Machine News
Machine has voted on captains for the upcoming season, and is excited to announce that all four captains from 2015 will be returning to their leadership posts in 2016!
2016 Captains:
While these four will serve as captains, Machine utilizes a network of leaders to handle different roles and tasks that are required over the course of the season. We look forward to more announcements as the season approaches.
Machine had a roller coaster weekend in Frisco, TX at the 2015 USAU National Championship tournament.
On Thursday, Machine came out strong against a familiar opponent in Madison Club, going up 8-6 to take half. Despite receiving the disc out of half, Machine would falter down the stretch, allowing Madison to creep back into the game. A trend that would continue through the entirety of the day saw Machine's D-Line being able to generate breaks in the first half, but unable to force turns or apply pressure in the second half. Madison capitalized as Machine's O repeatedly threw into the Madison zone, and came roaring back to win 14-13. (Ultiworld's Round 1 Recap)
While the first round loss was frustrating, Machine continued to focus on building consistency, so that they would be playing their best ultimate of the season by Friday morning's elimination bracket. This mantra was put into full affect in the first half against their second opponent, Philadelphia's Patrol. Machine once again grabbed an 8-6 halftime lead, and sought to apply more defensive pressure in the second half than in their game with Madison. The idea was easier in theory than in practice, with Patrol's offense hitting layers well in the second half, and finding open receivers for mid range away shots into the end zone. As the Patrol offense began to click, execution errors began to plague the Machine O-line, and in similar fashion to the first game of the day, Patrol closed the gap and took the game on universe 15-14. (Ultiworld's Round 2 Recap)
A third round bye could not have come any sooner, allowing Machine to clear their minds and replenish food and drink prior to facing off with San Francisco's Revolver. The game carried little significance on tournament outcome, with Revolver already locking 1st in the pool and Machine locking last. Despite that, both teams came out running full rosters in an attempt to make the most of the final opportunity to fine tune their execution before Friday's elimination bracket. Revolver's staunch defense forced some early turnovers, and the Machine D-line saw more offensive reps than normal, as they came in to combat Revolver's zone. Revolver maintained an early lead and expanded it down the stretch to win 9-15. (Ultiworld's Round 4 Recap)
After a team dinner on Thursday night, the team held a meeting to re-group and review the tactical game plan for Friday morning's match-up with Denver's Bravo. While Bravo had won their pool, Machine was confident in their game plan, and fired up after losing a 1 point game to Bravo on Bravo's home turf in Denver earlier in the season.
On Friday, Machine came out very aggressive in their match-up with Bravo, using a steadier wind to their advantage as they pushed the Bravo receivers out. Machine took advantage of hanging hucks, generating 50/50 D's, and patiently working it down on the turn. At half, Machine found themselves in familiar territory, up two breaks. In the second half, Bravo' s D pressure increased, leading to a break. However, unlike day 1, Machine's D was able to break back in the second half, maintaining the arms length lead. The D-Line had a chance to break for the win at 14-12, but could not keep Bravo out the end zone. Receiving up 14-13 with the wind at their back, the Machine O-line benefited from a short field after Bravo received their third TMF of the game on a controversial observer ruling over language. The Machine O patiently swung the disc until they found Bob Liu on the break sideline, who continued for another break throw to AJ Nelson in the end zone. Machine celebrated after defeating the defending National Champions 15-13. (Ultiworld's Recap of Pre-Quarters)
A showcase game for Chicago's mixed team in attendance, UPA, helped fill the gap during the round two bye before Machine began ramping up their energy in anticipation of their quarter final match-up with Raleigh's Ring of Fire.
Ring of Fire had beaten Machine in all 12 match-ups in the team's history, and had knocked Machine out in Pre-Quarters of the 2014 Nationals. Both teams were loud and physical early in the game, both looking to assert themselves en route to a trip to the semi-finals. Two small execution errors near the end zone allowed Ring of Fire to take early command, but the Machine O-line was resilient in their ability to prevent any multi-break runs. Down at half for only the second time in the weekend, Machine had learned all to well on day 1 that first half leads do not mean the game is over. In the second half, Machine's D-line finally found success in slowing up the Ring offense, who had been marching downwind with ease in the first half. Staying aggressive, Machine took big shots on their turn opportunities, and 6'6'' George Hughes ripped a hanging disc out of the sky to help lead to a big upwind break. Stealing control of the game, Machine received tied 14-14 for universe point. The offense moved quickly, getting 15 yards out of the end zone, and repeatedly resetting the disc off the trap sideline to maintain possession. With a chance to score, Goose Helton took an up-line shot to Brett Matzuka prior to a poach defender colliding from the back side. The disc went off of Matzuka's hand and the defender initial did not contest the foul call. After additional discussion, the defender did contest, and neither player opted to go to the observer, instead sending the disc back to Helton. Helton swung the disc, and after a series of short throws, found Bob Liu on the break sideline just out side the end zone. Liu then threw a no-look lefty continuation pass to the end zone for the game winning score. 15-14 (Ultiworld's Quarter's Recap)
Semifinals would not come until Saturday evening at 8:00pm, giving Machine the entire day to relax and prepare before the live streamed game on ESPN3. The day started with a full team brunch prior to a meeting to discuss the strategic game plan for the evening. Players then split up, some watching a movie at a local theatre, others reviewing game film and watching the first Men's semifinal from the hotel on live stream. After crew dinners, the team got to the field complex early to warm up and practice throwing with the stiff headwind.
Coach Andy Neilsen doing his best Bill Belichick impersonation.
Machine took the field for player introductions, singing "we rowdy" as the rosters were read. Having seen Revolver three times prior during the season (Revolver leading the series 2-1), both teams were more than familiar with the other's personnel. Under the lights, after receiving the opening pull Machine would falter first with a lead hammer just out of reach and a hanging huck leading to two very quick break scores. From there, both team's settled down, and offenses shined with neither side able to generate breaks. Machine came into half down 7-8, reiterating their experiences coming back from a deficit in their quarterfinal match. After trading to start, Machine was able to generate multiple turns on a point, leading to their first break of the game. Two points later Revolver would break back, before turning the disc back once more. Machine had a chance for a short field break going up wind to bring things to 13-12, but a miscommunication on a swing pass gave the disc back to Revolver, and the boys from San Francisco would ride the momentum to close the door with a final break and 15-11 victory. (Ultiworld's Semi's Recap)
Despite the fun of playing a highlight packed semifinal under the lights, Machine left the field frustrated and wondering what could have been, motivated to return to the lights in 2016 after finishing tied for 3rd in 2015.
After being eliminated in semi-finals, Machine would spend timing bonding the rest of the weekend over drinks, repeatedly chanting stuff about being rowdy, getting stuck in a hotel elevator, indoor go-karting, and watching the Sunday finals.
Machine wants to thank Nemesis and UPA for being very loud and very rowdy during our semi-final game. We would also like to thank all of our friends, family, and fans who supported us over the season. It is more than appreciated!
Note: Jonathan "Wego" Hatcher was on hand all weekend to film the action, so best believe a tournament highlight video will be coming out over the winter.
http://ultiworld.com/2015/09/30/revolver-as-usual-the-heavy-favorite-mens-nationals-pool-a-preview/
Chicago Machine will head to Frisco, TX next week for the USA Ultimate National Championship tournament. The tournament features the top 16 teams in the country from the Men's division, and takes place over the course of 4 days (October 1-4).
Machine comes in seeded 8th overall, pitting them in a pool with San Francisco's Revolver (#1 seed), Philadelphia's Patrol (#12), and Madison Club (#13). Pool play games will take place on Thursday, leading into Pre-Quarters/ Quarters on Friday, Semi-Finals on Saturday, and Finals on Sunday. (Link to USAU Score Reporter Page)
Depending on placement in Thursday's pool play, Machine will cross over with one of the team's from pool D in Pre-Quarters on Friday morning.
Notes:
While a few players are coming off of minor injuries, Machine will have their full roster in attendance for the first time this season (a statement that is true for many of the team's attending Nationals this season).
Machine is not the only Chicago based team attending the tournament. The Chicago women's team, Nemesis, and the Chicago Mixed team, UPA, will also be attending for their respective divisions. All three teams will be staying in the same location, creating a Chicago home base in the Lone Star state.
None of Machine's game's are currently slated for filming/ live streaming, but select Semi-Final matches, and all Finals games will be streamed by USAU through ESPN3. Additionally, Machine will be traveling with former Machine player (on injury recovery), Jonathan "Wego" Hatcher, who will be filming games to be used for a post-tournament highlight video.
To follow the results over the weekend you can check in on the Chicago rowdy boys through Facebook / Twitter for regular updates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBcAA2NYRe4
Chicago Machine qualified for Nationals this past weekend at the Great Lakes Regional tournament in Westchester, OH, but had some bumpy moments along the way.
The Men's division of the Great Lakes Region had two bids to Nationals on the line, as 16 teams fought to secure their spot at the top. The tournament was played in a bracket format, with Machine coming in as the overall number 2 seed behind Michigan's High Five.
Machine's made quick work of their first opponent, Spin-Itch, with a 15-1 rout. The quick game allowed plenty of rest prior to playing another Chicago based team, Haymaker, in quarterfinals. Haymaker was able to break early to make things interesting, but after going back and forth until the score was 3-3, Machine locked down and increased their pressure en route to a 15-3 run away victory.
The final round on Saturday pitted Machine in a semifinal match-up with Cleveland's Smokestack. Machine struggled early and throughout the game to create flow on offense, and Smokestack took advantage by taking confident shots on offense, often finding receivers in stride. As the wind picked up, both teams gave the disc away with unforced errors, but Machine would separate down the stretch to cap the day with a 15-11 victory.
On Sunday, both Machine and High Five got to sleep in, with the Finals game commencing at 1:00pm in the afternoon. The two teams would trade early, despite some long points for the Machine offense. Still, the Chicago O was able punch in scores, and the D would get on the books first with an early break. The momentum would be short lived, as the latter part of the first half would see High Five break twice to take half. After scoring on O to start the second half, High Five would rattle off another break, as Machine looked out of sync on offense, and struggled to make ground against the stout High Five defense. This would play out on repeat with High Five running away with a 15-8 drubbing.
Machine was able to bounce back in the backdoor game, playing another familiar foe in Chicago's Black Market. Machine got out to an early lead, and kept Black Market an arms length away for the whole first half. Black Market turned up the D in the second half, breaking two consecutive times to make things interesting, before Machine righted the ship and converted down the stretch to punch their ticket to Nationals with a 15-8 victory.
Disappointed with their struggles on the weekend, there was not much celebrating in the Machine post-tourney huddle. The team knows it must correct its course in the final 3 weeks leading into Nationals in Frisco, Texas, but the promise of a fresh slate has everyone looking forward with confident anticipation.
Machine is happy to be joined in Frisco by the Chicago Women's team, Nemesis, who won their divisions single bid, as well as The UPA, a Chicago based Mixed team that took the single bid in the Mixed division. 'The UPA' is a team in its first year, featuring several former players from Machine and Nemesis.
Men's USAU Score Reporter Bracket
Photos/ Video Courtesy of Vince Fergus
Getting a little rowdy round here
Posted by Vince Fergus on Wednesday, September 16, 2015
http://ultiworld.com/2015/09/09/a-tale-of-two-teams-2015-great-lakes-mens-regionals-preview/
Highlights from our scrimmage against Japan's Buzz Bullet are now up! It was great having them in Chicago, as they travelled to Madison for the Bro-Flight Finale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ4P9pxFo-E
In case you weren't getting enough Machine highlights, here is some bonus video from the Pro-Elite Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WsO6qayxBY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5RxWbUxl7k
Machine made the most of their bye from Sectionals last weekend, traveling to Whitewater, WI for a double practice and team retreat at the Kolinek Family Lake House.
The annual event known as "Sports Day" continues to evolve year by year, and features crew vs crew challenges in a variety of sports and mental tests. Starting with a 4 hour practice on Saturday morning, Machine's early focus was all business, as it would be the team's final practice weekend prior to Regionals on September 12th/13th. After the testy, back and forth, practice where the O-line and D-line regularly butted heads, the team came together as one to shift their attention to the Sports Day activities.
All aspects of Sports Day (the schedule, awarding of points, and ruling over all disputes) is handled by the Sports Day Tsar, a position held by Craig Poeppelman for the past 4 years. Sports Day planning is a large undertaking, and in exchange for his prep work, the team hands over all power and authority to the Tsar for the duration of the weekend.
Disc Golf (Ryder Cup format, each crew selected certain players to play in one of three singles heats, and two players to play in one paired heat, with one member of each pairing having to throw with their non-dominant hand)
Beach Volleyball (It took less than two minutes for this to look like a scene straight out of Top Gun)
Kayak Relay Race (Crews had to complete a 5 lap relay course, with different challenges assigned to each lap. e.g. getting out of the kayak and onto a floating dock to catch a disc from a teammate on shore, riding two people in one kayak, etc...)
Password (a variation on the classic TV game show)
Family Feud (an exact replica of the show itself, this pitted crews against each other in a bracket hosted by Beam Harvey. Responses were gathered from a questionnaire which was sent to several of the top men's and women's ultimate teams from across the country).
Trivia (This featured combined categories for Music/ Sports, History/Movies, and Math/Food - Followed by a point stealing variation of the classic "Prisoner's Dilemma" psychological experiment).
Celebrity (A three round game similar to charades/ catch phrase).
* = not in attendance
The rowdy boys from the Windy City traveled to Minneapolis this past weekend to attend the final regular season event of the USAU Triple Crown Tour, the Pro-Flight Finale.
Machine came into the weekend with little to lose, as the Great Lakes Region had a firm grasp on two National bids, but were still looking to put together a complete performance, and test some new strategies going into the series.
However, many of those strategies would not be utilized due to the extreme winds that blasted Blaine, MN through the entirety of the weekend. Consistent winds of 20+ mph set Saturday as an up-wind/ down-wind affair, prior to Sunday's winds shifting to a cross-wind.
Machine's first game on Saturday came against Portland's Rhino (northwest rowdy boys in their own right). Machine started out on O, with the wind at their backs, and quickly moved the disc with short chip shots and an early score. On Machine's first D point, they would pressure Rhino into several turns, but could not string together enough passes to make it to the end zone against the strong winds. After the first point, Rhino's offense would find their groove, hitting players in space, and leaving the Machine D searching for answers as they were unable to generate turnovers through the rest of the first half. Machine's offense continued to look smooth, but an early second half execution error was capitalized on, as Rhino used the width of the field to cut across the wind, eventually converting a huge upwind score. Rhino would follow the upwinder with a subsequent down wind break. The teams would then trade until Rhino closed the door with a game winning upwind break to end it at 13-10.
Cullen Geppert layout D vs Rhino
Machine O scores a downwind goal vs Rhino
In game two, Machine took on a depleted GOAT team, missing several key players on the heels of their Canadian National Championship the weekend prior. Strategy adjustments helped Machine generate more down-wind turns, and on the turn, increased handler activity helped lead to manageable mid-range shots against the wind. Breaks continued to come in pairs, with up-winders followed by down-winders, and Machine ran away with 13-4 victory.
Coming out of a 3rd round bye, Machine faced off with Raleigh's Ring of Fire, in a game that was live streamed by Ultiworld. Machine was excited for a chance at redemption against the team that knocked them out of the Nationals bracket in 2014. Unfortunately, this game would be all Ring of Fire. Machine started on O going downwind, but a hand block on a scoober for the first throw of the game gave Ring the disc at mid-field. Ring would then find an unguarded receiver who was lost in transition for a big upwind huck, leading to an immediate break. Ring would follow up with the down-wind break, before the two teams then traded. Ring's down-wind strategy involved plenty of punt and zone, giving the Machine D Line chances with the disc, but the wind continued to pick-up, the D line struggled to move the disc, and a few opportunities just outside of the upwind endzone were squandered. Unable to convert breaks, the Machine O-line had to endure multiple long points, eventually ceding another up-wind break. It was not until the tail end of the second half that Machine was able to break back after a grueling up-wind point, which was followed by a down-wind break, but it was too little too late, as Ring won 12-8 on hard cap.
The final game of the day against San Francisco Revolver was rescheduled to Sunday morning due to inclement weather, with lightning storms rolling through the area, and a tornado watch being issued.
Saturday night featured a team dinner, ice cream party, and swimming pool games. Grown adult stuff.
On Sunday, winds shifted across the field, with a slight up-wind / down-wind tail. Going into the game, Revolver had locked up first in the pool, and Machine's chances to advance to bracket play had closed. Despite this, both teams came out running full lines, and Revolver jumped out to an early lead. A shift in Machine strategy put more Offensive players on the up-wind line, and would prove to pay off, as Machine would break back during the latter parts of the first half. Machine continued their momentum out of half-time, breaking again and eventually taking a 12-10 lead. An unforced drop near the upwind endzone gave revolver a big score, leading to a down-wind break to set-up a 12-12 universe point. Receiving the disc with the wind at their backs, Machine quickly moved down the field and hit a streaking receiver for the win. 13-12 Machine.
Machine and Ring of Fire would both finish 2-2 in their pool, but Ring took the tie breaker with their head to head win. Having finished fourth behind Revolver, Rhino, and Ring, Machine would move to the 7th place consolation bracket, with a game against Chain Lightning from Atlanta.
Machine started out hot versus the Chain team who had yet to win a game on the weekend. An early 4 point lead slowly evaporated, as heavier winds rolled through, and a series of miscues got Chain back into contention, tying the game at 8's. Again with the disc and the wind at their backs, Machine would punch in the game winning point, 8-9 with the hard cap.
The final game of the tournament would again feature Machine and GOAT squaring off. Much like the first game, Machine would find success working handler movement through the gale force winds, converting breaks early and often. Final score 13-6 Machine.
Ultiworld's Full Tourney Recap
Ultiphoto's Pro-Flight Finale Gallery
Machine is now tuning up for the series, with Regionals taking place in the Cincinnati, OH area the weekend of September 12th/13th. Because of Machine's "Elite Flight" status, they will not be attending Sectionals.
This upcoming weekend the team will head to Whitewater, WI for a team retreat featuring practice, competitions in alternate sports, crew vs crew mental challenges, and plenty of opportunities to build camaraderie.
*Thank you to Luke Johnson for Rhino footage. (Full tournament highlight video to come)
