This past weekend both the Philadelphia Spinners and the Portland Stags were put in competitive games. At the end of the weekend both teams emerged still undefeated at 3-0. The Spinners survived another valiant effort put up by the Washington D.C. Current as they are continuing to build chemistry. The Stags demolished the Vancouver Nighthawks and overcame a three point halftime deficit to defeat the Seattle Rainmakers. Back in the east, the defending champions handed the New York Rumble their second straight loss as the Boston Whitecaps look to be shaping up an all out battle with the Spinners for the rest of the season.
#1 Portland Stags: 3-0
Last Week: #1 Change: +0
The Stags may not lose another Western Conference game this season. This past weekend was the biggest chance that a team had to knock off Portland. Seattle, which is arguably the second best team in the conference, got them at home on the back-end of a the doubleheader weekend. For a good while it appeared that Portland was going to fall, but 10 second half breaks brought the team back into the game and eventually led to the victory. The team's offense got tested for the first time this season having their OSE being under 50%. Ben McGinn (3 goals, 7 assists, 1 block) saw a greater role against Seattle, as once again Cody Bjorklund was limited by the defense of Cam Bailey. The only big test remaining on the Stags schedule is their Week 7 road trip to Boston. They have the San Francisco Dogfish at home this week.
#2 Philadelphia Spinners: 3-0
Last Week: #2 Change: +0
Traveling to the 'Dojo' is never an easy trip for opponents, no matter how strong the home D.C. team is on the year. The game highlighted the coaching ability of first year head coach Daryl Stanley. From the start, Philadelphia made D.C.'s offense uncomfortable. They were able to generate throwaways and limit their offense to five goals in the first half, with the Current defense netting two breaks. The lead that the Spinners was able to build was too much for the Current to overcome. Throughout the game, Matt Glazer was always left open in the end zone, giving the Spinners offensive holds at key points in the match. Another point of emphasis for the Spinners, this was a 'team win.' In the game 21 of the team's 22 players played 10 or more points.
#3 Boston Whitecaps: 2-1
Last Week: #3 Change: +0
Boston completely controlled the Rumble from the start. In the first three quarters Boston had 12 breaks and New York only had seven holds. In the final frame, the Rumble were able to make the score more respectable with three holds and three breaks. The team's efficiency on defense of 50% was the difference maker. Both teams had the same number of blocks and the same number of holds by the end of the game. In addition no one played more than 15 or fewer than eight points for Boston. Younger players, Davis Whitehead (3 goals, 2assists) and Nick Murphy (2 assists) were able to step up in this game, helping the team prepare for an upcoming bye.
#4 Washington D.C. Current: 0-2
Last Week: #4 Change: +0
No wins and two home losses on the year, many will probably want to throw the Current in the tank this early in the season. If this was last year's team there would be no doubt that the team would be in trouble. However, the new-look Current has been able to hang with the two teams they will be battling with for a playoff spot with less than two months of practice with each other. While the offense struggled early, the world got to see what the O-line looks like with Lloyd Blake at the helm. In the second half they were all quick scores, allowing them a chance to climb back in the game. The defense looked strong but the athletic blocks we saw in Week 1 were non-existent. Generating turnovers is always a strong component for playoff teams, and there where 19 in this matchup, yet it was only reflected in 7 blocks.
#5 Seattle Rainmakers: 0-2
Last Week: #5 Change: +0
This should have been the best chance for the Rainmakers to knock off the Stags in the regular season. However, they were missing their superstar, Khalif El-Salaam. Despite him missing the game, Seattle still almost pulled out the upset at home. They were rolling in the second quarter with three straight breaks, Cam Bailey scoring the final two. The offense faltered in the final half, missing some of the team's veteran presence. This week the Rainmakers begin a three game stretch of where they play the Nighthawks every weekend. It will give the team a chance to not only get their first win of the season but climb back up in the standings.
#6 San Francisco Dogfish
Do not sleep on the Dogfish this week against the Stags. I do not have them getting the win but it will be closer than many may expect. A full week off to prepare and three games of film to study against the Stags give some favorable nods toward San Fran. This game will be a learning experience as they will follow this game up with another bye to face Portland at home again the week after.
#7 New York Rumble: 0-2
Last Week: #7 Change: +0
Over half of the team's blocks came from one player. Marques Brownlee had six of the team's 11 blocks. The Rumble was able to get the Whitecaps to turnover the disc 20 times in the game, netting their defensive turnover efficiency of 53%. That stat alone will give the team a chance to build up a run during the remainder of the season. Scoring appears to be the only problem. This weekend they travel for their lone doubleheader week on the season. First up D.C. where both teams are looking for their first win, and then they head to Philadelphia.
#8 Vancouver Nighthawks: 0-2
Last Week: #8 Change: +0
Four points. That is the most points Vancouver scored in a quarter this past weekend. The team is continuing to find their rhythm, still early in the season. Having 29 turnovers does not bode well for a team, especially when 14 of them were not off of blocks. The Nighthawks are still playing with fairly open lines, looking to find out who works well together. Taylor Nadon (38/41 throws) and Sascha Luo (46/48 throws) are shaping up to be the team's main handlers. With limited turnovers by the pair, the team will have a strong base to build going forward in the season. On the defensive side they will have to score off turnovers to have a chance to battle back in the west. There was only one break by the team on the weekend.
Final Thoughts
Real intriguing matchup in the west where San Francisco travels to Portland. Not many have the Dogfish winning but it will put some perspective on if Portland can run the table in the west while if the Dogfish can compete with the Rainmakers for a playoff spot. The Rumble will travel on their doubleheader weekend to D.C. and Philadelphia. This gives the Current a chance to get their first victory, the Spinners a chance to continue their best start in franchise history, and the Whitecaps a bye. Meanwhile the Rainmakers host the Nighthawks where the winner gets their first victory.