Round Eleven Preview
WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER DIEGEL FOR THE RUGBY NETWORK | Photo by Paris Malone
Major League Rugby resumes with another top of the table match, this one between the respective leaders in the Eastern and Western Conferences. Get the scoop on that match and the rest across the league below:
Toronto Arrows at New England Free Jacks
Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
The Toronto Arrows return from their bye week to take on the New England Free Jacks to start the weekend with an Eastern Conference battle. Toronto won its last match before the bye, while New England dropped last week’s.
What’s at Stake: This is not your typical match between the two bottom teams in the Conference. Both of these teams have plenty to play for in the tight East.
Bold Prediction: Toronto comes out of the bye healthy and refreshed to secure a hard-fought win, 24-19.
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Houston Sabercats at San Diego Legion
Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
The Houston SaberCats have now dropped five straight matches after a decent start to its season. The team’s last win? April 10th versus San Diego.
What’s at Stake: Houston is likely out of the playoff chase altogether. In spite of a trying season, San Diego is within shouting distance of the second seed in the West, seven points out with seven matches to go. Just about every game is a “must win” if it wants to make a run.
Bold Prediction: San Diego adds to the intrigue out west, exact revenge over Houston to string a second straight win together. 33-21 Legion.
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LA Giltinis at Rugby ATL
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
LA continues to run the gauntlet of MLR contenders, facing its second straight “Top of the Table” match and forth in a row against a top two team from around the league. Rugby ATL appears to be peaking at the right time, as it’s in the midst of a four-game winning streak.
What’s at stake: Atlanta needs to win to stay on top of the East, where there is little breathing room from top to bottom.
Bold prediction: Rugby ATL rides its hot streak and home field advantage to a 24-22 victory.
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Austin Gilgronis at Utah Warriors
Saturday at 9:00 p.m. ET | Watch on FS2
While LA has been running the MLR contender gauntlet, things haven’t been easy for the number two seeds in the west either. Austin and Utah have flipped back and forth for that spot in recent weeks as each has taken a hard-fought loss to the Giltinis. Now they face off with the tiebreaker on the line for the second playoff spot as we enter the later portions of the season.
What’s at Stake: Second place in the Western Conference.
Bold prediction: Austin’s stingy defense outlasts Utah’s explosive offense, 24-21.
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Rugby United New York at Old Glory DC
Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
Old Glory DC has gotten out of the basement of the conference with two straight wins. Its reward is New York, who has been in playoff position for just about the entire season. DC also has vengeance on the mind from Week 5’s loss at Segra Field. Both teams are missing some key starters due to injury and suspension, in DC’s case.
What’s at Stake: A win would be huge for Old Glory and its chances at making a late playoff run. New York would still be in solid position, but have some ground to make up so certainly doesn’t want to take the loss either.
Bold Prediction: At home, backs against the wall, Old Glory has its vengeance. 31-29 DC.
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