By: Ellie Wileman
Fairfax, Va. – Old Glory delivered a strong all-around performance Saturday evening, building an early lead and withstanding a second-half push from Anthem RC to secure a 29- 21 victory at home.
Old Glory came out on the front foot from the opening whistle, controlling possession through a series of early lineouts and forcing Anthem deep into its own territory. The pressure paid off just minutes into the match when Old Glory crossed the try line at the 2:41 mark. A successful conversion from Jason Robertson gave the hosts a 7-0 advantage.
The home side continued to dictate play throughout the opening quarter. Another sustained attacking sequence resulted in what appeared to be a try, but the score was overturned following a high-tackle review. Undeterred, Old Glory maintained possession and field position, eventually finding the breakthrough again at 17:35. The conversion attempt missed the target, but Old Glory still stretched its advantage to 12-0.
Old Glory’s forwards consistently won key battles at the scrum and lineout, creating multiple scoring opportunities throughout the half. While Anthem’s defense managed to deny several
promising attacks, the visitors struggled to generate momentum against a disciplined Old Glory defensive effort. One of Anthem’s best chances was stopped just short of the try line as Old Glory forced the ball carrier into touch.
Anthem finally got on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute, finishing off a scoring opportunity and converting the try to trim the deficit to 12-7. However, Old Glory responded in emphatic fashion just before halftime. Following a turnover and quick transition attack, the hosts broke free for a try at 39:42 by John LeFevre, with the conversion sailing through the posts to give Old Glory a 19-7 lead heading into the break.
The second half presented a different challenge as Anthem increased the pressure and controlled much of the opening 20 minutes. Despite several key defensive plays and interceptions from Old Glory, Anthem found success with tries in the 49th and 61st minutes. Both conversion attempts were successful, allowing the visitors to claim their first lead of the match at 21-19.
Facing a late deficit, Old Glory responded when it mattered most. A penalty and strong field position deep in Anthem territory set up a crucial attacking sequence in the 74th minute. Old Glory capitalized with a go-ahead try before adding the conversion to reclaim a 26-21 advantage.
The hosts then put the match out of reach moments later when Robertson converted a free kick, extending the lead to eight points. From there, Old Glory’s defense closed out the final minutes, preventing Anthem from mounting a late comeback and securing the 29-21 victory.
Old Glory secured an important result and closed out its 2026 home schedule on a high note, giving supporters one final regular-season victory to celebrate at George Mason Stadium. With New England falling to Chicago the following day, DC officially clinched the fourth and final playoff spot. Old Glory now turns its attention to the postseason, traveling to Chicago for the MLR Semifinals on June 15 at 8:00 PM.