World Footy News

(Louisville, KY) Day 1 of the USFooty National Championships was a fabulous sunny day with a light breeze. Hot pies and cold beers were selling like hotcakes at the City of Louisville Champions Park. The day saw 4 fields hosting 4 men's divisions and 1 women's division.

The 2 and 0 winners on the first day of round robin play in Division 1 were the top 2 seeds from each group. In Group 1, the San Diego Lions won their two games in fairly convincing fashion. Golden Gate came pretty close, but Chicago couldn't stay with the 2006 Champions. The New York Magpies were able to hold off Chicago in a very closely fought game. The New York Mapgies had a easier time against the Golden Gate Roos. The Denver Bulldogs easily accounted for the OC Bombers and although they started slower against Boston they were able to win in the end. The Baltimore Washington Eagles had harder time against both the Demons and the Bombers and were behind the Bombers at the half, but they finished both games in convincing fashion.

Day 1 games set up two great "semi-finals" on Sunday with San Diego taking on New York and Baltimore Washington taking on Denver. San Diego looked like the class outfit that they have been all year. New York was a little lucky to beat Chicago. In Group 2, BWE and Denver set things up for a classic USFooty encounter. Denver looked very impressive led by new USFooty President Rich Mann. Their backline of Jim Baldwin and Tom Ellis came to play as did Matt Daniuski who was like a freight train leading out from full forward. The Eagles were up and down all day. Dwayne Marshall was a huge asset in the forward pocket with some beautiful goals. Dennis Ryan and Chris Carroll went in for the hard ball all day.

In Division 2, the Minnesota Freeze have been a revelation taking two wins in their group. The Freeze's B-side also took 2 wins in Division 4. Atlanta and Seattle also finished the day with 2 wins setting up some great games in Division 2.

OC Bomber stalwart, Chris Olson, whilst disappointed with his club's two losses, summed up the day perfectly saying "I just love this game". The tournament continues today.