May 21, 2013 by Charlie Eisenhood in Recap with 3 comments
Six games of action this week in the AUDL — let’s get right to it.
EASTERN DIVISION
Philadelphia Phoenix 18 – 17 DC Breeze
The Philadelphia Phoenix (3-1) maintain their half game lead over the Empire for 2nd place in the Eastern Division after a tight win over the DC Breeze (2-4) on the road.
The Phoenix trailed the majority of the game, but tied the game late in the third quarter at 13-13 and extended that into a 6-0 run to pull ahead 16-13. The Breeze got back to within one, but couldn’t convert a handful of scoring opportunities in the final minute and fell to the Phoenix for the second time this season.
Matt Esser had five assists, four blocks, and two goals for the Phoenix in 29 points played, the highest in the game.
With the win, the Phoenix continue to position themselves well for a playoff berth. They have yet to face the New York Empire or the New Jersey Hammerheads.
The Breeze are now one and a half games behind the Empire for the third and final playoff spot.
Toronto Rush 28 – 21 Rochester Dragons
The Toronto Rush won their seventh straight game as they continue their quest for a perfect season.
Despite the Rush winning what looks like a bit of a blowout, the Dragons actually put up quite a fight in this game, only trailing the Rush by two at the end of the third quarter.
Toronto’s big name players, however, raised their level down the stretch to pull away from Rochester with two 3-0 runs in the fourth quarter. Cam Harris finished with six assists and two goals; Jeff Lindquist had three goals and four assists. Team captain Mark Lloyd did not play.
A good effort from Rochester wasn’t enough to get past the deep Rush team and the Dragons fell to 2-5.
New York Empire 24 – 16 New Jersey Hammerheads
The Empire rebounded nicely from their 0-2 road trip last week with a comfortable road win over the New Jersey Hammerheads. New York spread out the scoring across the roster and used a much sharper offensive attack to roll past New Jersey in an important midseason test.
Seth Canetti and Izzy Bryant rejoined the lineup and had an immediate impact for the Empire. Bryant had two back-to-back assists early in the game to help New York jump out to an early lead that they would never surrender.
New Jersey, now 1-5, holds the worst record in the league. They have underperformed after an impressive start to the season, a 29-13 victory over Rochester. They continue their homestand for two weeks, facing the Phoenix for the first time and then rematching the Breeze. They need a pair of wins to get back into the playoff conversation.
MIDWESTERN DIVISION
Indianapolis Alleycats 28 – 21 Cincinnati Revolution
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Cameron Brock got a welcome back present — a sorely needed win over the Cincinnati Revolution. Brock, returning to the field after a minor stroke, had three goals and two assists to help the Alleycats snap a three game losing streak.
Keenan Plew was the MVP on this day, notching three assists and five goals, including the above monster layout.
The win put the Alleycats right back into playoff contention. Considering two of their three losses have come to the Wildfire, they are in a very good position to grab the third playoff spot behind Windy City and Madison.
The Revolution fall to 3-4, still holding third place in the Midwestern table.
Madison Radicals 26 – 16 Detroit Mechanix
The Radicals dominated the Mechanix in a revenge game, coming after an early season Detroit upset win over Madison. Madison improved to 4-2.
David Schleicher had five goals, three assists, and no turnovers for the Radicals.
Madison bounced back from a one point loss to the Wildfire last week. They have not lost back-to-back games this season.
The Mechanix have cooled off significantly, losing four straight after a three game win streak. At 3-5, they sit just a half game ahead of the last place team, the Minnesota Wind Chill.
Minnesota Wind Chill 20 – 6 Detroit Mechanix
The Wind Chill snapped a five game losing streak on Sunday with a blowout win over the Mechanix that was cancelled at halftime due to weather.
Although we couldn’t confirm it at press time, a 20 point half may be an AUDL record. 15 different players scored for the Wind Chill as they dominated the Mechanix from start to finish.
The Wind Chill, sitting at 2-5, are still in last place in the Midwest. They have a huge game next week against the Radicals — a win would put them right back into contention. Only two teams — the Wildfire and the Radicals — currently have a winning record in the Midwest. The third playoff spot will be hotly contested.
