Freedom Smother Flame

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.

The Freedom's physical play kept the Flame on their back foot the entire game.  Overall, the defensive pressure put forth by the Freedom so far has been remarkable, not allowing a single point for the first 6 quarters of tournament play until PNG snuck one at the end of the third.

The inexperience of the young Flame side led to large packs around the ball and the Freedom midfield took advantage pushing the ball into their forward line, which led to some clever goals.  Jen Cravens kicked a beauty from 40 meters out on the trot, along the boundary for the goal of the match.  Becky Kraft was all over the ground and linked up with Jes Estrada who made her presence felt on the score board with some hard running that led to pay dirt.

After a day off tomorrow, the Freedom will be looking to keep their momentum going against the Canadian Northwind on Saturday.

Photos By: Cirsten Paine