Calanda Broncos:37 - Cineplexx Blue Devils:36

Mike making a guy miss on the sideline.

In the best fought game that I have been a part of since coming to Europe in January, we lost a tough battle by one point Sunday afternoon as the Calanda Broncos from Chur, Switzerland (undefeated in the last 25 games and the #8 ranked team in Europe) defeated us on our home field in Hohenems, Austria. The Broncos took the lead 9-0 early in the game, before we would come back off of two straight TD drives to take a 15-9 lead. With the game tied at 15 with 5 seconds left on the first half clock, we scored as time expired on a 9 yard run to go into half time with a 22-15 advantage.

Midway through the third quarter, we would gain a 29-15 advantage with another scoring drive, an advantage that wouldn't last for long. After the Broncos scored once to make it a 29-22 game, they got the ball again on their own 25 yard line. Our defense forced and recovered a fumble on first down that would have given us fantastic field position and a chance to go up by two scores in the fourth quarter. However, an offsides penalty negated the turnover, and they Broncos threw a 75 yard TD on the next play. The subsequent 2 point conversion gave them a one point lead with roughly 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Gustav, our very good Swedish DE, going in for the kill.

We would drive yet again and score to go up by a score of 36-30 with about five minutes left. This turned out to be too much time to give a team that has not lost in over a year and a half, as they would drive down to score and go up by one point with 2 minutes remaining. Our chance at a last second TD was thwarted on a 3rd down INT, and they would simply kneel down from there. A great game with a bad ending for our team. A team of their caliber and reputation finds a way to win close games down the stretch, and now that is something we must learn to do as we strive to find a way to win a Swiss championship. Below you can find the offensive stats from the game on Sunday.

On a brighter note, my dad and brother flew into Zurich on Saturday morning, and spent the weekend with me. They were able to catch the game, and it was absolutely fantastic to see them. I have been away from home since January 18, and it was great to finally see family face-to-face rather than simply on a computer screen. They left to go visit Germany on Monday morning, and my brother will fly back home on Thursday. My dad will be staying another week though, and will catch two more of our games. Definitely excited about that.

Next Sunday we travel to Basel to face the Gladiators, the same team we faced and defeated in Week 1 of the season. This is an important game, as this past Sunday marked our first loss in Swiss play. We need to improve upon our performance and play another solid game in an attempt to go 4-1 in league play this season. It should be an interesting match up, and I am excited to start tonight on another week of preparation.

Hope all is well back in the States, and check back next week for an update on our Basel game.

Go Blue Devils/Boys!
Mitch Niekamp