Portland Stags Shine In Third Straight Win

It is taking a lot to slow the Portland Stags down this season. At the start of the year, Portland was picked to be a cellar dwelling team in the Western Conference and in the bottom quarter of the entire league. Just a few weeks later, the Stags have solidified their position as the frontrunners in their conference. By beating the San Francisco Dogfish for the second straight week, the Stags are at the head of the pack and remain the only undefeated team in Major League Ultimate.

How did they accomplish this feat? On Saturday, the Stags played a well-rounded game and controlled the pace throughout. The first quarter of the game showcased a defensive struggle unlike any I had personally witnessed. Bolstered by a single point that took five minutes off the clock, the first quarter ended at 2-2. Quickly in the second quarter, the Dogfish took the lead 3-2 and briefly looked like they might have the momentum in the match.

Portland would quickly respond and they never looked back. After they tied the game at 3 a few seconds later, the Stags would never trail again. While the game was one of unusual runs, several times Portland would surge ahead, only for San Francisco to close the gap. However, the Portland never fell behind again.

In an even better sign, Portland continued to keep up the pressure throughout the match, including a three goal run in the fourth quarter that secured the game with a final score of 21-17, a verifiable rout in MLU terms.

The Stags also showed an ability to adapt as the game progressed. San Francisco, facing a deficit, set the style with a physical level of play and a zone defense. The Stags quickly matched the physical play. Initially, the San Francisco defense forced some turns that helped the Dogfish back into the game. However, the Stags figured out the defense and continued to apply the pressure for the win.

What Portland has accomplished in the first three games of their second Major League Ultimate season is especially impressive. One of the team’s most well-known players, Timmy Perston, will be missing from the team throughout the month of May and into June. The Stags maintained that this would simply be a “next man up” kind of situation.

While it may sound like a sports cliché, the Stags have taken it to heart. Part of the credit goes to the team-centric play that doesn’t center on any single player.

One thing is certain: the Portland Stags have caught the Western Conference off guard. The projected worst team has sprung out to an undefeated start through three games. The Stags have yet to face their rival, the Seattle Rainmakers.

However, that match up is next for the Stags, who will host the Rainmakers on May 17th, at home. If they can beat the Rainmakers, the Stags would notch a victory against every opponent in the Western Conference. In 2013, the Stags only managed one victory overall. How the tables have turned.