By Meg Kelly
SOMERVILLE, Mass. – Saturday, May 21, 2016 – The Boston Renegades took an early lead in the first quarter, but the Chicago Force responded with 52 unanswered points, resulting in a final score of 58-14, Saturday night at Dilboy Stadium. The outcome snapped the Renegades’ three-game win streak, moving their record to 5-2 on the season. Quarterback Allison Cahill #7 connected with wide receiver Adrienne Smith #10 for a pair of red zone passes for both of Boston’s scores.
The Renegades struck first as Cahill hit Smith on fourth and goal from the 5-yard line. A successful PAT conversion by Brooke Goodman #97 put the Renegades ahead, 7-0, just 2:33 into play. Chicago responded on its ensuing drive, scoring on a quarterback keeper to put the score within one at 7-6.
After exchanging possessions, the Renegades pulled ahead as Cahill and Smith connected again from the red zone, furthering the Boston lead to 14-6 with 3:01 ticks left in the opening quarter. The Renegades defense stopped a Chicago scoring threat when linebacker Vicky Eddy #45 forced and recovered a fumble, to end the opening stanza.
The Force tied the game at 14-14 on another quarterback keeper and two-point conversion midway through the second quarter. Following a turnover on downs by Boston, Chicago exploited good field position to take the lead 22-14. On the Renegades’ next possession, Cahill was forced to leave the game with an injury after being driven to the turf by a defender following a pass completion. She did not return. A fumble on Boston’s next possession proved costly as Chicago was able to tack on another touchdown as the half expired. The subsequent two-point conversion had Boston trailing by 16 points, 30-14, heading into the locker room.
As Boston struggled on offense in the second half, Chicago continued to capitalize on Renegade turnovers, adding another score in the third following an interception to extend their lead to 36-14 as the third quarter came to a close. The Force added a trio of scores in the fourth for a final score 58-14.
The Renegades will have a bye week before visiting the D.C. Divas June 4 to close out the regular season.