Russia’s SuperLeague’s Rousing Opening Weekend
[tps_title]Big 5 Division[/tps_title]
St. Petersburg North Legion 6 – Moscow United 14
The other game in St. Petersburg was a much closer encounter. Compared to the last year, the host North Legion have not only re-branded (they used to be called the Vikings), but have also revamped their leadership and coaching staff, landing the national youth team coach Maxim Osokin as their HC as well as some of the country’s most experienced assistants. They gave United (which were viewed as a heavy favorite) all they could handle, playing some tough defense and getting on the board first in the 2nd quarter.
Even after that, United were only able to answer with a help of a pass interference penalty on a 4th down, tying the game at 6 at the half. However, the hosts started running out of luck in the second half, fumbling the ball twice and allowing United to convert a fake punt. The guests scored another passing touchdown in the 3rd quarter to take the lead. And although the guests’ missed field goal in the 4th quarter gave North Legion one final chance, they drove down the field but ultimately turned the ball over on downs, stopping short of an upset.
