The Wasa Royals (2-0) edged the Helsinki Roosters (1-1) 9-7 at Kaarle Field in Vaasa on Saturday, as a defensive slugfest defined the Maple League showdown between last season’s champions and their rising challengers.
Defensive dominance decides low-scoring affair
Linebacker Viktor Mänty’s 20-yard pick-six off Roosters quarterback Ambro Urjansson in the first quarter provided the Royals’ only touchdown, while Swiss kicker Mika Stieger added a 28-yard field goal for the Royals. Helsinki’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter via Lassi Pajarinen’s short TD reception, but the Roosters’ comeback bid fell short. Both defenses stifled ground attacks, limiting combined rushing yards to 33 (Wasa: 9, Helsinki: 24) and tallying nine total sacks. Royals defensive end Arkady Naus logged two sacks, while Helsinki’s Okko Outinen dominated with 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles.
Quarterbacks under siege
Urjansson and Wasa’s Elias Haapamäki faced relentless pressure, combining for nine sacks (five on Urjansson, four on Haapamäki) and two interceptions. Haapamäki’s offense managed just 144 total yards, but Mänty’s early interception return proved decisive. Urjansson, despite completing 58% of his passes, was held without a scoring drive until the final quarter.
Special teams and youth standouts
Stieger’s field goal and flawless punting (43.4-yard average) anchored Wasa’s field-position advantage. Rookie Roosters punter Ville Kivisaari impressed in place of Akseli Olin, landing three kicks inside the 20-yard line. Linebacker Alex Herriott (6.5 tackles) continued his strong start for Helsinki, while Taavi Aronpää’s 7.5 tackles led all defenders.
Postgame reflections
Mänty, named MVP by Pohjola Insurance, emphasized defensive execution: “We knew their offense would test us, but staying disciplined and capitalizing on mistakes made the difference.” The Roosters, fielding a rotated lineup, acknowledged growing pains. “Our young players stepped up, but details cost us,” said head coach Fredrik Pilström.
With the win, Wasa solidifies its early-season momentum, while Helsinki regroups ahead of a pivotal Week 3 matchup. The Royals’ defensive grit and opportunistic playmaking position them as legitimate title contenders, while the Roosters aim to recalibrate their offensive identity.
Source: Vaahteraliiga