World Footy News

The sibling rivalry between the United States Revolution and Canada Northwind intensified at Royal Park, with a physical match between the teams never in doubt. As the clouds rolled in, so to did the tempers, but it was the Revos who would come away with the valuable win.

In a low scoring affair, the Revolution’s Ryan McGettigan kicked the first and only goal of the opening quarter. Both teams were trying to impose their presence on the match, but the Americans clearly had the competitive edge with the Northwind only able to respond with a behind. Tempers spilled over and a Canadian was yellow-carded, resulting in his absence for ten minutes, and the Canadians having to play a man down. The United States led Canada 1.0 (6) to 0.1 (1) at the first break.

Canada started the second term still a man down, but their performance did not show it, controlling the opening minutes but only being able to capitalise with another behind. The United States wrestled back the momentum later in the quarter and managed to once again kick the only goal of the quarter. United States led Canada 2.2 (14) to 0.3 (3) at half time.

Bryan Dragus opened up the third quarter scoring for the United States marking the ball in the goal square. He kicked the goal to the jeers and boos of the Canadian fans, who thought 45 seconds was too long to tie one’s shoelaces. The Canadian men finally hit back, scoring two goals to bring the margin to just two points at the final break. The United States led Canada 3.2 (20) to 2.6 (18).

The three quarter time huddle was electric, as the Canadian men felt they finally had the momentum and the ability to beat the Revolution. The estimated 200-300 strong crowd seemed to favour the underdog Canadians, but the Revolution fans were still very vocal. The Canadians kicked a behind to bring the margin to a point in the final quarter, but it was all the Revolution from then on. In an anti-climatic finish, the Americans found another gear and kicked the last five goals of the match, showing superior fitness and why they owned the favourites tag.

United States Revolution: 1.0 2.2 3.2 8.3 (51)
Canada Northwind: 0.1 0.3 2.6 2.8 (20)

Goals:
United States: McGettigan 2, Fischer, Dragus, Fashant, Tyebjee, Werner, Sears
Canada: Reynolds 2

Best
United States: Tybejee, Lehane, Wilhelm, Fashant, Johnson, Kastl
Canada: Shaughnessy, Reynolds, Oertel, Settle, Casey, Strom