Apache FC starts season with important win

Apache FC started its first foray into league play with an impressive 3-1 win over reigning LA Municipal League over-30 champions Hollywood United Tuesday night at John Ferraro.

All 17 players turned out for the game with the starting 11 and six substitutes interchanging seamlessly throughout the match, coach Billy Alarcon said following the win.

"There wasn't a weak spot on the pitch and everyone fought for the entire 90 minutes," Alarcon said. "And we beat Hollywood United in our first game together ... I'm still smiling."

Practicing on a grass field seemed to help the newcomers, who played on an even keel with United for the first 20 minutes, despite some pre-game jitters. A solid defence commanded by sweeper Custis Smith killed most if not all United chances in the early stages, while the Apache FC midfield maintained a strong presence throughout the match with standout performances from Alex Martinez (named Apache MVP of the game), Guillermo Herrera, Matt McCallum and JC Salinaszelaya.

After creating several scoring opportunities, Apache FC opened their goal-scoring account in the final minute of the first half, with mid-fielder Mike Barthel angling a slick corner kick towards the far post and Herrera converting the ball with a well-placed header.

The second half saw continued success with mid-field substitute Ivan Miller coming on to score his first goal following a scramble in the United 18-yard box about 10 minutes in.  United had exerted some early half pressure to tie the match, but were again foiled by stopper Ger McManus and timely tackles from a fiery Des Gallagher.

Striker Nick Midulla rounded out the scoring with about 15 minutes left to play, pouncing on a loose ball knocked on by Sammy Xaylidet to make it three, before United finally got on the board with their single tally ... a shot from inside the Apache box which powered by keeper Carlos Guerrero, who was strong between the posts for the entire match.

While the game got physical at times -- with the referee handing out yellow cards to both squads -- overall the match was clean.  Apache FC saw the game through to final whistle on a strong note, maintaining a level of control in the midfield.

Apache next see action Tuesday, April 5 at the  Griffith Park turf field against Dinamo Lokamotiv with a 7 PM kickoff. Come out and cheer the team on.

Thanks to the fans who attended the Hollywood United match including our own Dan Sapienza and David "Puma" Alarcon, Irmgard Rios, Tara Tortorello ... to name a few.

Apache FC set for inaugural match

It will be baptism by fire for the newly formed and talented Apache FC squad Tuesday night at John Ferraro (8:50 PM kickoff) when the team face off against reigning LA Municipal League champs Hollywood United in their first ever LA Municipal League match.

The squad has now signed 17 players and will look to shore up the lineup with a final five before the May 19 signing deadline.  To date the team -- coached by Billy Alarcon -- includes: Mike Barthel (m), Desmond Gallagher (d), Rahoul Ghose (d/m), Carlos Guerrero (g), Guillermo Herrera (m), Doug Koontz (d), Mike Lewis (f), Alex Martinez (m), Matthew McCallum (m), Gerard McManus (m/d), Nick Midulla (f), Ivan Miller (m), Richie Million (f), Bryan Moore (d), Juan Salinaszelaya (f), Custis Smith (d) and Sammy Xaylitdet (m/f).

Also waiting in the wings -- both recovering from knee surgeries -- are star midfielder David "Puma" Alarcon and key striker Dan Sapienza.

The night will also see the squad wearing their kits for the first time in competition. The team has been practicing since November on a grass pitch, and should adapt well to John Ferraro's often dubious grass conditions.

For a complete listing of upcoming games visit the team's website Fixtures page. Apache FC plays Tuesday nights in the over-30s blue division with the likes of Dinamo Lokamotiv, United Football Academy, Santiagueno and Los Andes, as well as Hollywood United.

Apache FC will play a 12-game season meeting all opposition for at least two matches (two squads will be played three times). Then the top four in both the red and blue Tuesday divisions will advance to the Cup round.

Red Division teams include:  Goalfellas, Martin Fierro, Beer Celona, FC Armenia Deportivo, Silverlake FC and the Silverlagos.

Apache FC fans are more than welcome (and quite frankly are encouraged) to cheer on the squad Tuesday night.

Full Apache FC schedule available Friday

Attendance at the LA Municipal Soccer League's annual team meeting did not yield the full spring season schedule as anticipated ... we'll have to wait until Friday for that.

However I can tell you that our Tuesday league is comprised of 12 teams broken into two divisions of six ... blue division and red division.  Regular season play will see each squad playing every team in their division twice.  Following regular season play the top four squads from each division will qualify for a Cup round.  Division winners will win a Cup as will the Playoff round winners. Note: only players who have played in a minimum of four league matches qualify to play in the Cup round.

Each team can only have a roster of 22 players, though you can drop and add players up to a certain point in the season to replace injured or AWOL  players.

Apache FC has been placed in the blue division ... joined by Hot Spurs SC, Los Andes, Santiagueno, United Football Academy ... and one other squad.  Two squads did not attend the meeting so I don't know which will be blue or red division.

Our first match will be against Hot Spurs SC (according to the breakdown we were shown) at John Ferraro #6 with an 8:50 PM kickoff, March 29.

Also discussed at length were the league's rules with regards to the fields, in particular the turf ones.

At Griffith Park there is a strict policy of no food or Gatorade on the field ... water only.  Also only players and a coach with ID cards are allowed on the field. No metal cleats, no dogs and no changing of clothes (ie shorts specifically) or relieving oneself outside ... use the restrooms. I'm not preaching ... this is just me passing on the rules as stated to me. Failure to comply could result in action being taken against the team in the form of fines or suspensions.

As to the stands, each team is responsible -- and will be held accountable -- for the behavior of its fans, friends and  relatives attending the match. 

Each team must have a designated captain, who alone can contest decisions on the field in a respectful manner.  Yes ... slide tackling is allowed if done in the appropriate manner ... cleats down and w/o intent to injure.

Finally ... all players must have not only their Cal South ID ... they must also have a secondary ID with a picture on hand (ie DL) if another team wants to contest people's ages.  While we have a policy of not signing any under-aged players, bringing your driver's license to games will settle any comments immediately in our favor.

As soon as I get the full schedule later this week I will post it it for everyone.


Cheers


Rahoul

The New Kit ... Thanks to Sponsors Apache Rentals

Sapienza returns

A great practice last night was made even better with the return of Dan Sapienza, who showed up to do some training.  Twelve months into a 16-month recovery process from knee surgery, Sap appears strong, fit and in good spirits. Hopefully he will be ready to try out that new knee on a soccer ball in four months time.


The team also tested out some new goalie prospects and is primed for the official release of the LA Municipal League schedule this Saturday.  Less than three weeks to go before kickoff on March 29.

Practice Tonight

Hopefully will see everyone at practice tonight. Three more weeks until first LA Municipal match.

8 - 9:30 PM | $5 drop-in
Sol del Valle Community Center

Welcome to the Apache FC blog

Welcome to the latest online addition to the Apache FC family ... the team blog. Expect to get all the latest club news here about upcoming events, match reports, team stats, etc.

The blog is open to all registered team members, who can also request posting privileges, making this Apache FC's online community. More details soon.

For now the club is looking forward to starting its first season in the LA Municipal League Tuesday, March 29. A full season schedule should be available soon on the official websites Fixtures page.

Apache FC is also participating in this year's Kick for a Cure 6 v 6 Tourney in San Diego June 18 and 19 with two squads ... one of which has the honor of playing for for someone who loved life and left us all too soon.

In honor of Blake Kuller’s life, Apache FC will be fielding a team in his name … dubbed Blake’s 6. The special squad will don jerseys with a logo designed specifically for the occasion, in Blake’s favorite color, purple.

Apache FC thanks both Duchenne San Diego and Blake’s wonderful family -- parents Whalen and Allison, his brother Jackson and his two sisters, Lauren and Ansley -- for this opportunity. For more information, visit ApacheFC.com.