The Chicago Force recorded one of the biggest wins in franchise history May 1, defeating the defending IWFL champion Kansas City Tribe—the same team that eliminated the Force from the 2009 playoffs—14-12 at Winnemac Stadium.
"This is a huge win as we are now the only undefeated team ( 4-0 ) in our region," said Chicago General Manager Linda Bache. "Kansas City is the defending champion, so this puts us in pretty good position for a playoff run."
Chicago quarterback Sami Grisafe gave the home fans something to cheer about in the second quarter with a two-yard touchdown carry, the first points of the battle.
The Force scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown late in the third quarter, as Grisafe again crossed the goal line for the TD as Chicago built a 14-0 lead.
"This was an extremely physical game, just the way we wanted it to be," Bache said. "When you're bigger and stronger than your opponent, you have to assert that dominance. After watching game film of Kansas City, we felt they were vulnerable to an old-fashioned power offense. So, for the most part, we put aside our passing game and pounded the ball up the middle. As expected, they were unable to contend with our size and blocking prowess. We beat them up pretty good. We only threw the ball in a few select situations, but all three completions by Sami Grisafe were for first downs."
The Tribe got on the scoreboard with :55 seconds left in the third with a 12-yard touchdown completion. However, on the extra point attempt, the Tribe was called for holding, moving the ball back to the 25-yard line. Force special teams player Jessica Kirincich blocked the second attempt making the score 14-6.
The Tribe struck again with less than 2 minutes remaining to play, making the score 14-12, but Kansas City's attempt for a two-point conversion, which would have tied the score, was called for an illegal formation moving the ball back 10 yards. On the second attempt at two, Kansas City's throw was intercepted by defender Katie Romano.
"I'm so proud of each and every player and coach on this team," said Chicago coach John Konecki. "I told everyone that we weren't going to just knock on the door but were going to knock it down. We did that and more."
Chicago running back Carolyn Lee carried 23 times for 103 yards, including a 39-yarder. Darcy Leslie, a defensive end, came over to offense to carry 12 times for 56 yards.
The Force defense was led by Alisha Brennon, Angie Bandstra, Darcy Leslie and Amanda Malsch—all getting sacks on the Tribe quarterback.
"Our coaching staff has done an excellent job expanding the playbook and preparing for each opponent," Bache said. "It was clear that Kansas City was not ready for the things we implemented. Our team is very balanced this year - we don't have any superstars, but we do have a full roster of very good players. Consequently, we have a lot of different sets that we run and we're able to utilize players in various ways."
The Force will travel to the Minnesota Vixens on Saturday, May 8. Game time is 7 p.m. Chicago's next home game is May 22.
