LIVESTREAM Finland: Kuopio Steelers @ UNC Crusaders, July 22, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

| American Football | 07/22/2022

The undefeated Kuopio Steelers visit the 1-6 UNC Crusaders in this Maple League matchup. The Steelers are determined to keep their win streak alive on their march for a third straight title, while the Crusaders look to improve their roster week by week. 

The Steelers defense leads the league with 23 sacks in seven games. Linebacker Colby Campbell, along with returning Steelers defenders Ikeem Allen (Miami OH), Jani Lindqvist, Roni Laine, and Iro Pekkarinen make for a tough unit to score against.

Kuopio Steelers @ UNC Crusaders, July 22nd, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

Offensively, running back Leanthony Reasnover and veteran Tuuka Lehtonen lead the charge as the Steelers ran for 307 yards last week against the Kotka Eagles. The Steelers have the Maple League’s best rushing attack averaging over 200 yards a game on the ground. When they do pass, the Maple Bowl champion quarterback Joey Bradley will target fullback Ville Lindsten, and receivers Isaac Marshall and Hannes Harju.

For UNC they are coming off a tough loss to the Crocodiles. Offensively, quarterback Shay Netter looks to find the rhythm he had two weeks ago, earning the Crusaders first win of the season by throwing for 280 yards and three scores.  The gunslinger spread the ball around well as Cedric Johnson, and  Miles and Nolan Corpening were able to contribute making 19 catches for 227 yards. However last week the Crusaders were unable to muster up a single point as Netter was sacked five times.

UNC’s defense played will need to stop the run this week as the Steelers love to run the ball. Look for the UNC defensive line’s performance to be a key factor in this one against a physical unit.  

Watch the game live here. Kuopio Steelers @ UNC Crusaders, July 22nd, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and