Degenkolb Soccer Hits the Ground Running
Degenkolb Soccer Hits the Ground Running
This past Monday night, while much of America watched what was arguably one of the most boring first halves of professional football in the history of the NFL, 11 enthusiastic Degenkolb employees stepped onto the turf at Telegraph Field on Pier 29 in San Francisco to make history in a different kind of football venue – ’twas the inaugural match of the first ever assembled Degenkolb soccer team, known to its opponents as Degenkolb FC (Football Club, for those who aren’t familiar with the European nomenclature).
The team is a mix of amateur and experienced (using that term pretty loosely) players, who have come together for one common goal (pun intended) – to go out and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer. But even the “veteran” players have some adjusting to do when it comes to playing in this league. The team plays in a 7 on 7 corporate league, on a turf field about a third the size of a regulation soccer field, with a futsol ball typical of Brazilian indoor soccer. Smaller teams, smaller field, and smaller ball make for, oddly enough, much more intense play. Fast breaks are imminent, players are quick to pull the trigger, and substitutions happen on a rapid basis. Not to be intimidated by the unusual conditions, the team went out with a simple, solid strategy, stolen from 49ers head coach Mike Singletary: “We go out, and we hit people in the mouth.” The goal mouth, that is.
The starting line-up consisted of Erik Kneer in goal, with Chris Davis, Theresa Turri, and team manager Adam Azofeifa standing guard on defense, Sarah Wagner and Taka Yokoyama on the wings, and Roger Parra up top at the striker position. Substitutes John Sticklen, Henry Burton, Hulya Kayir, and Adrian Nacamuli waited anxiously at the sideline for their opportunity to live the dream (dramatization). As they gazed across the half line at their opponent, Force FC (no idea what company they work for), the team could almost smell their fear… although the field is right next to the bay, so where that smell really emanated from is anyone’s guess.
As expected, the game was fast-paced from the start, with both teams charging forward, eager to strike first. Though Force brought the pressure early on, thanks to some deft goal keeping by Erik ‘I Take Kicks to the Head and Get Back Up Cuz I’m a Savage’ Kneer, the team was able to push forward, and in the end it was Degenkolb who would put the first goal away. Taka ‘Turf Shoes’ Yokoyama put what appeared to be an awkward, though effective, shot past the keeper after being set up by a pass from Roger ‘Nickname Forthcoming’ Parra. Degenkolb maintained control throughout the rest of the first half, but when the referee called a penalty kick for an illegal slide tackle in the penalty box it looked like Force would have an easy chance to tie the game up. Degenkolb was not to worry, however, as Erik channeled the spirit of German national team goal keeper Oliver Kahn through his jersey and pounced on the opponent’s shot, maintaining the lead for Degenkolb. The first half would conclude with Degenkolb up 1-0.
The mentality of the Degenkolb squad was plainly obvious from the very onset of the second half: we want more goals. The pressure was on immediately, and the onslaught of shots resulted in Chris ‘No Sleeves’ Davis collecting the ball at his feet and sneaking it through a gap between the keeper and the goal post that appeared barely large enough for a gerbil to squeeze by. Minutes later, Henry ‘Who Needs Shin Guards’ Burton managed to put enough pace on an off-balance shot for it to just dribble past the overwhelmed Force goalie, who was clearly mystified by the dance performance taking place before his eyes. Or, as injured reserve Gordy Wray put it, Henry may have just “knocked it in with his purse.” Well that purse put Degenkolb up 3-0. Feeling compelled to participate in all the second half scoring, Adam ‘El Capitan’ Azofeifa, on a dead ball from well near the half line, dropped a long pass into the box that Taka masterfully lodged in the back of the net with a textbook header. Seriously, it was awesome. The fans (all two of them) roared. Degenkolb, up 4-0, controlled the rest of the second half, but as fatigue set in, their opponents, desperate to steal the shut-out from Erik, managed to sneak in two goals just before the final whistle. Despite the last minute hiccups, Degenkolb FC trotted off the turf with a solid 4-2 victory in their very first match.
Slap one up in the Win column – this team is for real, folks.
For those interested in keeping tabs on the team’s schedule and rankings in the league, check out the league scoreboard here, and click on Corporate Coed League, November: http://www.sanfranciscosoccer.org/leaguestandings.html
Degenkolb Soccer team in action:
Photos from latest practice game with Arup.
