Freeze Rout Chicago in Intense Rivalry Clash

The Minnesota Freeze continued their strong start to the season Saturday, defeating the Chicago Swans in a hard-fought rivalry match 79-26 on Chicago’s home ground at Waveland Park.

Coming off a strong showing in the Des Moines 10-a-Side Tournament in which the Freeze emerged as champion, the Freeze rolled into Chicago with momentum and their eyes set on avenging a tough 2013 loss to the Swans in Chicago.

“Winning the tournament in Des Moines a few weeks ago was a great start and it included our Club’s first-ever victory over Denver,” said Freeze Head Coach Jason Becker. “The Freeze had an epic come-from-behind victory two years ago in Chicago and then we were beaten handily last year at home. So the boys were definitely set to make it our turn to come out on top.”

The Freeze’s mettle was tested early when the Swans drew first blood, kicking the first goal of the game after a snap at goal took a fortuitous bounce through the goalposts.

“We were definitely caught on our heels in the first minute,” Becker said. “I knew we were better than how we were playing at the start, so I sent the message to the guys to settle down and play like they know.”

The Freeze quickly responded with a goal and never looked back as the players ran in numbers and maintained possession as they moved down the field. Freeze debutant Andrew Marriott racked up a bevy of possessions on the wing in the first half, while Freeze veteran Danny Hansen provided a big target forward.

“Once we settled into our playing style, the players really supported each other,” Becker said. “It was great to see the game plan reinforced on the field.”

While the Freeze entered the halftime break with the sizeable lead, the result remained in doubt. But a strong third quarter stretched the Freeze’s lead to five goals, leaving the Swans with a tall task to overcome in the final term. Another Freeze newcomer, Colin Anderson, was one of the best players on the ground in the second half, dominating the packs with his shifty quickness.

“Colin’s first game of footy was very good. He attacked the ball and used it well,” Becker said.

Other Freeze standouts were ruckman Joe Stauber and defender Brent Mergen. Stauber had the tall task of matching up against USA Revolution ruckman Jason Wilhelm and proved himself worthy of the assignment. Mergen excelled in his usual role as a key defender, but also provided plenty of legs and heart in a midfield role in the second half.

“Joe is a quiet warrior. He plays with tremendous heart, takes care of business, and isn’t distracted by anything outside his mission. He played a great game,” Becker said. “Mergo ran 100 percent through to the end. He has worked hard to prepare and that showed. His effort was inspirational.”

Despite some strong individual performances, the Freeze victory was truly a product of a balanced team that is really starting to gel as they reach the meaty middle of the season. With two home games against Kansas City and Des Moines coming up, there will be plenty of competition for roster spots after a strong showing by all players that made the trek down Interstate 94 to the Windy City.

Final score:
Minnesota Freeze: 11.13.79
Chicago Swans: 3.8.26

Freeze Goal Scorers:
Werner (3), Hansen (2), Curry, Gabiou, Jeffers, McCormack, McCluen, Weaver.

Freeze Best:
Fischer, Werner, Anderson, Mergen, Weaver, Stauber.

Source: MNFooty.com

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