Firebirds to face Salina Liberty in AFL semifinals

ALBANY, NY ( NEWS10 ) — The Albany Firebirds’ opponent for next weekend’s Arena Football League semifinals was decided Saturday night. The third-seeded Salina Liberty defeated the Southwest Kansas Storm, 41-35, to advance, setting up the first meeting of the season between the two squads.

It is worth noting that the Firebirds and Liberty were scheduled to play in the regular season, but that game didn’t happen. The Firebirds were undefeated at the time, and head coach Damon Ware believes the Liberty got cold feet.

“There was varying stories, but I don’t think they wanted to play us. We were undefeated and it was a different game on the schedule, and so I kind of feel like they ducked us,” said Ware.

Former NAL MVP Darius Prince believes despite the regular-season meeting not happening it’s time to buckle up for a chance to compete and advance to the Arena Bowl.

“They gotta come to us now,” said Prince. “So, we’re going to respect the game and we’re going to be ready for Salina when they come here on Saturday.

Game day is Saturday, July 13 at MVP Arena. Opening kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

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