LIVESTREAM Finland: United Newland Crusaders @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 25, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
The Helsinki Wolverines (1-4) host the United Newland Crusaders (0-3) in Helsinki’s famous Velodrome.
Both teams are coming off of tough losses and see this game as an opportunity to get back on track in Maple League filled with talented teams. The last time these two teams met the Wolverines scored with 14 seconds left to take the lead in a dramatic comeback 27-22 victory. Wolverines fans are hoping for some of the same magic today.
The Crusaders are still in search of their first-ever win in Finland’s top league. The newly-promoted Crusaders are determined to earn that win by way of quarterback Robert Johnson’s arm. Johnson’s experience in Finland will certainly help tonight as the long-time Maple League quarterback expects to put up numbers against this Helsinki defense. Crusaders‘ receivers Finn Kearns and Jonelle Tolbert have developed into go-to guys for the veteran passer. Running back Kam Harris is averaging over a hundred yards rushing a game as he’s been one of the league’s best ball carriers once again this season. Harris and the Crusaders will look to take advantage of a weak Wolverines run defense that gave up 236 yards rushing last week.
United Newland Crusaders @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 25, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
The Crusaders‘ defense, however, needs to step up as they struggled against a well-coached Roosters offense in their last matchup. Safety Henri Nordstrom has been one of the Crusaders‘ key contributors as he can step up and make a tackle as well as play solid coverage. Irish receiver Finn Kearns also helps in the Crusaders‘ secondary as his versatility has come in handy for United Newland. On the defensive line, Joonas Heino aims to get his hands on the Wolverines‘ athletic quarterback.
The Helsinki Wolverines’ new quarterback Jordan Williams had a tough debut last week facing the defending champion Kuopio Steelers and an athletic defense. Williams did flash his athleticism and was able to throw a touchdown pass without much practice time with his new team. This week, Williams faces a Crusaders unit that has struggled so far this season. Fans can expect him to use his speed to create big plays today and get the ball in the hands of dynamic running back Breon Allen who is back from injury.
However, the Wolverines will go into this game without offensive coordinator Kari Leivoja as the Wolverines and the long-time assistant coach have parted ways for the remainder of the season. It will be interesting to see how the offense develops with the recent changes to the quarterback and offensive coordinator position.
With defensive back Dejion Lynch returning to the lineup, there will be more help for Arttu Ketonen who has been playing well in the Helsinki defense. The young, homegrown talent showed his potential by recording four interceptions for the Wolverines last season. Look for Ketononen to get his hands on the ball tonight as he lines up against a pass-happy Crusaders offense. Curtis Slater will continue to be an X factor for this Helsinki squad as he’s been playing both ways as a receiver and defensive back. Swedish defensive lineman Benjamin Egbudiwe will be looking for his fourth sack of the season as he’s been one of Finland’s best pass rushers this season.
The Wolverines have made some roster changes in search of the magic that propelled them to the Maple Bowl last season. Although running back Breon Allen will be missing from the roster due to an injury suffered against Kuopio, new quarterback Jordan Williams could make this Helsinki offense one of the most exciting to watch in the country. Today’s game is a fantastic chance to see how their new talent will continue to mesh. However, across the field, the Crusaders are eager to earn a historic win in the club’s first season in Finland’s top league.
Watch the game live here. United Newland Crusaders @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 25, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
Helsinki Wolverines Depth/roster
United Newland Crusaders Depth/roster
