Machine heads to Maryland this weekend to compete in the 2016 Chesapeake Open. The tournament is Machine's third of the season, and their final regular season event prior to the start of the USAU Series. In Machine's previous two tournaments, the US Open and the Pro-Elite Challenge, Machine finished 1st and 3rd respectively. Though the Chesapeake Open is not part of the USAU Triple Crown Tour, Machine elected to attend based on scheduling fit, the high quality of competition, and cost differential from the Pro-Flight Finale in Portland, OR.
More information on the tournament schedule and attending teams can be found at http://play.usaultimate.org/events/Chesapeake-Open-2016/
Machine will compete in the Elite Division as the second seed in Pool B. Their pool includes Toronto's GOAT, New York's PoNY, Raleigh's Ring of Fire, and Atlanta's Chain Lightning. The top two finishers in the pool will advance directly to Sunday's Quarterfinals. Fourth and Fifth place pool finishers will cross over with Pool A in Pre-Quarters, and 3rd place pool finishers will play the pool winners from the Open Division.
Full Game Schedule: http://play.usaultimate.org/events/Chesapeake-Open-2016/schedule/Men/Club-Men/
Machine is expecting to send the entire roster of 27 to Maryland, but will be without Coach Andy Neilsen. Neilsen will be at the Youth Club Championships in Blaine, MN coaching the Illinois' U19 team. Per usual, several players are nursing mid-season injuries but are expected to test the waters come Saturday: Alex Evangelides (groin), Percy Stogdon (foot), and Brett Matzuka (attendance uncertain due to moving). [Update: Not expected to dress are Jesse Buchsbaum (shin tear) and Bob Liu (wrist).] Machine will however be featuring a new addition to the squad, adding Julian Childs-Walker to the roster, a travel player with connections to the team through past playing experiences with Machine counterparts at Carleton, Sockeye, and Sub Zero.
The trip to Maryland holds extra significance for local home town hero, Ben Spielman, who grew up in Potomac, MD, just 20 minutes from the tournament fields. "Psycho Ben", as he is affectionately and ironically called by teammates due to his even keel demeanor, is looking forward to a chance to play in front of family and friends.
To follow along for live updates: http://twitter.com/machineultimate
Check back after the tournament for a recap, highlight video, and much more throughout the season!
ICYMI: Our US Open Highlight Video -