Boston pulls away from Kansas City, will face Austin in 2022 finals rematch

Boston Forge keeper Carson Olazaba scored an early hat trick to set the tone against the Kansas City Stampede.

The Boston Forge, fighting for their lives in the play-in bracket for the first time in franchise history, withstood an early challenge from the upstart Kansas City Stampede and pulled away for a 165-60 victory. Tyler Beckmann caught the flag runner to book a 2022 finals rematch against Austin in the quarterfinals.

After falling to the Minneapolis Monarchs early Saturday morning, Boston found itself in the unfamiliar position of needing to stave off elimination against the Kansas City Stampede. The Stampede entered the matchup on a two-game winning streak, following back-to-back victories against the Detroit Innovators and the Charlotte Aviators. With their backs against the wall, the Forge came out with a greater sense of urgency. Keeper Carson Olazaba scored an early hat trick to set the tone.

While Kansas City put together a 40-20 run in the middle of the contest when chaser Matt Gulick subbed into the game and provided a jolt energy, the Stampede could not maintain their momentum. Boston seized control and never looked back when its veteran chaser line, including Peter Lawrence and Morgan Bertram, started to connect around the hoops. On the defensive end, the Forge played a disciplined, compact style en route to a 50-0 run.

Boston will face the two-time defending champion Austin Outlaws next on Pitch Two at 4:30 pm. Kansas City is eliminated with the loss. The Stampede, the youngest team at the 2023 MLQ Championship, finished the tournament with an admirable 2-2 record.