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Florida Takes Down Kangaroos in First Visit to the Sunshine State 73-39
Now in their 13th season, the Nashville Kangaroos went to Florida, prepared to play in their 150th game all time, entering the day with a mark of 92 wins and 57 losses all time. You didn't know that? Check out the complete details here: Team History & Records. These two teams met on the field for the first time last season when Florida brought a strong squad to Elmington Park and the Roos prevailed, 14.12(96) to 4.8(32) in a match that was close until the final quarter.
Thus, the Roos entered the match with high expectations after a dominating win over Baton Rouge in their first foray of the season. Despite losing a number of key players to other commitments, the Roos expected to overcome the usual challenges of an away game.
The Roos took the field hoping to grab an early lead with quickness and aggression. The Florida United team (made of up the Florida Redbacks and the Ft. Lauderdale Fighting Squids) had a similar strategy that proved more effective in the first half. Florida, led by Alex Mirakian and CJ Morton were able to create distance from their opponents when Florida won the ball. When the ball was in a 50-50 situation, Florida players were harder at the ball and more focused. In the first quarter, Florida took advantage of the wind and had most of the ball, but inaccurate kicking (most surprisingly from ex-Kangaroo goal kicker Janni "I kick goals" Mirosavich) left them with a lead of only 16 points, 3.5 (23) to 1.1 (7).
In the second quarter, the Rooboys had to make their own wind as the breeze from the previous quarter mysteriously abated. The toughness of both teams across the middle reduced the scoring shots to two a side for the quarter as With dominating play from Florida's Ryan McGettigan and Phil Matich matching the physical play of Roo Rookie Todd "Tonka" Haralson and Luke "Ooga Booga" Nemeth. Except for back-to-back questionable infringements leading to a Florida major being scored from the goal square just seconds before the horn, the Roos won the quarter. The difference between the teams was still manageable at half time: Florida 5.5 (35), Nashville 2.2 (14).
At last the Kangaroos displayed some of their skill and teamwork in the third quarter. With smooth transitions and long and accurate kicks, the Kangaroos forwards began to dominate. Chris "bagman" Moerman ventured far out of the goal square to reverse roles with Mischa Nemeth, kicking long to give Mischa opportunity for a great mark in front of goal. Mischa soon returned the favor, and the two Roo key forwards had scored the first two goals of the second half. With an impressive passage of play involving Dee "Weeman" Vsetecka and Damian "What's Serong With That", Moerman added the Roos' third consecutive goal. The Roos' tails were up, as they had narrowed the margin to only three points early in the third quarter.
However, Florida rebounded relentlessly, starving the Roos' strong forward line. In a revival that disheartened their rivals, the Florida forwards responded with four unanswered goals, including three to Ryan Morton to complete the premiership quarter with a startling 27 point lead, 9.6 (60) to 5.3 (33).
The final quarter was dour. Florida flooded the back line to hang on to their imposing lead, while the Roos seemed exhausted from the reversals of the third quarter. With only four scoring shots between the two teams, little of consequence had changed on the scoreboard at the final whistle. Florida were delighted to have won their first game of the season against a strong opponent. The Nashville Kangaroos were determined to learn what lessons they could from the defeat.
Quarter-by-quarter scores
Florida 3.5 (23) Nashville 1.1 (7)
Florida 5.5 (35) Nashville 2.2 (14)
Florida 9.6 (60) Nashville 5.3 (33)
Florida 11.7 (73) Nashville 6.3 (39)
Goals
Nashville: Chris Moerman (3), Gilberto Ortiz, Mischa Nemeth, Luke
Nemeth
Florida: Ryan Morton (5), CJ Morton (2), Cam Freeman, Janni Mirosevich,
undetermined (2)
Best On Ground
Nashville: Chris Moerman, Luke Nemeth, Damian Serong, Dee Vsetecka, Nick
Parker, Neil Cumming
Florida: Jarred Fegan, Ryan McGettigan, Phil Matich, Jarnie, CJ Morton
Umpires
Josh Goodstein, O.C.
Attendance
40
Injuries
Neil Cumming (hand)
