Munich Cowboys grind past Straubing Spiders in key GFL South clash

AFI | American Football | 07/22/2025

Photo: @trachten_angermaier

The Munich Cowboys (5-3) edged the Straubing Spiders (1-6) 23-17 at Dante Stadium on this past weekend, leveraging defensive grit and a resurgent ground game to claim first place in the GFL South despite a scrappy performance.

Defensive plays dictate momentum
Safety Zerrian Meander’s 75-yard fumble return touchdown in the second quarter shifted momentum, while cornerback Sascha Schnorrbusch’s interception stifled a late Straubing drive. The Cowboys held the Spiders to 227 total yards, limiting quarterback Evan Lewandowski to one touchdown pass (20 yards to WR Rümmeli) and a field goal by Benedikt Holmer. Running back Sidney Gibbs added Straubing’s lone rushing score.

Munich RB Max Mayer rushed for 108 yards. Photo: @trachten_angermaier

Ground game fuels Cowboys’ control
Munich’s run-heavy approach, led by Max Mayer’s season-best 108 yards, dominated time of possession. Quarterback Zach Whitehead struggled through the air but connected with Fabian Kempter for a decisive 51-yard touchdown. Kicker Max Mittasch contributed nine points (2 field goals, 3 PATs), offsetting two missed red-zone opportunities.

Special guests frame gritty win
Over 60 classic U.S. cars lined the stadium, with U.S. Consul General Dr. James Miller attending the coin toss. The event contrasted with Munich’s uneven play, as 12 penalties and a stalled passing game nearly cost the Cowboys.

Coach tempers first-place euphoria
“This wasn’t a pretty win – too many mistakes and missed scores,” said head coach Christos Lambropoulos. “Straubing demanded everything from us. Leading the South means nothing yet; our remaining schedule is brutal.”

Standings implications
The Cowboys leapfrog the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns for the South lead ahead of a July 26 road test against the Allgäu Comets (2-4). Straubing, now 1-6, faces relegation risks but showed resilience in holding Munich to 323 total yards.

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