Course of the game
Munich set the pace in the opening period, but initially found no means against the Wild Wings' compact defense. The visitors lurked on the counter-attack, Daniel Allavena in the Red Bulls' goal was hardly challenged at first. At the other end, Smith had the first high-caliber chance of the game when he was outnumbered (9'). After that, there was a lot of intense tackling and quick transition play, but no goal - until the 18th minute: DeSousa gave the German champions a 1:0 lead after a remarkable assist from Maximilian Kastner. That was the score going into the break.
It was a similar picture for the fans in the middle period: both teams were on an equal footing, with the Red Bulls having the better opportunities. One of the most dangerous players on the ice was Smith. After exactly 31 minutes, the forward rewarded himself with a goal to make it 2:0. Schwenningen's goalkeeper Cody Brenner prevented Munich from taking a bigger lead after two periods.
Munich defended the lead offensively and played for the third goal. Brenner in focus. The goalkeeper brilliantly thwarted DeSousa's brace (49') before he again had no chance against Eder's deflection (52'). After 3:0, the visitors increased the risk, but Allavena was the last man standing. The Red Bulls held on for the 3:0 victory.