Sports

For those unfamiliar with Roller Derby, it’s time you knew: This is one of the most exciting, brutal and enjoyable-to-watch sports ever created. And the best part? It’s for ladies only. The Emerald City Roller Girls hit the rink this week to begin their sixth season of what some have called “rugby on skates.” It’s more like speed-skating meets wrestling. Ferocity is encouraged. Fear is not an option. Fun is a given. So, if you’re intrigued (which you should be), roll on down to Lane Events Center this weekend and see what all the fuss is about.

EMFC Azul, Eugene’s premier women’s soccer team, had a weekend of ties at home: The first, against Issaquah Soccer Club came down to stoppage time. “It was a real barn-burner,” says Evon Smith, Azul’s coordinator and perhaps the team’s most loyal fan. In a last-ditch effort, Eugene Metro Fútbol Club (EMFC) put an equalizing header between the goalposts from a corner kick that rang in the final whistle, much to the chagrin of the opposing coach.

Rain fell hard on Friday, June 1, as Eugene Metro Azul Women’s Fútbol Club (EMFC) took the pitch for their first home game of the season. The stands, home to a 620-person crowd of screaming fans of all ages, became a puddle-ridden waterway only minutes after the starting whistle was blown. But the atmosphere at South Eugene High School was jovial and spirited, with feet stomping against the metal and hordes of fans engaging in chants each time the excitement level on the pitch rose.

Saturday, April 21, the Emerald City Roller Girls all-star Skatesaphrenics took on the San Francisco ShEvil Dead in Eugene. Using strong pack control to pile on the points during the ShEvil Dead’s many trips to the penalty box, the Skatesaphrenics dominated from start to finish winning 206-102.

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are part theater, part comedy act and all basketball. We caught up with 5-foot-8 guard Kenny “The Blenda” Rodriguez not long before the Globetrotters packed Matthew Knight Arena on Feb. 24 to entertain thousands. 

How did you become a Harlem Globetrotter?

The Midtown Throwdown III on Feb. 11 showcased Eugene’s mixed-martial arts talent in masse. Local gyms pitted gutsy competitors against each other in fight after fight in what proved to be a gripping series of contests — with each combatant hungry to further propel his nascent career into what has now become the world’s fastest-growing sport. 

And one up-and-comer was preparing to welcome another kind of birth.

The folks at Midtown MMA are at it again with their third in a series of mixed martial arts shows, highlighting local fighters and local gyms. Midtown Throwdown III will present a 16-fight card starting at 6 pm Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Lane Events Center. Each match will consists of three three-minute rounds, where fighters may win by way of knockout, submission, technical knockout or decision.