2014 U.S. Open - Mixed Day 2 Recap
Charlie Enders
Posted: July 5, 2014 01:26 AM
The consistently annoying Blaine wind came into play on day two of the 2014 U.S. Open. Almost all games became upwind-downwind matches, where an upwind break often all but guaranteed the next downwinder.
Round One
The wind slowly grew stronger throughout round one, and as it did, the games got sloppier. Perhaps somewhat of an equalizer, the wind made a game that many wouldn’t have given a second thought end up on double-game point. Drag’n Thrust (3-0) took on AMP (2-1), and early on, Drag’n was in control, eventually taking a 9-5 lead. But as the wind got stronger, so too did AMP. The Philadelphia club came roaring back to eventually tie the game at 12s. With the hard cap on, AMP started double-game point on defense, pulling upwind. Drag’n patiently worked the disc downwind to midfield when a Sarah Meckstroth dump was just a little too far for James Hron. AMP quickly picked up the disc and sent it deep to an open receiver. The receiver attempted to toe the end zone line, but the observer ruled her to be straddling, and the disc was given back to Drag’n. Again, Drag’n worked it down the field patiently, this time to just outside AMPs end zone. An Austin Lien drop gave the disc back to AMP, who once again couldn’t convert. After another turnover from each team, Drag’n finally closed out the game when captain Austin Lien found co-captain James Hron for the score and a 13-12 victory. Elsewhere, Wild Card defeated Polar Bears 13-9, CLX crushed One 2 One 15-6, and, in a game where neither team ever led by more than two, Union eked out a 14-13 double-game point win over the Ghosts.
Round Two
The wind was in full force by the start of round two, and the scores certainly reflected it. In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, Toronto Union scored the final three points of their game against Wild Card to pull out an 11-10 win. It was Union’s second consecutive double-game-point win and an important game in keeping alive their hopes of making the semifinals. The other games of round two had substantially higher margins of victory. Drag’n defeated The Ghosts 15-11, Polar Bears stomped the ever-positive One 2 One 15-6, and AMP, perhaps emotionally exhausted from their game against Drag’n, was frustrated by CLX’s tight defense. The Iowans crushed the Philadelphians 15-6, bringing CLX, who is still flying as under the radar as CLX ever can, to 4-1 for the tournament.
Round Three
It seems that in each round in the mixed division at this year’s U.S. Open, there are three not-so-close games and one incredibly competitive, double-game point match up. The incredibly competitive game in round three featured CLX (4-1) and Wild Card (3-2). Wild Card led almost the entire game, anchored by great play from Ian Engler and Denis Agniel. With the score sitting at 13-11 in Wild Card’s favor, CLX clamped down. A hold made it 12-13, then after a Wild Card throwaway, Ryan Tucker found Becca Miller in the end zone and tied the game at 13-all. With hard cap sounding, CLX pulled downwind on double-game point. Although the pull landed out the back of the end zone, Wild Card could not take advantage of their bricked field position, and Miller found her way onto the end of a lazy throw from the Bostonians. After a few quick throws, CLX’s Kevin Seiler threw a hammer to Cami Nelson for the break and the win, 14-13. A dejected Wild Card will need a victory over AMP in the morning to secure a spot in the semifinals. Union finds themselves in the same situation after their 6-15 drubbing by Drag’n Thrust. Union will match up with Polar Bears Saturday morning. The Ghosts and One 2 One, both 0-6, are eliminated but will play each other in the last round of pool play, both with an aim of capturing that elusive win. Drag’n Thrust and the Polar Bears have locked up semifinal berths, no matter what happens in the morning.
With more "win and you’re in" scenarios than a World Cup pool, get to the fields early tomorrow, so you can watch all the action for yourself.
Photos
2014 - US Open - Day 2 Highlights - Images by CBMT creative
Images by UltiPhotos
Have any questions or comments? We welcome community feedback and discussion made in a respectful manner. Please refrain from profanity or personal attacks, as such public comments negatively reflect on our sport and community.