Roos Defeat "Rouge" July 31,  2005, Nashville, TN Founded in 2004, the Baton Rouge Tigers have made remarkable progress in a brief period. After seeing a few glimpses of a creditable Baton Rouge showing at the 2004 National Championships, the Nashville Kangaroos were excited to be one of the first USAFL teams to play these formidable Tigers from Louisiana. The 'Roos made an early jump on the Tigers, with an incredible snap shot by Gilberto Ortiz and a 30 yard free kick by John Thorpe bringing a quick 13 point lead. However, it soon became apparent that the Tigers are a close match to the 'Roos in many areas. Team captain Pat Muller put the Tigers on the board in workmanlike fashion, snatching the ball straight from a boundary line throw-in and efficiently scoring from directly in front. The main difference was in disposal skills, where the 'Roos extra experience was immediately evident. A stunning 50 yard goal from the center square by Stu Rowe was followed by a precise passage of play: Ben McCrostie kicked to Daniel Matena and Matena kicked to Drew Cox, who was in position for an easy goal. Baton Rouge ruckman Troy Redman provided an entertaining duel with Nashville's Stu Rowe throughout the game. After the goal by Drew Cox, Redman initiated an offensive thrust by the Tigers, which was only stopped by capable and steady Dave Kirtgen at full back for the 'Roos. A great mark by Rowe over Redman and a spectacular mark by Drew Cox helped to bring the ball back to the Nashville forward line. There, "Superstar" Mirosevich skillfully kept the ball in play until Troy Mounts earned the free kick that resulted in another 'Roo goal. The first quarter ended with Nashville enjoying a four goal lead, 5.1.31 to 1.1.7. The Nashville Kangaroos are fortunate to have several players who are capable of gaining immediate advantage through sheer speed. One of these is Luke Nemeth, whose running kick from the center of the ground provided the opportunity for Mirosevich to open the scoring in the second quarter. Not to be outdone, Muller provided another startling example of quickness and reflexes, stealing the ball from the 'Roo defense to post his and the Tigers' second goal. This redeemed a great passage of play by Baton Rouge that otherwise looked like it would be spoiled by poor completion. However, opportunities continued to be rare for the Tigers spearhead while the 'Roos poured on four more goals before the end of the half. Another 'Roo gifted with overwhelming speed, Daniel Matena raced through the Tiger defense to produce two goals. Drew Cox and Gilberto Ortez had each added a second goal to their tally for the half. At the main break, the 'Roos had stretched their lead to eight goals, 10.4.64 against 2.1.13. The second half continued in similar style, with Nemeth and Matena providing great pace to bring the ball into the forward line, and Nashville's wide array of scoring options completing the mission. Mirosevich, Matena, Ortez each scored goals for the 'Roos, with Mirosevich scoring again to bring Nashville a four-goal third quarter. At the other end, several opportunities were wasted by Baton Rouge forwards who seemed to be in panic mode. The Tigers were winning the ball from the center, but only Ravussin provided a major score for the Tigers, drilling a soccer-style kick between the tall posts. Entering the final quarter, the Tigers trailed by 75 points, 3.3.15 to Nashville's 14.6.90. However, neither team was willing to relax. Nashville coach Bo Link provided his own reward for on-field leadership and consistency by scoring the 'Roos fifteenth goal. A burst of energy by the Tigers provided a similar reward to team captain Pat Muller, who finished with three for the match. However, this was the culmination of a string of lost scoring opportunities that seemed to tire the Baton Rouge team. The Tiger defense was left behind when Bo Link and Al Davis teamed up to deliver the ball to Mirosevich, who was able to run into an open goal and take the Nashville score over 100. Luke Nemeth's endurance and explosiveness was evident in a spectacular mark over Brian Buvens, which led to another Mirosevich goal. Another great run and kick by Luke Nemeth brought the ball into the Roo goal square one last time. This provided the scene for a minor controversy to add interest to a lop-sided game, as the goal umpire was unsighted when the ball bounced off the heel of 'Roo forward Al Davis before skipping between the tall posts. Althought the score was initially signalled as a behind, observant field umpire Adam Bishop informed the goal umpire of the foot-to-ball contact and the signal was corrected. Final scores: Nashville Kangaroos 18.8.116 defeated Baton Rouge Tigers 4.5.29 Goals: Nashville: Janni Mirosevich 4, Gilberto Ortez 3, Daniel Matena 2, Drew Cox 2, Stu Rowe 2, Bo Link, John Thorpe, Troy Mounts, Al Davis, Ben McCrostie.  Baton Rouge: Pat Muller 3, Anthony Ravussin.