FC Frederick, DMV Elite Play to a 1-1 Draw

By Sheldon Shealer/FC Frederick

Jonathan Yowell’s final touch was the most meaningful of the night as he launched a left-footed shot from near midfield that floated over the keeper’s head and bounced into the goal as FC Frederick salvaged a 1-1 draw with DMV Elite FC on Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Prep.

The match was the NPSL season opener for FC Frederick.  DMV Elite is now 0-1-1.

Yowell shared team Player of the Match honors with FC Frederick keeper Ryan Bass, an NPSL newcomer who added his name to the program’s record book in two categories — first by becoming the program’s oldest player and then by tying the mark for most saves in a match.

Yowell viewed his 59th-minute masterpiece while lying on his back, clutching his left calf.

“I saw it go in, but my left calf cramped up,” he said. “Since I point my toe down when I hit a long shot like that, my calf cramps up almost every time.  (Despite the injury), I’ll take the goal.”

Instead of celebrating, Yowell limped off the field, replaced by a substitute.

Only two minutes earlier, DMV Elite broke the scoreless match when Richard Forka headed in a free kick served up by Jessy Ebogo.  It was the only goal allowed by Bass, a 34-year-old making his NPSL debut.  The former NCAA Division II All-American became the oldest player in the club’s history when he started the contest, breaking the previous record by Saidou Toure, who was 33 in his final FC Frederick match in 2018.

Bass faced 20 DMV Elite shots, making a club record-tying 10 saves.  His total matched the record established by Noah Kump last season.  Despite the performance, it was the goal that Bass allowed that bothered him.

“I’m used to shutouts,” said the father of three. “My age showed on that goal.  I’m slower than I remember being.” 

DMV Elite had the better of play most of the night and appeared to take the lead just before halftime.  Jack Geist one-timed a pass from Jose Cotrina Pacheco past Bass in the 44th minute, but the goal was waved off by an offside call.

DMV Elite outshot FC Frederick, 20-6, and held a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.  DMV Elite keeper Jacob Boyle finished with three saves.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, May 24.  FC Frederick plays host to Ristozi FC while DMV Elite travels to Virginia Dream FC.

Photo Credit: Sophia I. Harari/DMV Elite FC