Finland: Helsinki Roosters grind out defensive win over Kuopio Steelers in soggy Velodrome clash

The Helsinki Roosters (2–1) edged the Kuopio Steelers (1–2) 13–9 in a rain-soaked Finnish Maple League defensive slugfest at Helsinki’s Velodrome, overcoming offensive struggles with a relentless pass rush and one explosive play to climb above .500.

Defensive dominance seals ugly win
The Roosters defense authored this victory, sacking Steelers quarterback KHari Lane nine times and holding Kuopio scoreless in the second half. Defensive end Joni Kotro (2 sacks) and linebacker Alex Herriot (12 tackles, 2 sacks) terrorized the backfield, with Kotro earning game MVP honors. The unit also produced a safety when Lane intentionally grounded the ball in his own end zone under pressure. Cornerback Waraphon Prasopsin added an interception, stifling Kuopio’s lone promising drive.

One play salvages stagnant offense
Helsinki’s offense mustered just 174 total yards, but Bryce Nunnelly’s 81-yard touchdown sprint – triggered by Steelers corner Iiro Pekkarinen slipping on the slick turf – accounted for nearly half their production. Quarterback Ambro Urjansson labored in the conditions (7/19 passing, 1 INT), while the ground game managed 58 yards. Kicker Anssi Ruohonen provided critical insurance with a 34-yard field goal.

Steelers’ missed opportunities pile up
Kuopio outgained Helsinki 252–174 but unraveled in key moments. Lane (9/34, 1 INT) faced constant pressure behind a patchwork line missing center Ethan Greenfield, while Pekkarinen’s botched coverage on Nunnelly and a missed 42-yard field goal epitomized their frustration. Replacement center Isaak Marshall performed admirably after Kasper Bakker’s injury, but Kuopio finished 0/3 in the red zone. Linebacker Adam Callahan (8.5 tackles) anchored a defense that limited Helsinki to 2.9 yards per carry.

Standout performances

• Roosters: Kotro’s disruption (2 sacks, 3 TFL) and Nunnelly’s game-breaking TD.
• Steelers: Marshall’s emergency center play and Callahan’s sideline-to-sideline effort.

What’s next
The Roosters travel to face the Porvoon Butchers (1–2) seeking offensive consistency, while Kuopio hosts the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (0–3) in a must-win matchup to reignite playoff hopes.