Machine traveled to Aurora, Colorado for the US Open on August 4th-6th. Machine was the sixth overall seed in the Men’s division. This was the second tournament of the year for the team, and the first with almost a complete roster. This was an opportunity for Machine to continue to learn and grow and compete with other high level teams. US Open is an international tournament, yet Machine did not play any teams from outside of the United States.
US Open features pools of three as the tournament format. Machine was fortunate to receive a first round bye, which was a blessing for players who experienced travel issues getting to Colorado. Machine opened the tournament playing PoNY on a showcase field. (Check out the Ultiworld stream!) PoNY had already played a game against Seattle Sockeye and came out hot. After falling behind by a couple breaks early in the first half, Machine recovered in the second half and brought the game within one goal at 11-12, before falling by a final score of 12-15. Machine then regrouped to play Sockeye. The team from Seattle started strong and took an 8-6 halftime lead. Machine’s D-line caught fire in the second half, converting four breaks, and the O-line finished it off for a 15-12 Machine win. Machine finished second in the pool.
The bracket at US Open pits the second seed from one pool against the third seed from another pool in pre-quarters in the afternoon of the first day. Machine drew in-region opponent Omen and started strong out of the gate, jumping to a 4-1 lead. The game was mostly comfortable from there and Machine won 15-11. Machine Crews split up for dinner and then came together for a team meeting. The focus of the meeting was to discuss “why” we play, and team outcome and process goals.
Machine’s quarterfinal opponent was Boston Dig. The first half was incredibly clean, with one total turnover, by Machine. That one turnover was an incredible lay-out block by Orion Cable. Dig converted the break chance and led 8-6 at halftime. Both defenses stepped up their game in the second half. With the game tied at 13-13, Keegan North crossed over to the D-line and threw a score to Andrew Sjogren for the break to take a one goal lead. Dig scored on the subsequent point to force Universe. Machine received and worked the disc across midfield, before a miscommunication resulted in a turnover. Nate Goff appeared to get it back for Machine, but the observer ruled he committed a foul while bidding for the disc. Machine clamped down and made Dig claw for everything, until Paul Arters made a great play to snag a reset pass. This time, the observer ruled in Machine’s favor. A few throws later, Arters ended the game with an away shot to Joe White. White finished the game with 3 goals, 5 assists, and just 1 turnover.
In semifinals, Machine met PoNY for the second time in as many days. Machine’s defense played a great first half and took half 8-5. The second half was much tougher, as Pony scored three straight times to tie the game at 8. The teams traded through 12-12, before Pony was able to break and take the lead. Machine held on a huck from Goff to Malik Auger-Semmar. Tied at 13 on the ensuing point, Jeff Gao had a huge layout block, but Machine turned the disc over and Pony held. Pony then broke to close out a 15-13 win and eliminate Machine.
Machine played the local team, Johnny Bravo in the 3rd place game. Machine trailed by one at halftime, but broke three times to start the second half and never relinquished the lead. Machine won the game 15-13 to finish in third place at the US Open. Machine’s final record was 4-2, with both losses coming to the tournament champion Pony.
Keys to Success:
Machine’s O-line played stingy defense after a turnover at US Open, no doubt boosted by the return of Nate Goff from injury. Goff reminded everyone how impactful he can be on both sides of the disc.
The D-line’s star was Jeff Gao, who repeatedly took tough matchups and still led the team in blocks. His blocks came at critical times and in a variety of situations. He was just as likely to sky for a block as he was to lay out on an under.
Another key to Machine’s success was the “O Prime” line hold rate. When primarily defensive players were put on the field for an offensive point, they converted nine out of nine times over the course of the weekend.
Random shenanigans
New jerseys. Walden Nelson, Tim Schoch, and Ben Preiss each designed one jersey. Walden’s design (light) features the wristband sayings in kanji. Ben’s design (dark) is a new take on the classic Sear’s Tower jersey. Tim’s “Where’s Waldo” jersey (alternate) is a tribute to Walden Nelson.
Crews
Shouting “It’s our ball, ain’t it?”
Secret Santa: JohnnyDoes, the coconut, Malik’s USA gift
Play of the Weekend: Jace Bruner layout block vs PoNY (see right)
Player of the Weekend: Jeff Gao