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Kangaroos Shrug Off History and Blast Freeze
After the disheartening loss to the Kookaburras two weeks ago, the Kangaroos were facing the possilbilty of going under .500 for the first time this late in the season since five years ago.
On top of that, they were facing the daunting task of staying second in the MAAFL Championship Division and having the slim chance of threatening Chicago to keep from three-peating while staying in the 8th spot in the USFootyNews ladder. And they would have to do so against the Minnesota Freeze, which they have never beaten in three tries, including last year's heartbreaker in Minneapolis losing by 4 pts.
The weather conditions were an about face from two weeks ago with a beautiful sunshine-laden afternoon. The first quarter started with a flurry of scoring when Nick Parker put the Roos on the board early. Not to be outdone, the Freeze scored two goals in rapid succession with Revo team member Zack "Dream" Weaver and Jamie Anderson coordinating well together. Then an all-too-familiar comination got going and would not stop the rest of the day: Dave "Walka" Walker chipped in to Chris "Bagman" Moerman, the leading goal scorer of USFooty with 21 goals, began his day with a beautiful 45 yard goal that the wind carried back into from a wicked angle. The next play saw Damien "What's" Serong "With Tht" kick his first. After a quick behind, Chris scored his second off a turnover on the ensuing kickout.
Minnesota came back with a goal of its own as US Revolution Assistant Coach Jason Becker, but that glory was short-lived as Walker-to-Moerman put another on the board for the Roos. Another goal and a behind by Moerman in the final minutes ended the scoring, but the rout was on. The first quarter marks were even at 13, but scoreboard showed the Kangaroos in control 6.2(38) to 3.0(18).
What ever Coach Marty "Thommo" Thompson talked to the team about after the first break, the team responded by going on a scoring streak that absolutely sent chills up the spines of the Freeze. Scores were coming from everywhere: Neil Cumming "and Going", Walker, and Gilberto "Chimi" Ortiz got the crown of 150 excited. Then Walker and Serong each notched their second and then closed out the half with Moerman's fifth of the game. Meanwhile, The Roos defensive core of Travis "Quig" Quigley, Justin "JD" Davis and Justin White were flawless in keeping the Freeze off the scoreboard, the first since the firs quarte of the Baton Rouge game back in March. The marks were again even at 10. At the halftime break, it was the Kangaroos with a commanding lead 12.4(76) to 3.0(18).
Just when you thought you have seen domination, in comes the third quarter that absolutely shatters records. The Roos kicked an unbelievable nine goals lead by Chris Moerman's five (bringing his total to 10), Ortiz's pair, along with one from Dee "Weeman" Vsetcka, and Captain Luke "Ooga Booga" Nemeth. The lone score of the third quarter for the Freeze was a behind that broke their scoring drought going back to the first quarter. The Kangaroos outmarked the Freeze by an amazing 20-2 and held an insurmountable lead after three quarters 21.8(134) to 3.1(19).
The final quarter began with the first goal from the Freeze who refused to give up, taking the opening tap and the follow up tap and put two more majors on the board thanks to David Irwin and Anderson. The Kangaroos answered with Moerman and two goals from Serong (including mark of the game). Minnesota again found the energy and pride to counter with three goals as they sliced their way through the mifield, finding Weaver once and St. John's star Danny "Panther" Hansen. Serong notched his third of the quarter and fifth overall. Hansen scored one more goal before Nashville finished the scoring with Walker and Moerman (his 12th). Moerman's double-bagger, impressive as it is, amazing is still one short of the record he holds.
While the Roos again won the quarter for marks (12-11), the scoring for the quarter actually went to Minnesota going a perfect six for six, 6.0(36) to 4.2(26). The final score was the second highest in team history for the Kangaroos and the third biggest margin in team history, 27.10(172) to 9.1(55).
The Kangaroos' 27 goals is the second highest in team history as is the the 172 total points. Both are (apparently) the second highest totals in USFooty history as well. The 117-point margin of victory was the seventh largest in team history. Moerman's 12 goals is the second highest total (he has had 13 twice) and tied with Adam Carter's best effort from a decade ago.
With the win, the Kangaroos improve to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the MAAFL Championship Division, which puts them solidly in second place in the MAAFL and a probable upward move in the USFootyNews standings. The next game for the Kangaroos is the first ever match with the Columbus Jackaroos in Columbus, OH on August 8th.
The final home game of the year comes three weeks later when the MAAFL powerhouse Milwaukee Bombers come calling to Elmington Park. Last year, it was the Bombers that knocked the the Roos out of first place and a chance to win their first title since 2002 with a 55-point win in Milwaukee. Game time is set for 2 pm on August 29th.
Scores By Quarter
Kangaroos 6.2(38) Freeze 3.0(18)
Kangaroos 12.4(76) Freeze 3.0(18)
Kangaroos 22.8(140) Freeze 3.1(19)
Kangaroos 27.10(172) Freeze 9.1(55)
Goal kickers:
Minnesota: Danny Hansen 3, Zack Weaver 2, Scott Johnson, Jason Becker,
Jmie Anderson
Nashville: Chris Moerman 13, Damien Serong 5, Nick Parker 3, Gilberto
Ortiz 3, Dee Vsetcka, Luke Nemeth, Travis Quigley
Best on Ground:
MAAFL Votes: 3- Chris Moerman (NAS), 2- Jamie Anderson (MIN), 1- Damian
Serong (NAS)
Minnesota: Jason Becker, Zack Weaver, Jamie Anderson
Nashville: Chris Moerman, Dave Walker, Damian Serong, Luke Nemeth, Travis
Quigley, tie Dee Vsetecka & Justin Davis; Encouragement Award - Cliff
Cosnahan
Umpires:
Field: Grant White
Goal: Alex Benjamin, Toby Persson
Attendance: 150
Injuries: None
