LIVESTREAM Finland: Wasa Royals @ Helsinki Roosters, July 13, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)

| American Football | 07/13/2023

The Helsinki Roosters (2-4) will play host to the Wasa Royals (3-4), Thursday, July 13 as the Finnish Maple League heads into the second half of the season.

These two teams faced each other a week ago with Helsinki coming out on top 43-28.

Currently, Wasa sits fifth in the seven team league while the Roosters are right behind in sixth but with a game in hand.

Following a slow start to the season which saw them lose four of the first five games, the Roosters seem to have begun “righting the ship” as last week’s victory is proof of. A spate of injuries hobbled the team and club management had to shake up the lineup which included the signing of All American wide receiver Danny Kittner (University of Mary, NCAA Div.II) along with Swedish national team cornerback Waraphon Prasopsin. Kittner arrived in time to play against the Royals two weeks ago and definitely had an impact, recording seven catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns in that game. Quarterback Dimitrios Sinodinos threw for 358 yards and four touchdowns in that game while running back Ville Hämäläinen has 21 carries for 96. Helsinki racked up 509 yards of offense against the Royals. Defensively, the Roosters are happy with the return of veteran defensive back Niko Kuikka to the lineup. The team has been allowing 26 points and 302.5 yards a game and will need to improve to have a chance at a playoff berth.

Watch live. Wasa Royals @ Helsinki Roosters, July 13, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)

For Wasa, who started the season winning two of their first three games, but then lost three in a row before beating the winless Helsinki Wolverines last week, this is a critical game. Quarterback Tim Morovick, who has been solid but not spectacular on the season, will need to improve on his performance from the previous matchup when he completed 16 of 33 passes for 170 yards. His main target is Alpha Jalloh and against Helsinki he had seven receptions for 79 yards but did not find the end zone once. Jalloh, the league leader in yards receiving (789) and receiving touchdowns (8) is the key to this offense. Running back Tom Suostes is also a threat and is second in the league in rushing averaging 88 yards a game . He rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns in the last outing against Helsinki. Returning to the lineup is wide receiver Kelvin Godwin as well as defensive back Kasper West. Both will be welcome additions. Defensive lineman DeMarco Artis, who leads the league in sacks by a wide margin with nine (!) will put pressure on the Roosters offensive line.

The game is crucial to both teams in terms of making the playoffs. With half the season remaining, despite poor starts, both teams still have a shot at the post season, but a loss in this one would be a tough blow to either.

Watch live. Wasa Royals @ Helsinki Roosters, July 13, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)

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