Austin overcomes spirited Boston in latest rivalry match

Austin Outlaws quadball carriers Louis Sanchez and Miguel Esparza work together to tally a goal against the Boston Forge.

The Austin Outlaws overcame a spirited challenge from their longtime rivals, the Boston Forge, in the quarterfinals at the 2023 MLQ Championship to begin their quest for a three-peat. The only two franchises that have ever won a Benepe Cup title, Austin and Boston met for the sixth time in seven seasons but it was the first time they had ever faced off before the semifinals. In the best-of-three series, Austin won the first game 220-145 and edged out Boston for the sweep in the second game, 160-135.

In the closely contested game two, Austin started strong with a couple of in-rhythm midrange goals from chaser Josh Johnson and an effective change-of-pace shift from speedy keeper Miguel Esparza. But Boston chaser Peter Lawrence took advantage of several early no-dodgeballs opportunities and kept the Forge in the game. The pattern repeated as the match continued. The Outlaws would extend their lead before the Forge fought back, with especially timely contributions from keeper Ian Scura and chaser Harry Greenhouse.

The most clutch contribution for Boston however came from seeker Will Richardson, who secured a clean flag runner catch to pull the Forge within two goals and pumped up the crowd with his celebration. Chaser Sammy Garza answered immediately though and Johnson followed shortly after with the winning goal for the Outlaws. Both quadball carriers, who played incredibly efficient offense for Austin last season, once again came up large in key moments for the two-time defending champions.

Austin advances to the semifinals to face the Washington Admirals, one of two teams that pushed the Outlaws to three games in an instant classic series under the lights a year ago.