Superserien recap: AIK edges Stockholm Mean Machines in thrilling comeback
AIK (3-2) stunned the Stockholm Mean Machines (3-2) with a late-game rally to secure a 20-19 road victory at Zinkensdamms IP, handing the hosts their third consecutive loss while vaulting themselves into playoff contention behind quarterback Max Lambert’s three-touchdown performance.
Early missed opportunities haunt Stockholm
The Mean Machines dominated early drives, marching to AIK’s 4-yard line on their opening possession before a fourth-down fumble halted progress. A second drive stalled at AIK’s 13-yard line, squandering prime scoring chances. AIK capitalized early in the second quarter with Lambert threading an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Gusraf Ras for a 7-0 lead. Stockholm answered via QB Brandon Gwinner’s 37-yard strike to Matthew Retzlaff, but a missed PAT kept the deficit at 7-6.
Lambert, Hicks ignite AIK’s aerial attack
Lambert (232 passing yards, 2 TDs; 95 rushing yards, 1 TD) then connected with star receiver Joshua Hicks (11 catches, 201 yards, 1 TD) on a critical drive, extending the lead to 13-6. Stockholm responded with a lightning 46-yard Gwinner-to-Anton Blomgren bomb, tying the game 13-13 at halftime.
AIK WR Joshua Hicks caught 11 passes for 201 yards. Photo: Catfish Photo
Third-quarter swing sets up chaotic finish
Stockholm surged ahead in the third quarter behind running back Kasper Wedberg (183 rushing yards), whose 12-yard TD run made it 19-13. AIK’s defense stiffened, with linebacker Joshua Akena (11 tackles) intercepting Gwinner at midfield with 6:34 remaining. Lambert engineered a 65-yard drive, capped by his 18-yard scramble for the tying score. Kicker Oleksander Voloshkin’s PAT proved decisive at 20-19.
Defensive stops seal AIK’s comeback
The Mean Machines’ final drive stalled at AIK’s 48-yard line, with cornerback Denny John breaking up a fourth-down pass to secure the win. Stockholm’s defense, which allowed 409 total yards, struggled to contain Hicks’ yards-per-catch dominance (18.3 avg) and Lambert’s dual-threat efficiency. Gwinner’s two interceptions—including Akena’s pivotal pick—proved costly in the closing minutes.
Stockholm RB Kasper Wedberg rushed for 183 yards Photo: Catfish Photo
Road ahead: Playoff push intensifies
AIK, now tied with Stockholm for fourth, rides momentum into their next clash. The Mean Machines, reeling from defensive lapses, face a must-win June 7 showdown against the Carlstad Crusaders to salvage postseason hopes.
Key Stats:
- AIK: Max Lambert (2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD), Joshua Hicks (201 receiving yards, 1 TD), Gusraf Ras (8-yard TD).
- Stockholm: Kasper Wedberg (183 rushing yards, 1 TD), Brandon Gwinner (184 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs).
- Turnovers: Stockholm 2 (1 fumble, 1 INT), AIK 0.
