Amsterdam Crusaders - Recent History

Recent History

In recent years Amsterdam Crusaders have dominated the American Football Bond Nederland 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.