USA 14 Mexico 44
The DAC Panthers will spend Friday evening wondering how to overcome the physical advantage Mexico held over them in a 44-14 defeat of the Queens and Long Island team. The two fifth placed teams in their respective groups play a best of three series over two days and Mexico holds the advantage after game one.
Things started well for Team USA when Eddie Roscigno produced an interception with the game scoreless and that led to a Brian Kruger catch within yards of the Mexican end zone. Then Jimmy Gavalas and Eddie Roscigno hooked up for a touchdown, an extra point and a 7-0 lead.
Amed Paura scored in reply for Mexico, but a failed extra point kept the Panthers in front. With the rain came another Mexico score, but Roscigno again found pay dirt and Nicky Athanasopoulos tagged on the point after to remain 14-12 ahead.
Luis Gascon put Mexico ahead 18-14 for the first time, then there was no looking back for Las Aguilas from Monterrey. Two more touchdowns before halftime opened up a 26-14 lead, which increased when luck deserted Team USA and a pass that was almost intercepted instead deflected into the hands of Gascon. Mexico scored twice more to seal victory.