On Saturday May 30, the Milwaukee Bombers opened up their 2009 season on the road against the Minnesota Freeze. The game began at 2pm on a beautiful day at Lake Noomis Park in Minneapolis. The Freeze outplayed and outscored the Milwaukee Bombers 84-14. In their opening game of the 2009 season, the Bombers looked drastically different than how they ended the 2008 season. The Bombers lost 10 starters from last season meaning the opening match against the Freeze was the first big game action for the majority of the team. The Bombers also welcomed former St Louis Blues and Revolution player Dan Sarbacker as he recently moved to Madison WI. For Minnesota, they were looking to consolidate their position in the MAAFL after entering the league in 2008.
In the first quarter Minnesota had the run of the play with big men winning the taps and their defense staying on top of the Milwaukee forwards. However, they weren't able to get out to a big lead. The quarter ended Minnesota 1.3 (9) to Milwaukee 0.0 (0).
It was a great match up in the middle with the Revo mid-fielders on both sides including Andy Vanica, Ross Seigel and Dan Sarbacker for Milwaukee. For the Freeze, Revolution players Ryan Marx, Danny Hansen, and Zack Weaver all showed why they represent the USA. Weaver was quick and dangerous throughout the whole game, Marx showed speed and agility getting to the ball, and Hansen was strong and powerful in his marks and open runs. Both Weaver and Hanson had strong runs up field with the ball, highlighted by Weaver’s four-bounce run and kick. Chris Jahnke had the job of stopping Milwaukee ball winner Ross Seigel. Minnesota was able to put up 3 unanswered goals in the second to take control of the game. At the half, it was Minnesota 4.3 (27) to 0.1 (1).
Minnesota continued their dominance in the third quarter putting on another 4 goals and holding Milwaukee scoreless. At the last break it was Minnesota 8.5 (53) to Milwaukee 0.1 (1).
While the Freeze controlled the majority of play, Milwaukee’s day was highlighted by newcomer Adam Kanack, who came to the Bombers three weeks prior and has quickly picked up the game of footy. Kanack spent the day in the ruck giving up four inches and roughly 50 pounds but held his own while earning BOG recognitions. Jason Kmiecik, also new to the Bombers, spent his day chasing Revolution player Danny Hansen. Despite the good efforts, Hensen was able to break away down the wings and put up three goals for the Freeze. Milwaukee forward Tommy Walker celebrated his first footy game with the Bomber’s first six points. Milwaukee was able to add another goal, but still lost the quarter with Minnesota putting on another 4 goals. At the final it was Minnesota 12.9 (81) to Milwaukee 2.2 (14).
Said Milwaukee President Andy Vanica, “We expected the Freeze to play well as Coach Becker always does a good job in preparing his team. They did an excellent job with footy basics…marking, running to receive the ball, handballing. It always seemed they had Johnny-on-the-spot to pick up the ball when it squirted out from the pack. The quick handballs created a lot of open space which made it hard to match up and keep up.”
Minnesota Head Coach, Jason Becker thought the game went well. "I was very pleased with our back six. For the most part, the fullback line kept the ball in front and they're starting to see the boundary as their friend. The halfback line shared the ball well without overcooking the handballs. They kept moving, generated some run and, for the most part, handballed just enough to get a decent kick. Marx was a big target in the middle and, while well guarded, Hansen kept running into space on the wings, up forward and even occasionally to the fat side. Once our center and half-forward lines realize a top-side kick is a good option, we should be able to take it up a notch."
Minnesota 1.3 4.3 8.5 12.9 (81)
Milwaukee 0.0 0.1 0.1 2.2 (14)
GOALKICKERS
Minnesota: Danny Hansen 3, Ryan McCluen 3, Ryan Marx 2, Kevin Crane 1, Scott Johnson 1, Zachary Weaver 1, Aaron Zinnel 1.
Milwaukee: Tommy Walker 1, Cory Malchow 1.
BEST PLAYERS
Minnesota: Chris Jahnke, Danny Hansen, Ryan Marx, Zachary Weaver, Anthony King, Ryan McCluen.
Milwaukee: Dan Sarbacker, Andy Vanica, Adam Kanack, Cory Malchow, Tommy Walker.
Field Umpires: Steve Arnott, Pete Davies.
