2013 Season

SQUIDS 6.8.44 vs. SAINTS 2.9.21

1 February, 2013
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- While everyone in the country was talking about fake dead girlfriends, deer velvet spray and something called the Super Bowl, the real story happened under the lights in South Florida. The Fighting Squids made the most of the first night game of the season with a 44-21 win over the Miami Saints to start the Metro season.

In what seemed like a rerun of the start of last week’s Australia Day matchup, Fort Lauderdale was quite adept at getting the ball into its attacking end of the field. But the Saints’ back line was more than up to the challenge, punching the ball back toward the center square and applying plenty of pressure on anyone looking to have a kick at goal. Still, the Squids found more of their kicks going through the big pipes than not.

Miami’s forwards didn’t do much in the way of finding goal in the first half, often finding themselves in the wrong place when needed for a searching kick from the midfielders.

The Saints put together a more concerted effort to get the ball forward after halftime, but accuracy issues came up again when the Squids’ more-than-capable defense put the clamps down. Miami’s defense continued to hold strong with a back line timing their hip-checking just right to force the Squids off of sure footing.

In all, the first primetime affair showed both sides have lots of promise, but there’s plenty of time to perfect the Squids’ game plan before heading to Tampa on March 30.

SQUIDS 13.6.84 vs. SAINTS 6.11.47

26 January, 2013
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A celebration of national pride, the love of sport and a new beginning took place on a beautiful 80-degree day in South Florida this past Saturday as the Fort Lauderdale Fighting Squids opened their 2013 campaign firing on all cylinders with an 84-47 Australia Day win over the Miami Saints before a record crowd at the all-new Squid Park.

The opening quarter of the season saw both sides shaking out the cobwebs from winter break. New coaches Phillip and Manny kep themselves busy by offering guidance for seasoned players and several players taking to the field for their first game. With age and experience on their side the Squids were successful in staying on the attack for much of the opening frame, while a younger and fitter Miami side failed to capitalize on the few chances that were presented. Furry broke things open for Fort Lauderdale with two of his game-high five goals during the first as he came in a very close second to Nick for Best Aussie on the Field for the match.

With another four stragglers split between the teams, things improved for the Saints in the second quarter, thanks to some timely adjustments to the game plan. Ash led the way with two of his three goals on the day, while Dipper was on the receiving end of a well-timed hand pass from Jimmy to find his way onto the ledger with a goal. Kiwi R.J. showed some ability to swith codes with a deft searching kick to find Gerard for another score to help Miami take momentum into halftime.

Miami kept its fighting spirit at the start of the second half with its best extended possessions of the day. Unfortunately, accuracy didn't stick around for the Saints when kicking for goal in the third. The fourth quarter showed more of the same as the Squids put the game out of reach to open the season with a win during the South Florida Aussie-Kiwi Club's Australia Day / Waitangi Day festivities. A quality effort for Fort Lauderdale as they look forward to facing off with the Florida Redbacks in Tampa on March 30.

BEST PLAYERSUS Merkin Award (Best American on Ground) - Joe (Squids) & Tom (Saints)OZ Koala Plate (Best Australian on Ground) - Nick (Squid)

HONORABLE MENTIONGerard (RSA) for an outstanding performance without a SAFA award.Adam (Furry) with a game-high five goals.