Vikings also win key game for playoff home-field advantage
The Viennese remain flawless in the AFLE and also win the second showdown against their strongest opponent, Rhein Fire, on the road.
The Vienna Vikings remain flawless in the AFLE. They also win the second duel with Rhein Fire, securing a 28:16 away victory for the league leaders.
In front of 6,055 spectators at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg, a strong second half proved to be the key.
After a 0:0 first quarter, the game picked up pace in the second. Rhein Fire initially took the lead with a pick-six by Diego Paz, but the Vikings found the right answer. With a versatile offense and a good balance between run and pass plays, the Viennese took control and turned the game around.
Following a spectacular touchdown by Yannick Mayr and a powerful QB sneak by Ben Holmes, the Vikings led 12:9 at halftime.
Vikings Dominate the Third Quarter
After the change of ends, the Vikings continued their strong performance. The offense added ten more points with a Seikovits touchdown and a field goal by Dennis Tasic, while the Viennese defense kept Rhein Fire off the scoreboard in the third quarter.
Particularly, the Viennese running game worked well, consistently providing the offense with good starting positions, while the Viennese defense repeatedly forced the hosts into difficult situations and ultimately brought them to their knees.
Comfortable Lead Before the Second Half of the Season
In the final quarter, Karri Pajarinen sealed the preliminary decision in favor of the visitors from Vienna with another touchdown.
When Rhein Fire briefly harbored hope in the final phase, a forced fumble by Vienna's US defensive back Amani Dennis ended Rhein Fire's last comeback attempts.
With eight wins from eight games, the Vikings now have a two-victory lead over Rhein Fire and the Wroclaw Panthers (both 5-2). Next Sunday, another away game against the still winless Firenze Red Lions follows, with the next home game on August 8th against Wroclaw.
