The Helsinki Roosters (1-3) snapped a six-game losing streak stretching back to 2025 Saturday night, defeating the East City Giants (1-3) 27-6 in a Finnish Maple League rivalry game as the home team relied on timely defense, a dominant running game and a confidence-building performance to earn its first victory since August of last year.
The loss was the third straight for the Giants, whose offense was held to its lowest point total of the season.
Roosters capitalize early
The Giants threatened to strike first, marching deep into Helsinki territory on their opening possession before Ilmari Ikäheimo intercepted K’Hari Lane at the Roosters one-yard line.
That turnover completely changed the game.
Starting deep in its own territory, Helsinki responded with an impressive 99-yard touchdown drive that ended with quarterback Ambro Urjanson scoring on the ground to give the Roosters a 7-0 lead.
The Giants moved the ball effectively throughout the first half behind the connection between Lane and Ronny Lindroos, but costly mistakes proved expensive. A touchdown run by Lane was erased by a holding penalty, Aku Kattainen blocked the ensuing kick attempt, and after Lindroos finally reached the end zone, a botched extra-point snap left ECG trailing 7-6 at halftime.
Defense takes over
The second half belonged almost entirely to the Roosters defense.
After averaging 27 points per game entering the contest, the Giants were shut out after halftime as dropped passes, turnovers and the injury to Lane stalled the offense. The absence of receiver Oskari Suoniemi also limited the visitors’ options in the passing game.
Waraphon Prasopsin joined Ikäheimo with an interception, while Onni Kärki led the Roosters with eight tackles to help preserve the lead.
Ground game seals it
With D’Angelo Durham sidelined after taking a hit, Lassi Pajarinen stepped into the lineup and immediately made an impact, scoring a touchdown as Helsinki’s offensive line took control of the line of scrimmage in the second half.
Rene Rautiainen continued to be Urjanson’s favorite target, hauling in eight receptions and a touchdown while earning the game’s most outstanding player honors. Kicker Anssi Ruohonen added nine points as the Roosters steadily pulled away.
Although far from a flawless performance, the victory provided a much-needed boost for Helsinki, which now heads into its bye week with renewed confidence after finally ending its lengthy losing streak.