In only their second Major League Ultimate postseason appearance, the Philadelphia Spinners defeated the Portland Stags 14-11 to take home the MLU Championship and cap one of the team’s greatest seasons.
Weathering a big Stags first quarter, in which the Stags scored five goals, the Spinners (10-1) then made an impressive rally in quarter number two including a timely callahan (intercepting an opponent’s throw in the opponent’s end zone) to take the lead. They continued to wear down the Stags (9-2) in the third quarter and held onto the lead in the fourth for the win.
Photo by Pete Guion – Ultiphotos.com
Spinners player Billy Sickles, the Eastern Conference regular season MVP, said the Spinners’ defense and the team’s preparation was the difference maker.
“While it’s hard to replicate some of their (Stags) players’ tendencies in practice, we had a strong game plan to neutralize their playmakers and force them to grind out points. You could tell they were worn out even on points they scored…” said Sickles, who plays the handler position and contributed with a goal, an assist and a defensive block.
While it’s hard to replicate some of their (Stags) players’ tendencies in practice, we had a strong game plan to neutralize their playmakers and force them to grind out points.
– Billy Sickles, Philadelphia Spinners
Earning the MLU Championship game MVP was defensive specialist Charlie McCutcheon, who said the big reason his team was so tough to beat this year was because they took advantage of their deep talent.
“All year we had a saying, ‘Who’s got my back?’ And, I think that really signifies our team. When someone made a mistake, players were there to pick them up,” said McCutcheon, who had two goals and two key defensive blocks during the Championship game on July 16th.
Photo by Paul Andris – Ultiphotos.com
In order to get to the title game this year, the Spinners had to get past the 2015 MLU Champs, the Boston Whitecaps, who defeated the Spinners last year in the eastern conference finals, which really stung according to McCutcheon.
“This year was great, though. We were able to clinch home field advantage and beat the Whitecaps at home then go on to play in front of our home fans in the championship at Franklin Field,” said McCutcheon.
Used during the Championship, the Innova MLU Pulsar has been the official disc of the MLU since the league’s inception in 2013. Sickles, whose position requires him to work the disc around the field, says he prefers the Pulsar over others.
I think it stays more true to what the thrower wants and requires precision because it maintains its edge for those inside out and outside in throws. Understandably, it took some time to adjust, but I really do like the way it flies and feel as though it’s only a matter of time before players see the improvement in quality.
– Billy Sickles, Philadelphia Spinners
Congratulations to the Philadelphia Spinners on an incredible year. We’re already looking forward to next season.
