Cleveland Fusion lose season opener
April 5, 2004 - National Women's Football Association (NWFA)
Cleveland Fusion News Release
COLUMBUS- Opening day for the Cleveland Fusion after last year ¬â¢s early departure from the playoffs have the Fusion taking on the Columbus Comets at home. The Comets last season at 5-3,nearly missed the playoffs and are a good test for a Fusion team that has under gone some changes both on and off the field. New Head Coach Michael Treb and his staff came in to this game with a new compliment of players and a change in philosophy.
Unfortunately, the Columbus offense took charge early with a 56-yard broken tackle touchdown reception by Comets tight end Erin Taylor midway through the first quarter. On the flip side the Fusion ¬â¢s offense did not achieve a first down in the entire first quarter. Instead with 11:30 left in the second quarter, a Fusion botched punt from their own end zone gave the Comets field position inside the Fusion ¬â¢s five which led to quarterback keeper for the Comets and 13-0 lead. That score stood at the half as the only sign of life for Cleveland was a 27-yard run by #28 Lisa Heinl on a drive that fizzled at the Comets 45.
The second half was much of the same with The Fusion offense continually sputtering and starting with poor field position. Until, a Comets early fourth quarter punt that got hung up in the wind and rain netted 0 yards and gave Cleveland field position at the Comets 38. Fusion rookie Quarterback #13 Katie Hank began to complete passes and moved the ball down to the 13 before failing to convert on fourth down. Then again the Comets having punting problems dropped one on their own 20, a crucial point in the game. On first down, Hank zipped a pass into the end zone to a crossing receiver between two defenders only to hit her in the numbers and watch it ricochet into the hands of a Comet defensive back. The Fusion would take two points on a safety after the Comets advanced that interception just outside their own goal line, and subsequently were tackled for a loss. The Comets added another late touchdown to Erin Taylor to boost their lead.
It appears that some time may be needed before any offensive cohesiveness can be achieved for the Fusion as evident by this 19-2 loss. The Fusion offense was virtually one dimensional for most of the game which made it easier for the Comets to defend. The upside is the Fusion has three weeks to prepare for their next encounter on April 24th when they will host these Comets at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
National Women's Football Association Stories from April 5, 2004
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- Cleveland Fusion lose season opener - Cleveland Fusion
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