Gameday Recap

Force Trounce Cleveland, Remain Undefeated

Contact: Media Relations (773) 368-4848 / 312-405-4130

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parma, OH.The Chicago Force traveled to Cleveland to take on the Fusion this past weekend and extended their undefeated record to 6-0. With the Chicago Force missing eight starters, the game plan was to establish the running game early and exhaust the Cleveland defense with a punishing ground game.

Jeanette Gray followed up her career receiving game last week by stepping in at quarterback, as she led the Force to a 48-0 victory. Much of the offense was generated by RB Melissa Smith, who leads the league with 19 rushing touchdowns.

Smith scored on an 8 yard run on Chicago's first possession and then punched it in for a 2 point conversion to get the Force on the board early with an 8-0 lead. On the ensuing possession, Smith broke off a 54 yard TD, converting again on the 2 point attempt to go up 16-0 late in the first quarter.

After the kick return, the Fusion quarterback lofted a pass into the flat that CB Dorian Bridges intercepted, giving Chicago the ball at the Cleveland 16 yard line. Moments later Smith scored again on a one yard dive and again converted on the 2 point attempt. With no further scoring before the half, Chicago took a 24-0 lead into the locker room.

The Force continued their domination in the second half by virtue of their running attack. Melissa Smith finished with 189 yards and 4 TD's, and also rushed for the 2 point conversion on all six of the Force touchdowns. She shrugged off dozens of would-be tacklers while following behind the blocks of Tami Engelman, Keesha Brooks and Chaya Barba. Gray ran for a 35 yard TD and also threw to WR Elizabeth Strozinsky for a 9 yard TD completion in the second half.

The Chicago defense was led by Sami Scurto and Elisha Okrey with 8 tackles apiece, and April Fowlkes chipped in with 4 tackles. Overall the defense played well, but at times had lapses in coverage and contain. Ultimately they created three turnovers - the interception by Bridges, and Scurto and Candace Griffin each had a fumble recovery.

“It's always nice to get a win on the road, especially since we were missing so many starters for this game,” said Force head coach John Konecki. “Some components of the game went well but we will need to continue to make improvements in order to compete at the highest levels of the WFA. Sometimes it seems that this team will get a comfortable lead and then go into cruise control. We need to strive to put together an entire game of perfect play.”

The Chicago Force has their next game at home against the Indy Crash on Saturday June 2nd at 5pm at Lazier Field at Evanston Township High School. The field is located at 2285 Church Street, just west of Ridge Avenue across from the school.