SAN DIEGO DOMINANT AT HOME, WIN 48-26
The Legion earn the bonus point for the 5th time in a dominant win over Old Glory DC
April 2, 2023 | Snapdragon Stadium
The San Diego Legion won their third consecutive game in convincing fashion over Old Glory D.C. It was a sunny afternoon in San Diego that saw the Legion score six tries throughout the match. The score at the final whistle was 48-26, marking the highest point total for San Diego this year.
An early try in the opening minutes by Faka'osi Pifileti was wiped off the board due to a TMO review that ruled obstruction on the score.
Just under two minutes later, Old Glory took advantage of the Legion error and scored the first try of the day. A conversion made the score 7-0 in favor of D.C. at the 9-minute mark.
On the following kick-off, Mikey Te'o was able to gain possession of the ball and push-pass the ball to Tomas Aoake for a try in the corner. Te'o who normally plays full-back was filling at winger while Aoake had outside center duties in Marcel Brache's absence. This was the third try in three weeks for Aoake, a New Zealand native in his second season with the Legion.
A Will Hooley conversion from the right sideline tied the game at seven a piece.
At the 15th minute, the Legion saw inside center and rugby superstar Ma'a Nonu leave the field due to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. This put the Legion at a disadvantage as they had to play down a man for the duration of the penalty.
Old Glory was able to exploit this and score a try to go up 12-7 at the 23rd minute. This was the last time Old Glory would lead for the entire match.
Responding, a flying Mikey Te'o was able to dot down a try in the box for an automatic seven points. Te'o, the 2021 MLR player of the year was a problem for the Old Glory defense all afternoon.
An Old Glory penalty at the 39th minute gave Fly-Half and USA Eagle Will Hooley, a chance to kick for points. The kick sailed through the uprights and the Legion took a 17-12 lead at the half.
The Legion started the second half off strong, with Mikey Te'o scoring his second try of the game at the 44th minute. The conversion was no good, and the Legion took a 22-12 lead.
Just a few minutes later, a Nate Augspurger carry and offload to Team Captain Blair Cowan saw the Legion take a commanding 29-12 lead. Both Cowan and Augspurger were named to the MLR's 'First XV' for Round 7.
At the 66th minute, All-Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu scored his first try of 2023, powering his way through the defense and putting the Legion up 36-12.
Old Glory would not go down easy though, scoring two tries in two minutes to make it a competitive game. The score was 36-26 with ten minutes left in the match.
San Diego was able to add a couple more tries of their own though with Christian Poidevin getting in the try zone for the third time this season at the 78 minute mark. With the score 41-26, and just two minutes to play, the Legion were still not done.
A Mikey Te'o interception and off-load to Nate Augspurger saw the Legion score one more try and end the game with a 48-26 score. This was the highest point total of the season for the Legion, who also boast the highest point differential in the competition.
The celebration will be short-lived though as San Diego heads to its toughest match of the year on the road vs Seattle (6-0).
