The “Mitad del Mundo” American football league has kicked of the 2017 season in Ecuador. This past weekend, the Cuenca Cóndores, one of the oldest teams (formed in 2008) in Ecuador, defeated the Troyanos Club in ‘El Paraíso’ Park 14-6 to start the season on the right foot. The red and black showed that they intend to fight for the national championship.
The team from Cuenca defeated the newcomers in the national league, but it was a tough game for both squads. With the field in a terrible state, the two teams did their best in order but the conditions limited their game plans and both had to make constant changes during all four quarters. In spite of this, it was an interesting game from the beginning to end.
In the first quarter, the Troyanos surprised the Cóndores with a quick attack. They moved the chains and got near the end zone several times, but the experience of the Cuenca squad ended their aspirations of achieving the first win in their history. The Troyanos did manage to score six points and take the lead early but the Cóndores made an incredible comeback scoring two touchdowns to win the game.
Cóndores’ player Robin Ramón mentioned that the Troyanos were really tough but that the experience of their roster helped them to earn the first victory of the season.
Andrés Oleas of the Troyanos:
“We must understand the horrible playing conditions due to the field. The referees were not a problem against the Cóndores but we have to find a way to improve from week to week.”
Next up for the Cóndores is a trip to Santo Domingo to face the Colorados in April 29, wile the Troyanos will travel to Guayaquil for one of the toughest games of the season against the Caimanes in May 6th.
The league has a total of eight teams battling for the national title.