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STLAFC closed out the USAFL Regular Season with a match up against Chicago. With the normal grounds at Buder Park reserved for a soccer tournament that magically didn't occur the day it was scheduled for, St. Louis found itself on a smaller field but was exactly what was needed as both side showed lower numbers and the long season of travel and injury limps towards the finish line. After being treated with lower temperatures over the past week, False Fall ran away and the Midwest was graced with Second Summer. 

A shortened field was forgiving on the lungs and legs but was all too kind on players with a long kick. Quick ball movement out of the middle by Alex Tajkowski and Ethan Bradley found Stephen Zenishek in the forward pocket. Zenishek, who had recently taken residence in Yips City was able to book a one-way ticket out of town by securing two goals and a behind in the first term. 

The second quarter saw the same results of the first as St. Louis continued to maintain pressure in the forward half and were strong on the majors and did not see too many behinds. Chicago was able to find open Swans in their forward half but the conversions were not in their favor. The second term ended with STLAFC leading 52 to 24.

Senior Coach Rich Lozano met with the Blues at halftime and toted the third quarter as the "Championship Quarter". Lozano pulled Josh Kandy from the forward half to be an extra force on the defensive end to buckle down and pull away from Chicago in grand fashion. This proved to be a costly mistake as Chicago was able to put in a massive quarter of football from their midfielders and started soaring in goals. Chicago was able to pull their deficit to only two goals. St. Louis might have seen a lead of three goals but James Heuston, after slipping away through the Chicago defense, had an encounter with a rogue gopher that tripped the forward moments before attempting to kick on goal.

After a sledging in the third, St. Louis reverted the line up to match what they had in the first half. Captain Alex Tajkowski left the 4th quarter after a cut below the eyelid but the Blues were able to press on. The siren sounded and the club sang on the 89 to 67 victory.

09/17/2024