LIVESTREAM EFA: Munich Ravens @ Raiders Tirol, July 4, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
The Munich Ravens (5-0) travel to face the Raiders Tirol (0-5) on Saturday looking to remain unbeaten and strengthen their grip on first place in the European Football Alliance. While the Ravens have emerged as the league’s top team through the first half of the season, the Raiders continue searching for their first victory despite showing significant improvement in recent weeks.
Fresh off a dramatic win over Nordic Storm, Munich now faces an opponent whose record doesn’t fully reflect how competitive it has been.
Balanced Ravens offense rolling
The Ravens enter Week 8 with plenty of confidence after edging Nordic Storm 37-34 in what was widely viewed as their toughest test of the season. That victory demonstrated that Munich can win close games just as effectively as it has handled one-sided contests.
The Ravens lead the EFA with 226 points scored, thanks to one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Russell Tabor, has thrown for 1,195 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Louis Geyer has been his top target with 16 receptions for 267 yards and one touchdown, while Justin Rodney ranks second in the league in rushing with 325 yards and five touchdowns on 51 carries.
Another victory would keep the Ravens perfect through six games and further establish them as the team to beat heading into the second half of the season.
Watch live. Munich Ravens @ Raiders Tirol, July 4, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
Raiders still dangerous
Despite their winless record, the Raiders have come agonizingly close to breaking into the win column. Several games have slipped away in the closing minutes, including a heartbreaking 45-44 loss to the Prague Lions, who scored the winning touchdown with only three seconds remaining.
Quarterback Steven Krajewski has thrown for 1,065 yards and eight touchdowns, with Aaron Jackson leading the receiving corps with 17 catches for 301 yards and two scores. Running back Lukas Haslwanter has added 255 rushing yards and a touchdown, giving the Raiders enough offensive firepower to challenge anyone.
The Raiders also received a boost this week after the European Football Alliance awarded both Tirol and the Prague Lions an additional international import roster spot for players developed in Canada, Mexico, Japan, or American Samoa.
Whether that rule change has an immediate impact remains to be seen. The immediate task for the Raiders is slowing the league’s hottest team, while the Ravens will look to continue their perfect start and leave Innsbruck with another important victory.