Old Glory DC outlasted Eastern Conference leaders New England Free Jacks with a 20-17
win in Quincy Saturday evening.
The win stretched OGDC’s longest win streak of the season to four consecutive victories
and moved Old Glory only two points off the conference lead.
The hosts led possession early in the rematch of last year’s conference semifinals. After
New England thought they had scored only seven minutes in, the Free Jacks try was
reversed after video review found obstruction.
In the 14th minute, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti won a 50-50 ball and raced forward into Old Glory
territory. A series of offloads within the OGDC 22 found Wian Conradie in enough space to
dot it down for a counterattacking try. Dan Hollinshead added the conversion.
Free Jacks had a chance to add on eight minutes later, but Hollinshead missed a penalty
kick wide right to keep the score 7-0.
Old Glory pounced on the error with less than five minutes left in the first half. A quick
series of passes worked the ball to the perimeter, where winger Axel Muller was there to
score his second try in as many weeks.
Jason Emery, fresh off from his nomination to the Week 14 Major League Rugby First XV,
split the sticks from a sharp angle and tied the match at 7-7. While that was the halftime
score, Old Glory knew they would be at a disadvantage after the interval after a late yellow
card was issued to Tevita Naqali.
After holding 58% of the first-half possession, New England wasted no time capitalizing on
their second-half numerical advantage. New England won another aerial contest, and
Paula Balekana showed off his speed down the wing to score the second Free Jacks try in
just the first minute after the break.
It was Balekana’s 10th try of the season, placing him second in MLR. Hollinshead’s
conversion attempt rang off the inside of the post, and the New England advantage
remained at 12-7.
Old Glory found a response only three minutes later. Jason Emery smashed a penalty kick
through from over 40 meters away to cut the deficit to 12-10.
Only four minutes later, OGDC found their first lead. Cory Daniel made a shoestring catch
to keep an Old Glory move alive. His offload found Connor Buckley, who navigated his waythrough the New England backs for a try. Emery continued his strong kicking game, and the
Old Glory advantage was 17-10.
Only five minutes later, Jed Melvin caught a Le Roux Malan offload to dot it down and tie the
match at 17. Hollinshead would again send his conversion attempt wide.
In the 64th minute, Emery would add on to his match-high 10 points. A penalty kick gave Old
Glory the lead back, 20-17, with 15 minutes to protect the advantage.
OGDC displayed a resilient defense to hold off the late New England charge and finished
off the victory.
Old Glory will look to continue their win streak at the MD SoccerPlex on Saturday vs.
RFCLA.
