Amsterdam Crusaders capture 22nd national title in gritty Tulip Bowl win over Groningen Giants

AFI | American Football | 07/07/2025

Photo: Jurriaan Hoevenaars

By John Mahnen

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – July 6, 2025 – Under persistent rain and mounting pressure, the Amsterdam Crusaders leaned on experience, ground dominance, and a relentless defense to outlast the upstart Groningen Giants 39–18 in Tulip Bowl XXXIX at Sportpark Sloten. For Amsterdam, it marked their 22nd national title and 30th Tulip Bowl appearance. For Groningen, despite the loss, it was a historic first trip to the championship game—one marked by bold execution, physicality, and a team that will not be easily forgotten.

“This wasn’t just about talent, it was about trust, unity, and the will to finish what we started,” said Crusaders head coach Vito Alfarez after the win. “Today, my team showed heart, strength, and resilience. Every player stepped up, every challenge was met, and we earned every inch of this victory together.”

Photo: Jurriaan Hoevenaars

Early Strike by the Underdogs

Despite being heavy underdogs on paper, the Giants came out swinging. A short, awkward fumbles kickoff by Amsterdam gave Groningen excellent field position. Quarterback Martin Garriga led the Giants to paydirt capping off a short 5 play drive capped off with a touchdown pass to Carl Wolkahof on the endline, giving Groningen an early 6–0 lead. The PAT was no good, but the tone had been set—the Giants were not just happy to be here.

Amsterdam’s opening drive showed promise, especially after a spectacular breakaway run by Cean Sanches took the Crusaders to the Giants’ 2-yard line. But red zone miscues, penalties, and stout goal-line defense forced them into a 29-yard field goal attempt, which sailed wide.

Rain, Flags, and Missed Opportunities

Both teams traded punts and penalties as the skies opened and rain soaked the turf. Repeated holding calls stifled the Crusaders, even as L’Anthony Reasnover began to find rhythm on the ground. On the other side, Tim de Haan kept the Giants offense moving with hard-nosed runs, and early in the second quarter, he broke free for a dazzling touchdown run from 60 yards out to make it 12–3.

Amsterdam responded with a methodical drive highlighted by a long scamper from Reasnover. However, a tipped pass resulted in an interception at the goal line, giving Groningen a chance to pull away. But the Giants returned the favor, throwing a pick of their own on the next possession. This time, Reasnover made no mistake, bursting through the line for a touchdown to bring the Crusaders within two, 12–10.

Photo: Jurriaan Hoevenaars

As the rain intensified, turnovers became a theme. A misjudged backward pass by Amsterdam late in the half was recovered by Evan Yang at the Crusaders’ 9-yard line. But the Giants couldn’t capitalize—three straight incompletions sent them into the locker room up just two points.

“We were engaged and focused in the first half,” said Giants head coach Sam Peek. “But injuries caught up to us. And at the end of the day, having more depth would certainly have helped us in this game.”

Momentum Shift: Third Quarter Belongs to Amsterdam

The second half opened with a nightmare scenario for Groningen. Pinned at their own 5-yard line, a series of penalties backed them into the shadow of their own end zone. When Garriga fumbled under pressure, the ball skittered into the end zone. While the Cru were unable to cover the loose ball for a touchdown the result was a safety, tying the game at 12–12.

From that moment on, the Crusaders took control. Reasnover returned the ensuing squib kick and immediately picked up where he left off, gashing the defense for chunks of yardage. A facemask penalty moved the ball to the Giants’ 9-yard line, and Sanches finished the drive with a short touchdown run. Despite a botched snap on the PAT, holder Mikhail Bruev calmly set the ball, and the kick was good. Amsterdam now led for the first time, 19–12.

On the next Crusader possession, it was Reasnover again—this time with a 27-yard touchdown burst. Groningen’s offense began to stall, overwhelmed by a ferocious defensive effort led by linebacker Travis Fraser, who notched multiple tackles for loss and even took down the Giants’ punter deep in his own territory. Shortly after, Thomas van den Oort—ironically a former Giant—punched in another touchdown run, making it 32–12.

Peek acknowledged the tide turning sharply.

“Players didn’t quit, but the game got away from us. It comes down to coaching. We don’t lose—we learn. And we’ll take this to the next level.”

Photo: Jurriaan Hoevenaars

Late Push, But Amsterdam Slams the Door

To their credit, Groningen kept fighting. Garriga orchestrated a late drive that brought the Giants back into the red zone, and the Spanish signal-caller finished it himself with a bootleg touchdown to make it 32–18. But time was slipping away.

A long kickoff return and several costly penalties disrupted Amsterdam’s next possession, and the Giants had one final chance to claw back. But a failed fourth-down conversion near midfield gave the ball back to Amsterdam. The Crusaders chewed up clock behind bruising runs by Reasnover and Sanches before Reasnover added his third touchdown of the afternoon on a run from eight yards out. That made it 39–18 and all but sealed the game.

Fittingly, the final offensive snap for Groningen ended in a fumble recovered by the Crusaders.

Final Whistle, Lasting Impact

For the Crusaders, it was yet another title in a decorated history. But for Alfarez, it was about more than hardware.

“Games like this are won by inches, and their performance demanded our very best,” he said, praising Groningen. “I have nothing but respect for their effort and potential. I’m genuinely excited to watch their development in the seasons ahead.”

The Giants, despite the loss, leave the field with heads held high. Making the Tulip Bowl for the first time, they proved they belong among the top of the Dutch American football hierarchy. Their future looks bright under Peek’s leadership.