Old Glory DC came into the game against the Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Hounds looking to build upon their victory against Anthem Rugby Carolina last week. Similar to their last two matches, Old Glory battled both their opponents and the significant winds that played a factor throughout the match. OGDC mounted a valiant comeback in the final quarter. After trailing 20-5 at halftime, DC battled back with three second-half tries, bringing the game to within one score before Chicago’s defense held firm in the final minutes.
Winger Perry Humphreys led the charge for Old Glory, contributing a hat trick of tries. The team’s relentless second-half push nearly overcame the early deficit, showing their resilience against one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.
Chicago struck first in the 9th minute with a penalty goal off a ‘side entry’ call right in front of the posts. Old Glory responded quickly in the 13th minute as wing Perry Humphreys finished off a well-worked attacking sequence in the corner to get DC on the scoreboard. However, costly mistakes off the ensuing kickoff allowed Chicago to reclaim possession deep in DC’s half. Despite strong defensive stands, repeated infractions led to a penalty try for Chicago, and a yellow card to DC compounded the challenge.
Heading into halftime down 20-5, Old Glory came out of the break determined to shift momentum. Chicago extended their lead with another penalty goal, but the tide began to turn in the 58th minute when DC’s Humphreys crossed over for his second try of the match. Jason Robertson’s successful conversion brought the score to 23-12.
Just two minutes later, Old Glory struck again. Quick ball movement and powerful forward carries saw Cory Daniel punch through Chicago’s defensive line, and after another Robertson conversion, the deficit was cut to just four points at 23-19 heading into the final water break.
Chicago responded with a try, briefly restoring a cushion. But Old Glory refused to go away quietly. In the 74th minute, Humphreys powered over for his third, and OGDC’s fourth try of the match, with Robertson once again adding the extras to close the gap to 30-26.
The final minutes saw Old Glory relentlessly attacking the Chicago line, pressing for a game-winning score. However, after multiple phases deep in Hounds territory, a knock-on in the 81st minute ended the comeback bid.
Despite the loss, Old Glory DC showcased their fighting spirit, proving they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the league. Old Glory will look to regroup and build on this performance in their next fixture. Up next? Old Glory (2-2) are back home next week looking to rebound against the defending MLR champion New England Freejacks (2-2). That match is scheduled for March 22nd at 5 PM eastern time.
