USA vs Canada Writeup

The US National Australian Rules football team, the American Revolution,
extended their winning record over Canada to 3-0 on the 30th July 2000 at
Centennial Park in Toronto, Canada, with a solid 25 point win in a
rain-affected match.

The US team was made up of 25 American Citizens, representing 13 of the
USAFL affiliated clubs. The team was co-captained by Ron Miller from
Chicago (the only player to have played in all three internationals), and
Deron Lien from Inland Empire. Both Deron and Ron had been co-captains in
1999.

On the Saturday a team meeting was held where many of the players and
officials met for the first time. After lunch came a training session,
then in the evening the official function, where players from both teams
were presented.

The starting lineup was announced at a Sunday morning team meeting, then
the players travelled to the ground in time to support the US team in the
all-star curtain raiser game, where the US ran out winners over the
Canadians.

With about an hour to spare, the new US match uniforms finally arrived
after being misplaced by the airlines for more than a day.

As the game was underway, light drizzle started to fall, producing
slippery conditions, which continued throughout the game. Despite this,
the intensity, skill level and commitment of both teams was very high.
Both teams scored one goal in the first quarter, the US goal coming from
Matt Dainauski. At quarter time the US led 1-4 (10) to 1-2 (8).

The Revolution dominated the second quarter, holding Canada scoreless,
and gaining what would be a decisive advantage. Matt Dainauski scored
twice, and Donnie Lucero snapped an inspiring bouncing goal from inside
the centre square, to give the US a lead of 4-7 (31) to 1-2 (8).

The Canadians fought back in the third quarter, posting their second goal
for the match, to reduce the margin to 20 points, 4-10 (34) to 2-2 (14).

As the rain continued to fall, the Revolution peppered the goals in the
final term, scoring 7 further behinds to Canada's 2, to run out 25 point
winners 4-17 (41) to 2-4 (16).

The Revolution's win was a great example of an all-round team effort,
with every player contributing to the victory, and in trying to list best
players, the old adage "all played well" was entirely appropriate. The
umpire's award for US best on ground went to Kyle Weir for his brilliant
half-forward performance, and the US coaches panel chose Charley Ellis as
the coaches award recipient for his excellent on-ball effort.

- Gary Hill
(49)