Submitted by Troy Anthony on August 22, 2011 - 12:23am
It was obvious before the game that the Freedom were flat. The spark that was there before the games against Australia and PNG was missing. Later review had some comment that the recovery session in the surf made them more tired than normal, a few players had colds exacerbated by Sydney's wet weather, little injuries were niggling, and we'd been on the road for 10 days. Whatever it was, the Freedom didn't start well. And Canada did. A goal within 30 seconds against the wind was a dream start for them. To follow that up a few minutes later was a nightmare for the Freedom.
The Freedom have claimed third place in the inaugural women's International Cup after defeating Papua New Guinea Flame 4.3 (27) to 1.2 (8). In a re-match of second round clash the Freedom experience again proved to be too much for the young Flame side. The Freedom midfield controlled the game with gutsy performances by Eileen Geoghegan, Becky Kraft, Helen Spink and Jen Cravens. Leading goal kicker Lindsey Kastanek added 2 more to her team leading total.
Both the Revolution and Freedom will be playing for a 3rdplace finish to the International Cup after coming up short in their semi-final matches today. The Revolution v Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes match generated an energetic buzz at Royal Park. The Premier of Victoria Mr. Ted Baillieu was on hand for the coin toss, AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou was seen around the Revolution quarter time huddle and International Cup Ambassador, Brett Kirk gave the three quarter time speech.
In a remarkable and memorable day in USAFL and Revolution history the impressive Revos dominated the South African Lions 7.14 (56) to 2.6 (18) and continued their run towards a shot at their first International Cup title. With a special visit from US Ambassador, Jeffrey Bleich in the locker rooms before the game, the Revolution came out pumped up.
The Revolution vs. South Africa Lions game has been selected by the AFL to be the curtain raiser for Sunday’s Sydney Swans vs. St. Kilda Saints at ANZ Stadium. Coach Matt Bishop summed up the experience, “The game against South Africa is a fantastic opportunity for the squad to play a game with such high stakes at a state of the art venue, one that most Australians will never get.” An additional highlight on the day will be a visit by US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich who will address the team prior to the game and perform the coin toss.
The Freedom continued their winning ways with a convincing win over the Papua New Guinea Flame on Thursday night at Blacktown by a score of 6.5 (41) to 1.0 (6). Under the bright lights the Flame had trouble finding their way against the more experienced Freedom side. With the win the Freedom are 2-0 and second on the ladder trailing only Ireland by percentage.
Lindsey Kastanek kicked the first goal and the Freedom never looked back in their impressive International Cup debut victory over the Australian Indigenous Multicultural team. Playing in rainy conditions the US women played an agressive style and displayed great teamwork to run out winners by the score of 10.12 (72) to 0.0 (0).
USAFL umpire Jon Mills is currently in Australia at the International Cup where he has had the opportunity to umpire players from around the world. Teams that he has umpired so far include, Canada and Ireland on the women's side, Great Britain, Timor Leste and Ireland on the men's side. 
