Amsterdam Crusaders
Encyclopedia
The Amsterdam Crusaders are an American Football
club from Amsterdam
, the Netherlands
. Together with the Rotterdam Trojans
and Alphen Eagles, Amsterdam Crusaders are the oldest surviving Dutch American Football club.
. In the years that followed they grew into a team capable of playing at both national and international levels.
The 1980s saw frequent battles with fierce rivals Amsterdam Rams, The Hague Raiders and Utrecht Vikings for places in the Tulip Bowl
and Eurobowl
.
final in 1988, with upset wins over the London Ravens and Berlin Adlers in the quarter and semi finals, only to lose against the Helsinki Roosters
(35-14), who ran a power wishbone attack with Mike Kane, former All-American running back at CSUN. He Scored 4 TDs' and was elected the games MVP, In 1989 Amsterdam again reached the final, unfortunately losing a thriller 27-23 to the Legnano Frogs (Italy). In 1990, the "third Crusade" ended in Manchester
(UK) when the Manchester Spartans
defended three drives from the Crusaders in the 4th quarter to progress on their way to a European title.
Finally, the Crusaders managed to claim the big prize. In 1991 the Amsterdam Crusaders won Eurobowl V with a 21-20 win over Berlin Adler
in Offenbach, with safety Najib Nakad blocking a Berlin
PAT to secure a hard-fought win. Later that year the Amsterdam Crusaders played a regular season game against San Francisco State University
. A year later, Eurobowl VI was added to the "Cru" trophy cabinet with a 42-21 win over Torino Giaguari(Italy) at Upsala, Sweden. Incredibly, 1993 saw the Crusaders reach their 5th Eurobowl final in six years, this time in the illustrious setting of the Heysel Stadium, Brussels
. In a fantastic game, the London Olympians
proved too strong for the Crusaders.
1994 saw the Amsterdam Crusaders leave the Dutch competition to join the Football League of Europe
. Regular games against Finnish, English, German, Italian and Swedish teams made for a fascinating competition. However, this league lasted only two seasons before folding due to large costs.
The "Cru" returned to Dutch competition in 1996 and set about building up the club to include flag football
, youth and senior teams.
During the lifetime of the NFL Europe
, the Amsterdam Crusaders provided the Amsterdam Admirals
with the bulk of national players coming out of the Netherlands. Current coaches Marcus Muler and Robert von Gerhardt were employed by the Amsterdam Admirals
as national coaches, and defensive backs coach Reyhan Agaoglu and defensive line coach Arnold Galesloot are former Admirals players. Amsterdam Crusader coaches have often been involved in the coaching staff of the Dutch Lions - the Netherlands' national team.
The Amsterdam Crusaders are the only Dutch team that have produced an NFL player. Romeo Bandison
played for the Cleveland Browns
and Washington Redskins
of the NFL and coached at Boise State University
before taking his current role at Colorado University.
competition, having won 8 of the last 9 national titles. In 2006 they posted their first undefeated season in many years, but were made to fight for the ultimate crown by the Delft Dragons
, who were only defeated in overtime - the only time this has occurred in the Tulip Bowl
's history. In 2010 the Cru posted a second consecutive perfect record on their way to their 16th National title.
Remarkably, the Amsterdam Crusaders have failed to reach the Tulip Bowl
only four times (1986, 1992, 2001 and 2011) in the 25 seasons they have competed in the Dutch domestic league (did not compete in 1994 and 1995 due to participation in Football League of Europe
).
In 2006 Amsterdam returned to European competition by entering the EFAF Cup
. The Crusaders were given a tough draw and lost their group games 23-0 to 2005 finalists Templiers d'Elancourt and 38-14 to eventual semi-finalists Zurich Renegades.
In 2007 the Crusaders were handed a tough EFAF Cup
draw, with an away trip to Oslo Vikings
followed by a home matchup vs the German Football League
's Berlin Adler
. Amsterdam provided a surprise result in the opening game, defeating the Vikings 27-21 only two weeks after Oslo had defeated Berlin in Germany, but a 34-6 to the Adler in Amsterdam meant they failed to reach the semi-final.
On October 28, 2007, Amsterdam Crusaders failed to make it 6 Dutch championships in a row, losing 25-16 to Maastricht Wildcats
in the national championship game, Tulip Bowl
XXIII.
The 2008 season saw another national championship. On July 13, 2008 the Cru won the Tulip Bowl
for the 14th time in their history after a 7-3 regular season, ensuring they enter their 25th year of existence as Dutch Champion. Amsterdam avenged Tulip Bowl
XXIII by defeating Maastricht Wildcats
20-8 with touchdown
passes from Claudio Bartolozzi to Wide Receiver
Renze Burgers and Tight End
Marcus Muler, and an interception return for a touchdown
by Stef Hupsel.
The 2008 EFAF Cup
saw the Crusaders perform admirably with some impressive defensive performances in a 26-12 loss to Berlin Adler
of the German Football League
in Berlin
. Amsterdam hosted Danish champions Triangle Razorbacks on April 20, 2008 but slipped to a disappointing 3-0 loss to end their Euro season for 2008.
For the Amsterdam Crusaders, 2009 was a special year as they celebrated their 25th anniversary. They completed their regular season schedule with a perfect 10-0 record scoring 320 points in the process and conceding only 33, including 7 shut-outs. The Cru destroyed old foes Rotterdam Trojans
60-3 on June 21 in the AFBN
playoffs and on July 12 dismissed Lightning Leiden 36-7 to win their 15th Tulip Bowl
.
Amsterdam's EFAF Cup
campaign also saw success. On April 18 the Crusaders pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind victory in England
against the Farnham Knights of Great Britain
as QB Claudio Bartolozzi and WR Revilinho Graanoogst connected for a 7-yard score as time expired. On May 2, 2009, the Cru sealed their first ever EFAF Cup
semi-final spot by defeating the highly-rated Oslo Vikings
in Amsterdam
by a score of 10-6. On Sunday June 7, the Crusaders were unable to reach the final, losing 21-3 in the Czech Republic
to Czech champions and eventual EFAF Cup
2009 champions Prague Panthers
. However, it was a very admirable cup run considering the budget and there were high hopes for the future. The Amsterdam Crusaders finished the 2009 season in 18th place in the European Top 20
as ranked by EFAF.
The Cru's 25th regular season began in March 2010. Amsterdam sealed their second undefeated regular season in a row with a come-from-behind win against Lelystad Commanders on June 13, 2010. Amsterdam
reached their 9th consecutive Tulip Bowl
with a 43-16 win over Alphen Eagles in the playoff game on June 20, 2010. The Crusaders achieved a first in the Netherlands - a second consecutive undefeated championship season by defeating Maastricht Wildcats
28-22 on July 4 in their record 9th consecutive Tulip Bowl
appearance.
Amsterdam's EFAF Cup
season ended prematurely after a defeat in a visit to Les Cougars de St-Ouen l'Aumone (France
) and a 35-7 home reverse versus British
champions London Blitz
.
Including post-season games, the Crusaders' winning streak
managed a 27-game winning stream in the American Football Bond Nederland
competition stretching from the end of the 2008 season until the end of the 2010 season.
The Crusaders were beaten for the first time in 28 domestic competitive games, losing 12-7 after narrowly failing to complete a 99-yard TD drive inside the two-minute warning. The Cru bounced back with wins against Lelystad Commanders (34-32), Maastricht Wildcats
(16-13), Amsterdam Panthers (34-0), Lightning Leiden (45-0) and the return against Lelystad Commanders (50-22) to extend their record to 5-1 for the season. Further losses (40-22 to Alphen Eagles and 27-14 at Maastricht Wildcats
) dropped Amsterdam's record to 5-3. Amsterdam closed out the regular season with a 7-3 record after wins against Amsterdam Panthers (29-16) and Lightning Leiden (45-0).
On June 3rd 2011, the Cru were denied a place in the Tulip Bowl
by Maastricht Wildcats
, losing 29-12 in the national semi-final game in Maastricht.
Amsterdam's 2011 EFAF Cup
group stage started with a record defeat, losing 68-6 to Great Britain
National Champions London Blitz on April 9th in Finsbury Park
, London
. On May 14th, the Cru defeated Spain
's Valencia Firebats
27-19 in Amsterdam
.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
club from Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
. Together with the Rotterdam Trojans
Rotterdam Trojans
The Rotterdam Trojans are an American football team based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Founded in 1984, the Trojans are the second oldest surviving team in the Netherlands, behind the Amsterdam Crusaders...
and Alphen Eagles, Amsterdam Crusaders are the oldest surviving Dutch American Football club.
Beginnings
The Crusaders were founded on 6 September 1984, when several players of the former Amsterdam Rams decided it was time to have another team in AmsterdamAmsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
. In the years that followed they grew into a team capable of playing at both national and international levels.
The 1980s saw frequent battles with fierce rivals Amsterdam Rams, The Hague Raiders and Utrecht Vikings for places in the Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
and Eurobowl
Eurobowl
The Eurobowl is both the final game and the trophy of the European Football League , a European American football contest.-Eurobowls:-Champions:...
.
Eurobowls, FLE and NFLE
The Crusaders joined the European elite by reaching the EurobowlEurobowl
The Eurobowl is both the final game and the trophy of the European Football League , a European American football contest.-Eurobowls:-Champions:...
final in 1988, with upset wins over the London Ravens and Berlin Adlers in the quarter and semi finals, only to lose against the Helsinki Roosters
Helsinki Roosters
Helsinki Roosters is an American Football team based in Helsinki, Finland. The team plays in the Vaahteraliiga in Finland and their home field is the Helsinki Velodrome.- National Champions :...
(35-14), who ran a power wishbone attack with Mike Kane, former All-American running back at CSUN. He Scored 4 TDs' and was elected the games MVP, In 1989 Amsterdam again reached the final, unfortunately losing a thriller 27-23 to the Legnano Frogs (Italy). In 1990, the "third Crusade" ended in Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
(UK) when the Manchester Spartans
Manchester Spartans
The Manchester Spartans were an English American football club based in Manchester. The club were founded in 1983 under the name Northwich Spartans. Becoming Manchester Spartans in 1984, the club became national champions in 1989 and 1990 and competed in Eurobowl IV in 1990...
defended three drives from the Crusaders in the 4th quarter to progress on their way to a European title.
Finally, the Crusaders managed to claim the big prize. In 1991 the Amsterdam Crusaders won Eurobowl V with a 21-20 win over Berlin Adler
Berlin Adler
The Berlin Adler is an American football club based in Berlin, Germany. The club is one of the most successful clubs in the sport in Germany, having won six German Bowls as well as a ten Ladies Bowls and five Junior Bowls....
in Offenbach, with safety Najib Nakad blocking a Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
PAT to secure a hard-fought win. Later that year the Amsterdam Crusaders played a regular season game against San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is a public university located in San Francisco, California. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers over 100 areas of study from nine academic colleges...
. A year later, Eurobowl VI was added to the "Cru" trophy cabinet with a 42-21 win over Torino Giaguari(Italy) at Upsala, Sweden. Incredibly, 1993 saw the Crusaders reach their 5th Eurobowl final in six years, this time in the illustrious setting of the Heysel Stadium, Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
. In a fantastic game, the London Olympians
London Olympians
The London Olympians is a British amateur American football team, based in Crystal Palace, London. They are the United Kingdom's most successful amateur American football club...
proved too strong for the Crusaders.
1994 saw the Amsterdam Crusaders leave the Dutch competition to join the Football League of Europe
Football League of Europe
The Football League of Europe was an European semi-professional American football league. It was founded in 1994, renamed 1995 in American Football League of Europe and dissolved after the 1995 season...
. Regular games against Finnish, English, German, Italian and Swedish teams made for a fascinating competition. However, this league lasted only two seasons before folding due to large costs.
The "Cru" returned to Dutch competition in 1996 and set about building up the club to include flag football
Flag football
Flag football is a version of Canadian football or American football that is popular worldwide. The basic rules of the game are similar to those of the mainstream game , but instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier to end...
, youth and senior teams.
During the lifetime of the NFL Europe
NFL Europe
NFL Europe was an American football league which operated in Europe from 1991 until 2007. Backed by the National Football League , the largest professional American football league in the United States, it was founded as the World League of American Football to serve as a type of spring league...
, the Amsterdam Crusaders provided the Amsterdam Admirals
Amsterdam Admirals
The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe...
with the bulk of national players coming out of the Netherlands. Current coaches Marcus Muler and Robert von Gerhardt were employed by the Amsterdam Admirals
Amsterdam Admirals
The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe...
as national coaches, and defensive backs coach Reyhan Agaoglu and defensive line coach Arnold Galesloot are former Admirals players. Amsterdam Crusader coaches have often been involved in the coaching staff of the Dutch Lions - the Netherlands' national team.
The Amsterdam Crusaders are the only Dutch team that have produced an NFL player. Romeo Bandison
Romeo Bandison
Romeo Bandison is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins...
played for the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
of the NFL and coached at Boise State University
Boise State University
Boise State University is a public university located in Boise, Idaho. Originally founded in 1932 as a junior college by the Episcopal Church, the university became an independent institution in 1934, and has been awarding baccalaureate and master degrees since 1965...
before taking his current role at Colorado University.
Recent History
In recent years Amsterdam Crusaders have dominated the American Football Bond NederlandAmerican Football Bond Nederland
The AFBN is the governing body for American Football in the Netherlands. The AFBN was founded in 2001 after the merger of the rival leagues Nederlandse American Football Federatie and American Football League Nederland .-Nederlandse American Football Federatie :The Nederlandse American Football...
competition, having won 8 of the last 9 national titles. In 2006 they posted their first undefeated season in many years, but were made to fight for the ultimate crown by the Delft Dragons
Delft Dragons
Delft Dragons are an American football team based in Delft, the Netherlands.-History:*FoundationsBetween 1984 and 1993 a previous team had existed in Delft: the Delft Dragons. Unfortunately this team folded due to lack of players...
, who were only defeated in overtime - the only time this has occurred in the Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
's history. In 2010 the Cru posted a second consecutive perfect record on their way to their 16th National title.
Remarkably, the Amsterdam Crusaders have failed to reach the Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
only four times (1986, 1992, 2001 and 2011) in the 25 seasons they have competed in the Dutch domestic league (did not compete in 1994 and 1995 due to participation in Football League of Europe
Football League of Europe
The Football League of Europe was an European semi-professional American football league. It was founded in 1994, renamed 1995 in American Football League of Europe and dissolved after the 1995 season...
).
In 2006 Amsterdam returned to European competition by entering the EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
. The Crusaders were given a tough draw and lost their group games 23-0 to 2005 finalists Templiers d'Elancourt and 38-14 to eventual semi-finalists Zurich Renegades.
In 2007 the Crusaders were handed a tough EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
draw, with an away trip to Oslo Vikings
Oslo Vikings
Oslo Vikings is the name of an American football club located in Oslo, Norway, that competes in the Norway American Football Federation and the European Federation of American Football tournaments....
followed by a home matchup vs the German Football League
German Football League
The German Football League is the elite league for American football in Germany. Playing rules are based on those of the American NCAA....
's Berlin Adler
Berlin Adler
The Berlin Adler is an American football club based in Berlin, Germany. The club is one of the most successful clubs in the sport in Germany, having won six German Bowls as well as a ten Ladies Bowls and five Junior Bowls....
. Amsterdam provided a surprise result in the opening game, defeating the Vikings 27-21 only two weeks after Oslo had defeated Berlin in Germany, but a 34-6 to the Adler in Amsterdam meant they failed to reach the semi-final.
On October 28, 2007, Amsterdam Crusaders failed to make it 6 Dutch championships in a row, losing 25-16 to Maastricht Wildcats
Maastricht Wildcats
The Maastricht Wildcats of the AFBN is an American Football League team from Maastricht. They play in the Dutch 1st division and are rivals with the Amsterdam Crusaders. They won the 2007 Dutch National Championship by defeating the Amsterdam Crusaders 25-16 in the Tulip Bowl...
in the national championship game, Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
XXIII.
The 2008 season saw another national championship. On July 13, 2008 the Cru won the Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
for the 14th time in their history after a 7-3 regular season, ensuring they enter their 25th year of existence as Dutch Champion. Amsterdam avenged Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
XXIII by defeating Maastricht Wildcats
Maastricht Wildcats
The Maastricht Wildcats of the AFBN is an American Football League team from Maastricht. They play in the Dutch 1st division and are rivals with the Amsterdam Crusaders. They won the 2007 Dutch National Championship by defeating the Amsterdam Crusaders 25-16 in the Tulip Bowl...
20-8 with touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
passes from Claudio Bartolozzi to Wide Receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Renze Burgers and Tight End
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Marcus Muler, and an interception return for a touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
by Stef Hupsel.
The 2008 EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
saw the Crusaders perform admirably with some impressive defensive performances in a 26-12 loss to Berlin Adler
Berlin Adler
The Berlin Adler is an American football club based in Berlin, Germany. The club is one of the most successful clubs in the sport in Germany, having won six German Bowls as well as a ten Ladies Bowls and five Junior Bowls....
of the German Football League
German Football League
The German Football League is the elite league for American football in Germany. Playing rules are based on those of the American NCAA....
in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
. Amsterdam hosted Danish champions Triangle Razorbacks on April 20, 2008 but slipped to a disappointing 3-0 loss to end their Euro season for 2008.
For the Amsterdam Crusaders, 2009 was a special year as they celebrated their 25th anniversary. They completed their regular season schedule with a perfect 10-0 record scoring 320 points in the process and conceding only 33, including 7 shut-outs. The Cru destroyed old foes Rotterdam Trojans
Rotterdam Trojans
The Rotterdam Trojans are an American football team based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Founded in 1984, the Trojans are the second oldest surviving team in the Netherlands, behind the Amsterdam Crusaders...
60-3 on June 21 in the AFBN
American Football Bond Nederland
The AFBN is the governing body for American Football in the Netherlands. The AFBN was founded in 2001 after the merger of the rival leagues Nederlandse American Football Federatie and American Football League Nederland .-Nederlandse American Football Federatie :The Nederlandse American Football...
playoffs and on July 12 dismissed Lightning Leiden 36-7 to win their 15th Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
.
Amsterdam's EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
campaign also saw success. On April 18 the Crusaders pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind victory in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
against the Farnham Knights of Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
as QB Claudio Bartolozzi and WR Revilinho Graanoogst connected for a 7-yard score as time expired. On May 2, 2009, the Cru sealed their first ever EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
semi-final spot by defeating the highly-rated Oslo Vikings
Oslo Vikings
Oslo Vikings is the name of an American football club located in Oslo, Norway, that competes in the Norway American Football Federation and the European Federation of American Football tournaments....
in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
by a score of 10-6. On Sunday June 7, the Crusaders were unable to reach the final, losing 21-3 in the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
to Czech champions and eventual EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
2009 champions Prague Panthers
Prague Panthers
The Prague Panthers are an American football team based in Prague, Czech Republic. The Prague Panthers are one of the most successful team in Eastern Europe, having been named the Champions of the Czech Republic 12 times...
. However, it was a very admirable cup run considering the budget and there were high hopes for the future. The Amsterdam Crusaders finished the 2009 season in 18th place in the European Top 20
EFAF Euro Top 20
The EFAF Euro Top 20 is the official EFAF ranking system for American Football club teams in Europe.The list considers only those teams playing in an EFAF member country, and competing in one of the official EFAF international competitions .The list is updated after every weekend of European...
as ranked by EFAF.
The Cru's 25th regular season began in March 2010. Amsterdam sealed their second undefeated regular season in a row with a come-from-behind win against Lelystad Commanders on June 13, 2010. Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
reached their 9th consecutive Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
with a 43-16 win over Alphen Eagles in the playoff game on June 20, 2010. The Crusaders achieved a first in the Netherlands - a second consecutive undefeated championship season by defeating Maastricht Wildcats
Maastricht Wildcats
The Maastricht Wildcats of the AFBN is an American Football League team from Maastricht. They play in the Dutch 1st division and are rivals with the Amsterdam Crusaders. They won the 2007 Dutch National Championship by defeating the Amsterdam Crusaders 25-16 in the Tulip Bowl...
28-22 on July 4 in their record 9th consecutive Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
appearance.
Amsterdam's EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
season ended prematurely after a defeat in a visit to Les Cougars de St-Ouen l'Aumone (France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
) and a 35-7 home reverse versus British
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
champions London Blitz
London Blitz (American football)
London Blitz are a British American football team based in North London at Finsbury Park athletics stadium.- Overview :The Blitz field a senior team in the BAFA Community Leagues Premiership as well as youth teams. The roster has included both local players as well as players from North America,...
.
Including post-season games, the Crusaders' winning streak
Winning streak
Winning streak may refer to:*Winning Streak, a long-running Irish television game show**Winning Streak: Dream Ticket, a more modern version*Winning Streak , a 1970s American television game show...
managed a 27-game winning stream in the American Football Bond Nederland
American Football Bond Nederland
The AFBN is the governing body for American Football in the Netherlands. The AFBN was founded in 2001 after the merger of the rival leagues Nederlandse American Football Federatie and American Football League Nederland .-Nederlandse American Football Federatie :The Nederlandse American Football...
competition stretching from the end of the 2008 season until the end of the 2010 season.
2011 season
Amsterdam's 2011 regular season began with a home match-up against Alphen Eagles on 6th March 2011.The Crusaders were beaten for the first time in 28 domestic competitive games, losing 12-7 after narrowly failing to complete a 99-yard TD drive inside the two-minute warning. The Cru bounced back with wins against Lelystad Commanders (34-32), Maastricht Wildcats
Maastricht Wildcats
The Maastricht Wildcats of the AFBN is an American Football League team from Maastricht. They play in the Dutch 1st division and are rivals with the Amsterdam Crusaders. They won the 2007 Dutch National Championship by defeating the Amsterdam Crusaders 25-16 in the Tulip Bowl...
(16-13), Amsterdam Panthers (34-0), Lightning Leiden (45-0) and the return against Lelystad Commanders (50-22) to extend their record to 5-1 for the season. Further losses (40-22 to Alphen Eagles and 27-14 at Maastricht Wildcats
Maastricht Wildcats
The Maastricht Wildcats of the AFBN is an American Football League team from Maastricht. They play in the Dutch 1st division and are rivals with the Amsterdam Crusaders. They won the 2007 Dutch National Championship by defeating the Amsterdam Crusaders 25-16 in the Tulip Bowl...
) dropped Amsterdam's record to 5-3. Amsterdam closed out the regular season with a 7-3 record after wins against Amsterdam Panthers (29-16) and Lightning Leiden (45-0).
On June 3rd 2011, the Cru were denied a place in the Tulip Bowl
Tulip Bowl
The Tulip Bowl, like the Super Bowl, is the final match of the season for the top division of the American Football Bond Nederland . The AFBN is the organisation responsible for American football in the Netherlands...
by Maastricht Wildcats
Maastricht Wildcats
The Maastricht Wildcats of the AFBN is an American Football League team from Maastricht. They play in the Dutch 1st division and are rivals with the Amsterdam Crusaders. They won the 2007 Dutch National Championship by defeating the Amsterdam Crusaders 25-16 in the Tulip Bowl...
, losing 29-12 in the national semi-final game in Maastricht.
Amsterdam's 2011 EFAF Cup
EFAF Cup
The EFAF Cup is an international competition for European American Football clubs. The EFAF Cup is the second highest level of club competition in the European Federation of American Football , behind the European Football League ,.- EFAF Cup :...
group stage started with a record defeat, losing 68-6 to Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
National Champions London Blitz on April 9th in Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park is a 46 hectare public park in the London Borough of Haringey. Officially part of the London area of Harringay, it is also adjacent to Stroud Green, the Finsbury Park district and Manor House. It was one of the first of the great London parks laid out in the Victorian...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. On May 14th, the Cru defeated Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
's Valencia Firebats
Valencia Firebats
Valencia Firebats is an American football team based in Valencia, Valencian Community .-History:The team was established in april, 1993 as Valencia Bats, joining the defunct American Football League for the 1994 season. The following season a new national league is created in Spain, divided in two...
27-19 in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
.
Notable former players
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Glenn Dennison Glenn Dennison Glenn A. Dennison is a former American football tight end in the National Football League for the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft.He now works for FCC Environmental in Plant... (TE, 1989): |
Played for New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... of NFL before joining Amsterdam. |
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Paul Troth Paul Troth Paul Troth is a former East Carolina University football quarterback. Troth was recruited to play at ECU before transferring to Liberty University. He later served as an assistant coach at ECU.... (QB): |
Head Coach of Missouri Valley College Missouri Valley College Missouri Valley College is a private, four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church . The campus is in Marshall, Missouri.The college was founded in 1889 and supports 27 academic majors and an enrollment close to 1,800 students... since 2002. |
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Romeo Bandison Romeo Bandison Romeo Bandison is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins... (DT): |
Played for University of Oregon University of Oregon -Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :... , Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... , Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... and Amsterdam Admirals Amsterdam Admirals The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe... . Coached at Boise State University Boise State University Boise State University is a public university located in Boise, Idaho. Originally founded in 1932 as a junior college by the Episcopal Church, the university became an independent institution in 1934, and has been awarding baccalaureate and master degrees since 1965... . Currently DL coach at Colorado University. |
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Jimmy Geduld: | Dutch Soap actor. |
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Hubert Bedford (LB): | Dutch sports presenter. |
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Ronald Buys (RB): | Became General Manager of Amsterdam Admirals Amsterdam Admirals The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe... between 1999 and 2005. |
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Arnold Galesloot (LB): | Played as TE for the Amsterdam Admirals and was the only Dutch player to score a touchdown for the Admirals on Dutch soil. Currently Defensive Line coach at the Crusaders |
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Niels Meijer (WR): | Played for Amsterdam Admirals Amsterdam Admirals The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe... of NFL Europe NFL Europe NFL Europe was an American football league which operated in Europe from 1991 until 2007. Backed by the National Football League , the largest professional American football league in the United States, it was founded as the World League of American Football to serve as a type of spring league... . |
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Akwasi Mensah Akwasi Mensah -Pro career:* Played in 2006 and 2007 for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe.* Recorded 3 tackles on defense and 4 special teams stops as a rookie... (LB): |
Played for Amsterdam Admirals Amsterdam Admirals The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe... in 2006 and 2007. |
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Amilcar Grot (DB): | Played for Amsterdam Admirals Amsterdam Admirals The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team in NFL Europe based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.-History:The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe... in 2005. |