Gameday Recap

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Force Lose Road Game to KC

Kansas City, MO. The Chicago Force traveled to Kansas City this past Saturday and lost 30-14 in an ugly game played in stifling 90 degree heat. A win would have secured the Midwest Division title and a playoff spot for the Force, but that opportunity was lost in a flag-filled debacle in which nothing seemed to go right for Chicago.

Chicago won the battle in most statistical categories such as total first downs, time of possession, and 3rd down, 4th down and red zone conversion percentages. But Force turnovers (two fumbles and four interceptions), throws into double coverage and several key dropped passes kept the Chicago offense from capitalizing on their many promising drives.

Chicago’s defense was very effective against the run, limiting the Tribe to 12 yards rushing. Linemen Jamie Menzyk and Keesha Brooks, and LB Amber Burns led the defensive effort. Unfortunately, poor pass coverage and numerous missed tackles allowed KC to amass 398 passing yards – all four Tribe touchdowns came on passes.

Since losing their starting RB to a season-ending injury, the Force offense has struggled to find an every down runningback. In the second half, defensive stand-out Darcy Leslie lined up in the backfield and provided an immediate boost to the offense. Leslie carried 12 times for 67 yards, The highlight was a spectacular 34 yard carry in which she ran over 2 linebackers, cut past the safety and dragged a fourth defender with her to the 14 yard line. She managed all of that with just one shoe, having lost the other to the first would-be tackler. Leslie finished off the drive with a 14 yard TD run to finally get Chicago on the scoreboard midway through the 3rd quarter, KC 20 - Chicago 7.

QB Sami Grisafe returned to action after missing four weeks due to an injury and completed 30 of 54 pass attempts for 249 yards. Albi Zhubi took several snaps at QB in the second half and completed her only pass attempt for a TD early in the 4th quarter, bringing the Force within a touchdown at 20-14. However, two subsequent turnovers in the 4th quarter ended any chance for the Force to come back and win.

“The opportunities were there to win the game and we weren’t able to capitalize,” said Head Coach John Konecki, ”and when you have 6 turnovers, you lose.“

The Force have a bye week to prepare for their final regular season game at home against the arch rival Detroit Demolition on June 13th. A win will secure a spot in the playoffs and potentially still allow the Force chance at the division title. Game time is 3pm at North Park University.