The Seattle Seawolves fought hard to defend their Major League Rugby Championship title in the home opener game against the Glendale Raptors. In the sold
out game at Starfire Stadium, thousands of fans cheered the Seawolves on to a coveted 20-18 win over the Glendale Raptors.
KICK OFF:
A fresh face for the Seawolves, USA Eagle, Ben Cima kicked things off at Starfire. The kick went deep and Glendale collected, only to end up exiting and
giving Seattle the line out. Glendale strung phases but the Seawall held strong. An offside call led to Glendale converting a penalty, 3-0 Glendale
16 minutes in.
20 MINUTES:
Tensions continued to rise at the 20th minute and Seattle was called for a high tackle penalty. Glendale paid it back shortly after with an offside penalty
leading to Brock Staller converting a penalty kick, tying it up 3-3 at the 27th minute. A little back and forth play was broken up with a big run from
Mat Turner, and ultimately a try by Tim Metcher was the outcome. Brock’s conversion was good and the Seawolves led at the 30th minute, 10-3. Seattle
did their best to make a stop before the half but was eventually called for not rolling away. Glendale converted on a penalty kick to bring the score
to 10-6 Seattle at the half.
40 MINUTES:
Glendale started off the half with a quick try and followed by a conversion that brought the score to 10-13 Glendale at the 44th minute. Glendale charged
forward within a couple of minutes to bring in another try, but missed the kick. Glendale extended their lead to 10-18 at the 47th minute.
60 MINUTES:
Following a long Glendale possession and a tough Seawall, a dropped ball gave the Seawolves the ball back. Staller fired ahead and chipped the ball
up and over the Glendale defense and collected it himself to dot down for a try. Staller converted his own and brought the score to 17-18 Glendale
as the game entered the 60th minute.
80 MINUTES:
In the 75th minute the Seawolves were able to turn the Raptors scrum all the way around. A penalty was awarded to Seattle and Staller lined up for
the kick. With a silent stadium, Staller lined up for a penalty kick and brought the Seawolves back in the lead, 20-18. It wasn’t long before Glendale
was able to attempt for a penalty, but on the 50 meter. The kick went wide right and the Seawolves held the lead with two minutes to go.
POST GAME:
The Seawolves rowdy crowd at Starfire helped them hold the lead through the 80th minute for a final score of 20-18 Seawolves.
NEXT JOB:
Catch the Seawolves on ROOT Sports next Saturday at 7:00 pm as they take on San Diego Legion. The next home game is at Starfire on Sunday, February
17 at 5:00 pm.
Media Contact:
Alicia Richardson
Alicia@seattleseawolves.com
425-679-1138
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