Danube Dragons edge AFC Vienna Vikings in defensive Austrian Football League battle
The Danube Dragons rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat the AFC Vienna Vikings 17-14 in a gritty defensive showdown, leveraging second-half adjustments and clutch scoring drives to secure a pivotal home victory.
Defensive stalemate dominates first half
Both teams struggled offensively in a scoreless opening quarter, trading punts amid stifling defensive stands. The Vikings broke through late in the second quarter when Moritz Riedinger powered into the end zone, followed by Kevin Voznyak’s extra point for a 7-0 lead. The Dragons’ offense sputtered, managing just one first down in the first half as penalties and miscues stalled momentum.
Photo: Alexander Müller
Dragons ignite after halftime
Trailing 7-0, the Dragons regrouped with Thorsten Tannert’s 37-yard field goal early in the third quarter. Momentum shifted decisively when Bernhard Ruscher ripped through the Vikings’ defense for a touchdown, tying the game after Tannert’s extra point. A reinvigorated Dragons defense stifled Vienna’s ground attack, forcing three consecutive punts to open the second half.
Late drama seals victory
Lukas Schramm’s fourth-quarter touchdown catch, set up by rookie Marvin Acenas’ critical reception, extended the Dragons’ lead to 17-7 after Tannert’s conversion. The Vikings answered with Benjamin Spieler’s late touchdown, trimming the deficit to three, but the Dragons’ offense drained the final 1:07 to seal the win.
Key contributions
Ruscher’s physical rushing touchdown and Schramm’s clutch reception anchored the Dragons’ resurgence, while Tannert’s flawless kicking (3/3 PATs, 1 FG) proved pivotal. The Vikings’ Riedinger and Spieler delivered scoring punches, but three second-half drives ending in punts undermined their comeback bid.
Coaches’ perspectives
Dragons head coach Fred Armstrong praised his team’s defensive resilience and second-half execution, crediting the home crowd for energizing the comeback. Vikings coach Benjamin Sobotka acknowledged inconsistent offensive execution but emphasized focus on remaining regular-season games.
