It took Philadelphia four seasons to return atop of the ultimate world. It also took a new league, four years of hosting but not playing in the title game, a cycle of new players, and a new coach but the Philadelphia Spinners are now Major League Ultimate champions. In front of their fans, the Spinners took down the Western Conference Champion, Portland Stags 14-11 at Franklin Field.
In the third quarter Portland came out matching the Spinners point for point. Halfway through the Stags were on offense needing a big hold. It would be the difference between tying the game at nine or a two point deficit for the Stags. A smothering defensive line by Philadelphia slowed up the Stags from a quick conversion. In the Stags first possession two fouls were called against the Spinners on their downfield defense, not allowing any open cuts for Portland. After a minute in a half of single possession offense, the Stags only managed to gain 15 yards forcing a timeout from Western Conference Coach of the Year Danny Quarrell.
Off the timeout, it gave both teams a chance to reload, including the defensive unit of the Spinners. Portland quickly got moving and immediately put one downfield to Western Conference MVP Cody Bjorklund at the corner of the endzone. Holding position, and taking advantage of a floaty throw from Timmy Perston (one goal, one assist, two blocks), Charlie McCutcheon of the Spinners was able to knock the disc away. This ended a minute and forty second possession for Portland that did not result on a score.
Eventually McCutcheon (two goals, two blocks) would score the goal for the D-line of Philadelphia. It would be the first of three breaks in a row for the Spinners to close out the quarter.
Throughout the day McCutcheon was able to limit the impact of the league's scoring title holder. Although he was not the only Spinner matched up against Bjorklund, the West MVP never fully got into the game. Bjorklund (one goal, one assist, one block) had been the focal point of Portland all season and in this game he was limited to touching the disc only 14 times which resulted in nine completions, two throwaways, a throw in a block, a drop, but only one goal.
With McCutcheon shutting down the best player in the West, including two blocks and two break goals, he was awarded the 2016 MLU Championship Game MVP. He becomes the first defensive player to win the award in championship history.
And here they are! Your MLU 2016 Champions! #MLUChamp Go Spinners! pic.twitter.com/0B0ekZEqTb
— Philly Spinners (@PhillySpinners) July 17, 2016
The callahan made it interesting late, but with a three minute and two minute possession, the Spinners were able to hold on to the 14-11 victory.
People came to watch frisbee. @MLUltimate pic.twitter.com/dz045Fo9wP
— Nic Darling (@nicdarling) July 16, 2016
West Defensive Player of the Year Peter Woodside lead the game with three total blocks but was unable to get productive on offense. The other MVP in the matchup, Billy Sickles, was held to a goal, an assist, a block and 14/18 throwing.