Old Glory DC entered this week’s match riding high after a statement win over Eastern Conference rival New England Free Jacks. This week, they traveled west to Los Angeles for a showdown between two relatively even record teams. In a high-scoring, ill-disciplined battle, Old Glory fell short, 54-44, in a game defined by a flurry of penalties and cards.
The action kicked off at a blistering pace. OGDC struck first in the third minute, as center Nick Grigg powered over the line. RFCLA responded quickly, setting the tone for a back-and-forth contest. Fly-half Jason Robertson was clinical off the tee, keeping Old Glory within striking distance with a series of pinpoint penalty kicks.
Late in the first half, DC seized momentum. Leading 23-19, they were awarded a penalty try when RFCLA illegally collapsed a maul on the try line, earning the home side a yellow card. Moments later, another cynical infringement left RFC down two men. With a prime scoring opportunity off the ensuing scrum, Old Glory looked poised to extend their lead, but a knock-on ended the half without further points.
DC wasted no time capitalizing on their two-player advantage after the break. Prop Jack Iscaro ran a hard line off a ruck, sliced through LA’s defense, and soared into the try zone with a flawless dive to stretch OGDC’s lead to 30-19.
But RFC answered—short-handed no less—sparking a chaotic second half filled with cards and momentum swings. A red card to RFCLA in the 54th minute briefly tilted the game in DC’s favor, but a series of yellow cards against Old Glory, including one that resulted in a penalty try, flipped the script. Despite the setbacks, OGDC clawed their way back to within three points, 47-44. However, a final RFCLA try in the 75th minute sealed the result, leaving Old Glory just out of reach of a comeback.
Up next? A home clash at Maryland SoccerPlex against another Western Conference opponent, the Seattle Seawolves. The struggling Seawolves (1-4) are fresh off their first win of the season and desperate to climb out of the western conference basement. Meanwhile, Old Glory DC (3-3) look to bounce back and solidify their hold on second place in an increasingly tight Eastern Conference. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET next Saturday, April 5. See you at the Soccerplex!
