New Orleans storms back, secures historic berth in quarterfinals

The New Orleans Curse advanced to the Benepe Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2016 on Saturday morning.

The New Orleans Curse overcame a large early deficit against the Kansas City Stampede to clinch their first berth in the MLQ Championship quarterfinals since 2016 on Saturday morning. Seeker Carson Running caught his second flag runner of the day to complete the comeback, 145-100.

To secure their historic victory, the Curse did it the hard way, as the Kansas City Stampede built a 60-10 lead to start the game. With two goals each from chasers Riley Usami and Bitzy Archibold, the Stampede looked to be continuing their hot streak and cruising towards a place in the quarterfinals. But after a New Orleans timeout, Curse chaser Marcellus Lewis added two quick goals of their own. Beaters Carter Shields and Alex Pucciarelli put in a strong shift, saving a couple of Kansas City goals with timely beats. And rookie chaser Ebli De La Rosa converted two goals to level the score. 

While Kansas City regrouped and reestablished its edge, with the flag runner on pitch, New Orleans excelled, as they have historically done. Keeper P.J. Mitchell scored twice against no dodgeballs and seeker Carson Running caught the flag runner, his ninth catch of the season and second in two games on the weekend.

New Orleans advances to the quarterfinals, where the Curse will play the North Division champion Chicago Prowl at 4:30. Kansas City heads to the loser’s bracket, where they will meet the winner of the Washington Admirals and the Minneapolis Monarchs at 2:30 pm in the final play-in contest.