LIVESTREAM Finland: United Newland Crusaders @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 2, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

| American Football | 07/02/2021

The Helsinki Wolverines (0-2) will host the UNC Crusaders (0-1) in this Friday night Finnish football matchup.

Both teams are excited to hit the field and redeem themselves after heart breaking one score losses in their previous outings.

The Wolverines defense brings intensity and physicality to the field tonight. Defensive backs Dejion Lynch and Curtis Slater have morphed into one of the leagues most dynamic defensive duo’s. The athleticism in the secondary pairs well with Helsinki’s strong defensive linemen Jones Heikkinen and Benjamin Egbudiwe. This week, the Wolverines secondary will be put to the test against a talented pass happy Crusaders offense.

United Newland Crusaders @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 2, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

Offensively, the Wolverines are led by veteran Cedric Johnson who has experience playing both quarterback and receiver in Finland. The versatile Johnson played much better in the team’s second outing. His quickness helps him buy time, improvise, and move the sticks with his legs. Running back Breon Allen provides Helsinki with big play potential as the speedster can take it the distance any play.

The Crusader’s lost an overtime heartbreaker to the Porvoo Butchers 34-27 in their last game. On a positive note, running back Kam Harris returned to Finland with a four touchdown 131-yard performance. Veteran passer Robert Johnson looked crisp finding new receivers Finn Kearns and Jonelle Tolbert often as the offense was in sync before turnovers stalled them late in the game.

Irish athlete Finn Kearns stood out for UNC defensively. The well travelled Irishman was the team’s second leading tackler and leading receiver. Defensive back Henri Nordstrom and the rest of this Crusaders squad look to capitalize on a Wolverines offense still searching for an identity.

The UNC Crusaders have a chance to earn their first Maple League win ever today, as last year’s Division one champs go into their second game in Finland’s top league. Meanwhile, the Wolverines expect to get back on track with a win tonight as the proud program is eager to make another run at the Maple Bowl.

Watch the game live here. United Newland Crusaders @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 2, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

Helsinki Wolverines roster

United Newland Crusaders

 

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