MINNEAPOLIS (LFL360.com) – The Los Angeles Temptation used the combination of a destructive aerial attack and strong running game to punish the Minnesota defense all night, as Game MVP Amber Reed (85 total yards, 3 TD) outclassed the Valkyrie 28-7, ultimately disappointing the energetic hometown crowd. The Valkyrie home opener attracted several Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings players, including NFL icon and starting quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Los Angeles finished the night as they started as quarterback Ashley Salerno (5-14, 89 yards, 2 TD) connected with wide-receiver Chloe Butler (1 reception, 33 yards, 1 TD) on a deep pattern to pad the lead in what turned to be the final tally, while the Lingerie Bowl VIII MVP launched a rocket to Reed to begin the scoring 2:32 into the game to draw first blood. Minnesota answered shortly thereafter, as quarterback Jana Skrtic (2-9, 25 yards, 1 TD/1 TD)  found tight-end Cydney Froelich (25 yards receiving, 1 TD) for the equalizer, with the home team pushing ahead on an extra point, 7-6.

The Valkyrie hung tough for most of the night with the defending champions, posting a one-point halftime lead behind the strong play of Froelich and wide-receiver Whitney Meierotto (22 yards receiving). Skrtic was injured on the final play of the first half, possibly with a broken arm, and did not return. Back-up quarterback Jocelyn Bendijo (1-9, 22 yards, 1 INT) was effective on the ground (29 yards rushing) but struggled in the passing game and ultimately could not rally the home team.

But in the end, the visitors’ consistent ability to sustain long drives ultimately proved to be the difference, as the veteran-laden Temptation overcame the suspensions of four key starters to prevail in an exciting back-and-forth slug-fest with the inexperienced but talented expansion team who pushed the defending champs to the limit.

In the end, the synergy of Los Angeles’ Reed and strong, accurate arm of Salerno simply proved to be too much for the all-rookie Valkyrie team.

Photos courtesy of Joe Petro, LFL National Director of Photography, J&K Creative! and B.J. Fleming.

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Tags: game nine, game recap, Jim Wallin, Los Angeles Temptation, Minnesota Valkyrie, WEEK EIGHT