Gameday Recap

2017 Gameday Recaps

vs.
CHICAGO FORCE vs. D.C. Divas
[5/7/2016]

Result: 34-41 L

View Photo Album

Force Lose Heartbreaker 34-41 to DC

Photo Credit: Steve DeGould

CHICAGO IL: For the first time this season a Force game was played in beautiful conditions, unfortunately Chicago’s performance didn’t match the weather. The Force entered the game riding a 4-0 winning streak but had a hard time establishing any rhythm in the first three quarters against the defending champion DC Divas. Chicago trailed 15-20 at halftime and was fortunate to be that close considering the execution failures on both sides of the ball.

The Force offense struggled throughout the first half and at times in the second half as well. Meanwhile Chicago’s defense had some success late in the game against the high octane DC offense, particularly while holding DC scoreless in the 4 th quarter, but failed to get crucial stops at key points in the third quarter when DC stretched their lead to 41-21. A bright spot was Force defender Kim Marks who led the defense with 3 sacks and 6 tackles which earned her the Defensive Game Day MVP.

The Divas were able to shut down Chicago’s league-leading rusher, quarterback Rasan Gore, who managed just 39 yards on 12 carries after averaging 221 yards in the first four games this season. Overall the Chicago offense had 176 rushing yards and 136 passing yards. Special teams generated 235 yards and consistently provided good field position for the Force.

In her season debut, veteran running back Cassey Brick accounted for 122 yards on offense and another 104 on special team returns, winning the Offensive Game Day MVP award for her efforts. Also playing in her first game this year was veteran All-World receiver Jeanette Gray who had 10 receptions for 72 yards, several crucial first downs and also forced a huge pass interference penalty from a DC defender late in the 4 th quarter. Running back Zoe Barnett also contributed 2 touchdowns on 17 and 4 yard runs.

Chicago entered the final quarter trailing 21-41, then staged a furious 4 th quarter rally to pull within a score, but twice squandered opportunities to win by throwing red zone interceptions. The first interception came midway through the 4 th quarter after a DC field goal attempt had fallen short of the goal posts and Force returner Jamie Fornal picked up the ball and advanced it to the DC 13 yard line. An interception at the goal line ended what could have been the tying or go-ahead score. And again with just 10 seconds remaining in the game and Chicago at the Diva’s 10 yard line, a second goal line interception dashed the team’s comeback hopes.

Head Coach John Konecki lamented his team’s sub-par performance “DC is a very good team and you cannot expect to beat them when you are making mental and physical mistakes in each phase of the game. We’re extremely disappointed in the performance of several players and will be making personnel changes this week. ”

Next Saturday May 14 th the Force host the Indy Crash at Lane Stadium at 5pm. A win would secure a 7th consecutive division title for the Force. For tickets and more information please visit chicagoforcefootball.com or call the Force ticket line at 312-371- 7813.


Photo Credit: Steve DeGould