Hi there, so spare a thought for those who didn’t come back, OK?
Recaps of D.C. United’s 2-1 loss to Toronto FC by us, WaPo and MLS. Waking the Red with the other end.
Recap of the Washington Spirit’s 1-1 draw with Gotham FC by WaPo.
FINAL: Riverhounds SC 1, Loudoun United FC 0 (Pittsburgh Soccer Now): They played better, but they’ve also lost seven games in 30 days.
Report: Sheffield United want Nottingham Forest man Lewis O’Brien (Nottingham Forest News): Look, expect more of these stories in the next weeks.
Anyway that’s what I have, take care of yourself.
Despite Ryan’s headline (“Spirit win …”), not a good weekend for DMV. we’ll wait for Will Nelson to report on Old Glory Rugby Club.
Interested to see how the team responds after an poor showing, on short rest. And against Montreal once more. Their form has improved significantly since their flurry of trades and our last game against them. Can’t be caught sleeping through another 45.
OGDC fell to Seattle this past Saturday evening at Segra Field 41-19. OGDC started off nicely with a converted try early in the first half. Seattle responded with a line break and a speedy try, but it wasn’t converted. Seattle’s speed and OGDC committing fouls would be the name of the game. It was 7-5 for most of the first half. With both teams missing penalty kick goals. OGDC tried one from dead on, but way back near midfield. It had the distance but missed wide left. Seattle also missed an penalty kick goal from closer in, but more offset. Seattle would score with 2 fast breaks through the lines to get to half up 19-7 and never looked back. The first of those followed shortly after OGDC failing to dot down in the try zone losing it over the endline in the process, which was a dagger. Seattle’s speed and domination of the scrum as well as self inflicted difficulties with penalties, handling errors, and missed kicks were the name of the game in the 2nd half. As Seattle had a comfortable 34-7 lead late in the 2nd half. Seattle also dominated possession in the 2nd half barely allowing OGDC to have the ball. OGDC would score twice in the closing minutes of the match including the final play of the game.
On the bright side of things, OGDC’s Danny Tusitala became the first player in franchise history to make 50 Major League Rugby appearances. Tusitala has been with OGDC since its inception with the pandemic shortened 2020 season.
The loss and failure to get bonus points for scoring 4 or more ties and/or losing by 7 points or less hurt OGDC’s playoff hopes. OGDC still remains in 2nd place in the eastern conference after this past round. Thankfully New York lost to Western Conference leaders San Diego Legion Sunday afternoon. And Atlanta lost to Utah as well. New England clinched a playoff berth and the conference title with a dominant win over NOLA this past weekend. With 3 games remaining, New England is in 1st with 53 points OGDC is in 2nd place on 33 points, New York is in 3rd with 32 points, Atlanta is in 4th with 27 points, NOLA is in 5th with 26 points, and Toronto is in 6th with 14 points. Toronto for all intents and purposes is out, but they have not been mathematically eliminated yet. Its a tight race in the east for the last 2 playoff berths.
OGDC has a tough remaining 3 game schedule. They are at NOLA (5W-8L-0D, 26 pts) this weekend. Then they are at Houston (8W-5L-0D, 43 pts (currently in 4th in the West on tie breakers)). Then they finish the season at home hosting Rugby ATL (5W-7L-1D, 27 pts). They have a legitimate shot at 2nd or 3rd place in the East, but its gonna be a rough ride to get there and the first playoff appearance in franchise history.
For a more comprehensive review of the game: https://oldglorydc.com/report-old-glory-fall-at-home-to-seattle-seawolves/https://oldglorydc.com/report-old-glory-fall-at-home-to-seattle-seawolves/
How can you watch or stream these games? Streaming is my preference.
You can stream for free on The Rugby Network. You just need to sign up for a free account. The Rugby Network is a sponsor and partner of Major League Rugby. https://www.therugbynetwork.com/
They also provide streaming of high school and college championships.
Unfortunately, for 90+% of US Men’s and Women’s XVs and 7s games you have to get a paid Flo Rugby (yes that Flo Sports) account…I really wish USA Rugby would change.
Thanks, Will. I knew that we could count on you. I hope that The District Press will take you on as a regular contributor to cover Old Glory and the rugby union world — a sport. That is joined at the hip with soccer/football.