Exiles drop first Mid-Atlantic Premier Division Game

It was an ambitious schedule this weekend, and we went 2-1 on the weekend. It would have been nice to have come away from Baltimore with another victory over another tough MAPL opponent from Pennsylvania. However, we didn't post with the numbers needed to achieve victory in both games. Our players that did come through, were challenged with a pace of game that we struggled to match. However, we did respond, and the second half was spent working hard and getting back into the game.

From the opening KO, we struggled to come to grips with the pace of the game and their line speed. In many ways we resembled a bunch of brand new players, clustering around the ball, catching it flatfooted and throwing it up in the air like a hot potato. Downingtown lived up their reputation of being a physical and tough side, and they went through our defense for two tries. Halftime: Downingtown 12 -- Maryland Exiles 0

The second half opened with Downingtown flexing some muscles and believing that they were going to break the game open. They scored two tries, and they were talking among themselves how the rout was on. We were physical on defense, and the punishment created openings in the second half. At first, we weren't able to convert line breaks into points, but then we began to respond. Isaac Lewis was able to turn the defense and score. Tristan McAlister was able to convert sustained pressure into points as well.

Final Score: Downingtown 24 -- Maryland Exiles 12

Lesson learned --- We know that if we post with more numbers, we can play and beat these MAPL teams. It means that we have to practice together and work united in one single purpose. We have tournaments coming up where we need everyone to be there to support one another.