Eagles (8) over Tigers (9) by 2 points

While the weather reports were threatening rain for game time, the rain held off and the temperatures stayed in the upper 60s. According to the preseason WFN Poll there was little between these two teams going in to the match and the score line suggest there was little between them at the end.

The teams were fairly even out of the gate with the Eagles having more shots on goal but the Tigers leading at the change by a few points. The quarter time scores were 1.5 to 2.3. The Eagles had the best of the second quarter but went into the long break with a just a one goal lead. The Eagles had three goals to take their score to 4.6 while the Tigers added one more major to give them 3.6. The young Tigers side fought back hard in the third quarter scoring 2 goals. As the game went on the Eagles showed evidence of their more limited preparation. In the latter part of the third quarter it looked like fatigue would overcome the Eagles. Many were having to stretch their legs and shake off cramps. However, the Eagles finished the third holding a one goal lead. The Eagles finished the third quarter 6.11 and the Tigers were 5.11. The Eagles came out early in the last and scored two quick goals. As they had done all day, the Tigers fought back and there was just a solitary point between the two teams with a couple of minutes remaining. Finally, the Eagles more experienced line up was able to hang on and end with a two point victory. The final scores were the Eagles 9.14.68 to the Tigers 9.12.66. Best for the Tigers were Will Harvey on the wing and Rob Sayre-McCord who took care of Eagles' key forwards. Best for the Eagles were Dwayne Marshall who kicked 2 of the Eagles 9 goals, Greg Borchardt who had one major and Shane Fearson.

First year Head Coach for the Tigers, Jason Heathcote, was very happy with the effort although he would have obviously preferred to end with the W. He had ten guys making their USFooty debut and was particularly impressed with Jordon Lee and Zach Tart. "Jordon played very well with only two months of footy under his belt." According to Heathcote, the Tigers have a lot of room for improvement. In particular, "we have to work on setting up our attacks out of defense." Eagles Head Coach, Matt Bishop, was pretty excited about the win. "I am quite happy with the effort. I am sure everyone in the team realizes this is a great start and is something to build on."

With only 2 points separating the two teams in Raleigh, everyone is looking forward to the return game in DC on June 9. According to umpire Seth McElvaney, "With the Eagles coming off their Division 2 Championship, they are looking to break into Division 1 this year. The Tigers with new blood and a new coach are looking to retain their Division 1 position and improve on their 2006 performance. It should be great season. I just wish all these teams were closer together so we could have these games more often!"

It is not clear how this result is going to effect the World Footy News Top 10 poll. Maybe the more interesting question is whether voters are taking notice of the Atlanta Kookaburras. In early going, Kookaburras lead the USFooty points table with two wins and are looking for the third against Florida on Saturday. The two leading goal kickers are Atlanta's Justin Diamond and James Batten, each with 5 goals. Atlanta's Damian Sheehan is leading the MVP race with 6 votes.

Article courtesy www.worldfootynews.com

- Chris Adams
(897)