all odds DNA 2-1 victory in the playoffs.

It seems these two clubs like playing against each other. DNA FC took two out of three vs Swoosh last season, including the super close playoff victory–after a solid Swoosh had been the points leader all season long finishing top of the table. Honestly if that last playoff match was played 10 times, you’d have 10 different results, it could have gone either way very easily and fortune was on DNA’s side that night. That fortune was all used up that night though, and went on to abandon them in that wacky final.

Early yet, but DNA has to start fixing the shocking starts

We’ll see if DNA FC can finally put together a solid first-half and not bury themselves with a big deficit of 3-0 or 4-1 by the half. It seems like the guys are growing weary of that as well, so everyone involved hopes they’ve put it in the rearview.

Meanwhile Kells FC Swoosh, have been involved in some close matches and have their sights set on getting a good result as well. Should be a great night of soccer.

Stay tuned. Moises

Terrible start unravels DNA FC!

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March 30, 2013

Portland, OR. Buckman Field

By Moises Arellano

DNA FC’s  wild and unpredictable start to the season took another strange twist on Saturday night. For the worse. 6-1 worse. While last week the DNA youngsters played their hearts out but ultimately were punished for their inexperience, on this night, the fellas from DNA FC never really got going out of the gates. EMFC Mondial jumped all over them 4-0 to start the half. It was unbelievable and hard to stomach for long-time followers of DNA. It was 4-1 at the break. Edson, Danny boy and Wyatt pulled one back with nifty work. There was a little hope.

Lack of togetherness

But that is where things stand, there’s no denying the players haven’t come together as a unit, there is a lack of team cohesiveness and in general they aren’t fighting for each other, there’s a little bit of “it’s not my fault sentiment.” That’s the result. As individuals they all do some nice things, the talent is there in spades, they look good here and there. The problem is this is a team game and the lack of teamwork rears its head when cheap goals are allowed and nobody seems to have the answers.

EMFC jumps out to early lead

Just when you thought the DNA FC keeper situation couldn’t get any more complicated, DNA’s keeper was held up by their new manager at work. Yes, in the OPSL you have some MLS and D1 talent but you also have situations like this pop up at the worst possible times, since player’s have careers, families–bills to pay. Into the firing squad jumps DNA FC’s starting forward Chuchu, and he’s a good shot stopper in training when the boys are messing around. Chuchu really made some nice saves but the rebounds were put in by EMFC who seemed quicker on their toes than the DNA team defense. The 3rd goal takes the cake, upper corner rocket, no keeper in the world would have had a chance to stop that, and by the time the starting DNA keeper shuffled in, he was cold and EMFC punished him with the 4th.

Nightmare start but there is hope

Last season DNA FC started 0-4, and still managed to rally the season into a championship run and punched a ticket into the final. The main difference is that team took a big step, came together and put their egos aside and fought for each other and the club when their backs were against the wall. The result, they won 5 straight. There is evidence this team can do it, they move the ball well, there’s lively talent and they put together some nice moments but the problem is they keep building monumental holes to start the games.

Bottom line

There’s some blue collar lifting to be done.

Next up

DNA FC takes on Kells FC Swoosh, next Thursday night April 11th, 8 pm, at Buckman Field.

Stay tuned. Moises

Young and brave DNA FC falls in the season opener, a rematch of the championship final 5-1

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Saturday night March 23, 2013

Buckman Field, Portland, OR

DNA FC vs IPS

By Moises Arellano

So much for starting with an easy one, not in this tough as nails league, the OPSL, a very young, and a very brave DNA Futbol Club played brilliantly for many long stretches–DNA FC never backed down from the task at hand but in the end the experience of IPS prevailed. Kind of a stalemate for much of the first half somehow ballooned to 5 goals at the end. Yet DNA FC created much and had the ball for a lot as well. Michael and Wyatt combined beautifully to get an important and deserving late goal. Many DNA guys missed by mere inches. A missed timed step here & there turned into goals for the rivals despite great effort. A loss is a loss but this was somehow more promising.

Let’s start with the absolute and honest truth

This Spring brings a new kind of excitement and energy but probably the biggest challenge yet in DNA FC history. A totally rebuilt and retooled team!  Oh don’t get me wrong there is talent in spades but everyone, players and coach knows whole-heartedly and accept the challenge at hand, it will take a good chunk of the season to forge a true team, those true DNA teams that typically like a right of passage– DNA FC forges into a unit season after season;  in other words it’s not a big concern as much as it’s the competitive fire from the people within, wanting to fast forward through the opening credits and dialogue and getting to the explosive action scenes in the middle part of the movie.

Case in point, IPS fielded nearly the exact same team as not just the team that prevailed in our rematch of the championship final but of their last 4- league titles in a row. Don’t ask me how they do it all these years but forget the titles, even in the pros where they pay the biggest money like in the EPL that’s a feat in and of itself. Talent is good but that undeniable advantage is knowing how and what and where guys are moving.

The sky is the limit with DNA FC

DNA is proud to announce to the world that many of our players move on to college programs, including 2 starters just weeks ago, Edwin and Stevie. We helped them every step of the way. Others go pro, go to law school, pursue studies in Europe, open art galleries, start businesses, even join the U.S. State Department. It’s awesome stuff. Rebuilding for those reasons is a massive point of pride that’s actually more like reloading in our book with–good people with more good people.

On the minus side greed can also prevail with all the aggressive street recruiting by other teams that for example DNA FC was not immune to. But hey it’s a free country and the door is open for players that feel they’re finding nirvana elsewhere. For DNA FC even more fuel to the fire and new villains to motivate us. DNA FC is a club that always comes back harder and always attracts the top talent in our region. That was on full display Saturday night. The kids really played an exciting brand of futbol. It was super fun to watch them grow literally right in front of us Saturday night.

Serious skill this season or DNA FC

The young guys showed some serious ability and skill. They looked super lively and energetic. Best of all. Very coachable–all the traits that last season’s team struggled with some times, veterans do some things and they do other things–but in this match the one and only really lacking ingredient was a little more tussles for the young dudes. That extra bit of been there confidence that allows you to rally a game despite the score and momentum. That comes with living some battles. No doubt game #1 was just what the doctor ordered in that regard. They faced an old and grizzled team that knows each other backwards and forward. So that”s a notch on DNA’s belt going forward.

Now the key is to build on that wonderful passing and spirit and convert those key chances when they are created. Cant wait for week #2.

Happy Holidays for 2012 from DNA FC!

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Portland Holidays

The Holidays in Portland

Happy Holidays on behalf of everyone with  DNA Futbol Club!

We would like to thank everyone for their support all year-long and although we bravely lost in the championship final it was another massive step for the club, finishing in 2nd place in our league and the state of Oregon is a very impressive feat. We are very proud of finishing runner-up and all we accomplished this season, another strong chapter in DNA FC history on all levels from players and staff.

2nd championship final in 4-seasons and 4-straight trips to the playoffs!

DNA FC battled through adversity and gave it their all and the great news is they’ll be back stronger than ever. The breaks didn’t fall their way this time but the fellas are already thinking of  what it’s going to take to finish the deal and we’re all excited for the upcoming year, lots of players have called in dedicating next season as a season long rematch mission. In the words of the great former DNA FC striker Manu who follows updates closely from San Diego,, “We will be back, we will do it the DNA way, it’s about the team, we don’t rely on one guy, we are a team, we will be back stronger, better than ever every season–we will prove the doubters wrong, we will believe in ourselves, in our coach, in our program, that’s the DNA way.”

We are thankful for those that support us through the good times and the bad, true friends, truly wish you a very Happy Holidays!

The Holiday season is always a time to reflect on the past, and a time to look forward towards the future; but the true beauty of the holiday season is to be thankful for the present. It’s a time to be thankful for those that surround you, support you, and believe in you through the good times and the bad, and to those that stand beside us, we humbly wish you and your loved ones a truly happy holidays!

Lots of exciting things in store. Stay tuned. Moises

IT’S HERE: DNA FC OPSL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL GAME DAY!!! 7pm Tonight! Buckman Field!

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WHAT: OPSL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL  (DNA FC vs. IPS)

WHEN: TONIGHT 7 PM

WHERE: Buckman Fied, Portland, Oregon

The OPSL Trophy in all its glory!

DNA FC is going for the OPSL Cup, their 2nd final in last 4 season, tonight could be their first cup.

DNA FC into the OPSL Championship Final for  the 2nd time in 4 seasons

This season has been one of the most special in club history just as much for the play on the field as for the story behind it, overcoming every single boulder of an obstacle–and mountains of adversity along the way. Never say die. Sticking with it. No matter what happens tonight, that summarizes what has made DNA FC one of the most dynamic and entertaining clubs around. These young men could have thrown in the towel but they pulled themselves up by their boot straps and here they are, getting ready to compete for their first major trophy together as a club.

Come on out and support the fellas. Win or lose this is one proud club!

Stay tuned for match report details and pics. Moises

New DNA FC Video: Highlights from the big PLAYOFF WIN 2-1, over Kells FC Swoosh!

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Awesome footage and highlights here folks. You can see how tight the match was and how DNA FC really had hang tough to get the win. Lots of great players out there on the field & some good looks at that here, a super killer game overall really.

<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/55251123″>Fall 2012 OPSL Playoffs</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/dnafc”>DNA FC</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

What else can they overcome? DNA FC launches another 2nd-half comeback, beats FC Swoosh–advances to OPSL Championship Final!

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Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell's FC Swoosh

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell’s FC Swoosh

Saturday night, December 7th 2012

Buckman Field, Portland, Oregon

By Moises Arellano

DNA FC shows even more resiliency and resolve–yet again beating Kells FC Swoosh 2-1

DNA FC wouldn’t have it any other way, it had to be an absolute nail-biter. Another comeback, and after a disastrous start to the season (0-4), they ousted the #1 seed in the OPSL playoffs and now have a 5-match unbeaten streak heading onto the OPSL Final. Improbable. Yes. Amazing comeback story. Yes. Absolutely true all of it. It’s the 2nd OPSL Championship Final appearance for DNA FC, in the last 4-seasons. They will be attempting to bring home their first OPSL Cup.

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell's FC Swoosh

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell’s FC Swoosh

Just like tic-tac-toe this game was a cat’s eye for a long time

After battling Kells FC Swoosh all night long, in a very well-played heavyweight bout worthy of the OPSL playoffs–DNA FC was down 1-0, and facing elimination with less than 30-minutes left to go. As they’ve shown all season long, they just stuck with it, and kept on going, played their hearts out and finally equalized and eventually took the lead in the 81st minute and hung on to advance to the Fall 2012 OPSL Final.

Dead-even 1st-half, back and forth momentum shifts but ultimately a standstill

Credit to both clubs they were up to the task and played with a high level of skill, effort and sportsmanship. When both teams play that way it leads to a dead even up-tempo match that seemed destined for extra-time. Exciting for fans but tense for participants. Try as they may, neither team could thoroughly control the match or momentum it was back and forth, gridlocked,  but both teams just could not break through as much as they tried to.

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell's FC Swoosh

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell’s FC Swoosh

Kells FC Swoosh the

#1 seed showed why they finished tops on points, but DNA FC never gave up on the season

The men from Nike have no weakness, a talented and determined squad, case in point, they shredded DNA FC with ease in their first meeting (4-2). It didn’t’ feel that close. But then somethings funny happened…DNA FC found competitive resolve, resiliency, some of the kids grew up and the chemistry grew, an old hero’s legend grew, they kept working . In essence it was a different DNA team by the next time they faced off, and DNA FC needed to win to even remotely have a hope of a good season as they were sitting (1-4). At the time Swoosh was undefeated. DNA FC won the rematch in clutch fashion 4-2, improving their record (2-4). Yet the playoffs were still improbable and a distant dream.

Fast forward to last night. After giving it their all, DNA FC found themselves losing and Swoosh was looking very much in control up 1-0 and had the momentum with 25 minutes left. The beautiful sport is a different type of sport though, there’s no time-out, it’s part of the unique qualities of the game, the players on the field have to respond on the field and pull together. DNA FC just did that. Each passing minute after the initial Swoosh goal lead to more and more Swoosh attacks, they were close to the 2nd goal but this changed when Chuchu fed Borce and just like that it was tied up, it changed the game completely.

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell's FC Swoosh

Fall 2012 OPSL PLayoffs: DNA FC vs. Kell’s FC Swoosh

That small shift in momentum seemed to give DNA FC a little bit extra 

DNA FC had been there many times before all season long, bend but don’t break, never give up and all of a sudden the body language of the players changed and the offense re-awoke and many chances were created. Danny boy fed Borce who gave DNA FC the lead and the team defense hung on for a few nerve-wracking moments to win the match. Final score 2-1 to DNA.  Taking the 3rd meeting and the season series (2-1). Onward to the final.

There’s just too many MVP performances to list for DNA FC, but the truth is, just like the massive effort it took to turnaround an entire season, it was total  team-wide effort and the entire team was the MVP.

Stay tuned. Moises

DNA FC Playoffs Fall 2012: It’s Game Day!

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WHAT: DNA FC vs. Kells FC Swoosh –Fall 2012 OPSL Playoffs Semifinal

WHEN: Tonight Saturday Night 6pm, December 8th 2012

WHERE: Buckman Field, Portland, Oregon

*Game time weather conditions: 43 degrees and 30% chance of rain showers. 

From dead last place to a 4-match unbeaten streak–to the playoffs and here we are today

Just mere hours away from the Fall OPSL Playoffs to kickoff 6pm at Buckman Field. The young men from DNA FC have worked extremely hard all fall long just to get here. Never giving up. It feels surreal to think how far the team has come and now today the day has arrived and from the looks and sounds of it, they’re ready to give it a go.

Their opponents Kells FC Swoosh are pretty good and will be tough customers, having finished #1 on points in the OPSL table. It’s exciting competition and should be really good footy.

Special thanks for all the continued support, the guys are excited to get after it and see if this dream can continue. See everyone out there tonight.

It’s now official–DNA FC will take on Kells FC Swoosh in Semifinal #1 of OPSL Playoffs!

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The OPSL Trophy in all its glory!

The OPSL Trophy in all its glory!

The Fall 2012 OPSL Playoffs are upon us and the semifinals are now officially set. DNA FC will take on Kells FC Swoosh in the first semifinal on the night.

WHAT: OPSL Playoffs

WHEN: 6pm, Saturday, December 8th

WHERE: Buckman Field, Portland, Oregon

It will be the 3rd meeting between the clubs this season, this after both teams split their season series evenly (1-1). Both teams are coming into the playoffs with some momentum, Swoosh has been on a tear all season long and earned the #1 seed in the league. While DNA FC is riding in on a 4-match unbeaten streak. The level of play should be outstanding.

About DNA FC:

  • DNA FC never-say-die attitude and a miracle turnaround season

The young men from DNA have come a heck-of-a-long ways. After (4) matches they had exactly zero points. They righted the ship and really improved every week. It was an amazing transformation, unlikely, but incredibly inspiring. The guys put in all the work necessary to get to the playoffs, even if the playoffs were once a distant dream after the rough start. They arrived.

The talk all week will be about remembering what got them there and keep on doing what they’ve been doing to stay in that groove.

About Swoosh:

  • Kells Swoosh on a tear this season

Bulldozing through their opponents, Swoosh has displayed few weaknesses this season. They hit a mini-slump losing their bid for an undefeated season by losing to EMFC and DNA FC, they later bounced back and finished strong and claimed the #1 seed on points.

Should be some good footy played by these two familiar foes.

Stay tuned for more details. Moises

After earning their playoff spot, DNA FC rests up this weekend, readies for next weekend

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This season is about the number (4) for DNA FC

→(4) consecutive seasons in-a-row DNA FC challenging for the OPSL Cup

Last season had a bittersweet end to a magnificent campaign, DNA FC missed the Championship game by only 1 measly point, many DNA FC players thought it could have been the strongest DNA rendition to date. That group faced a similar journey and was peaking at just the right time, winning their last game (8-1). That group didn’t get the chance, this group does get the chance to go out and show it. This season, the playoffs are back and DNA has a lot to look forward to, mainly the ability to test themselves against the very best to see how far, how much they’ve improved as a group. It’s going to be an exciting week in DNA land.

→(4) straight losses to begin the season

The early season blues were a tough stretch to live through for DNA. Accustomed to a certain level, standard of play, it was gut-wrenching to see all the decimating early season defensive injuries, offensive and defensive struggles, the losses piled up with this young group. It’s easy to be a part of something when everything is going right, but when things aren’t so easy, people reveal their true character, better or worse.

Some people piled on, thought they were better or could do it better, we said thank you and goodbye to them. Others cared and asked what was wrong? But there was only one way out, wasn’t there and that much was clear to the club.

As a group when you go through something like that, your feet put to the fire like that every week; you find out who really is on the same side and willing to go back to the drawing board and put in the work in training as one group; you find out who really are the ones who make it about them. You also find out who can work with their backs to the wall and go into each match week-after-week as if it’s their last and sacrifice for a collective goal.

We found out a lot about the character and resiliency of this group and it was great news!  Overwhelmingly guys stuck with it! It was awesome to watch. Guys just cared, their effort went up week-after-week you saw improvement. Development. Different guys stepped up, guys sacrificed and just stuck with it, never said die, and here we are today, a massive turnaround that few thought possible except those that wear the DNA FC jersey and are our true fans.

Thank you to all for believing!

→(4) consecutive-game-unbeaten streak

That’s not a typo. 3 clutch wins versus: PCU, Kells Swoosh, and champions IPS,  plus a heroic draw on the road down in frigid Eugene. That has DNA FC feeling pretty optimistic heading into the playoffs, although the opponent is yet to be determined, they know if they play the same way they’ve been playing then they’ll be in the game with a good chance to get it done.

Stay tuned. Moises