NEWS

Round Eighteen Preview

It’s all come down to this. This weekend is the final round of the regular season. Next up, the MLR Championship Series.

This weekend is also the conclusion of MLR Cancer Awareness. Across the past two weeks MLR teams have been raising funds for the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society through auctions of speciality-designed match worn jerseys. Bid on your favorite players one-of-a-kind jerseys before the auction closes on Tuesday, July 20th, here.

Houston SaberCats at Seattle Seawolves

Thursday at 10:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

Last week the Seattle Seawolves turned around a seven-game losing streak in an upset over NOLA Gold. The 30-6 win inspired some confidence from their boisterous fans for the 2022 season. This week, the Houston SaberCats will be looking to do the same and end their 11-game losing streak with a victory.

While it might be a battle of the bottom of the West Coast table, Seattle vs Houston at a packed Starfire Stadium is guaranteed to entertain.

NOLA Gold at Rugby United New York

Saturday at 2:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

New York vs NOLA is the most high stakes match of the final round. New York is clinging to a spot in the Eastern Conference Final, and NOLA is looking to steal it. It’s not as simple as who gets the victory, but whether NOLA can claim five table points, score more than a 20-point differential, and prevent New York from any table points.

It’s a steep road set before NOLA Gold to make it to the Conference Finals, but don’t count them out until the final whistle blows.

Austin Gilgronis at Old Glory DC

Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

There’s no path to the postseason for either team, which means it’s pride that’s up for grabs. DC shut down a hungry San Diego last weekend to prove they won’t exit this season quietly, and it’s a safe bet they’ll be looking to impress their final home crowd of the season.

Austin has already pulled off their first winning record in franchise history, and very narrowly missed out on a spot at the Western Conference Final. To cap off their season with a win would surely carry their confidence into 2022.

LA GIltinis at Utah Warriors

Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Nationally televised on CBS Sports Network

The CBS Game of the Week is surely teeing up a new MLR rivalry. The LA Giltinis and Utah Warriors will face off in back-to-back matches across the last round of the regular season and the Western Conference Final.

First time around the Utah Warriors host the Giltinis at home in a preview of the Championship Series. Momentum is up for grabs before the Western Conference Final on Sunday, July 25th.

Rugby ATL at New England Free Jacks

Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET | Nationally televised on FS1

The Free Jacks will wrap up their 2021 season on Sunday with the support of a packed crowd. While they don’t have a shot at the postseason, last week’s victory over the Arrows proved they’re still full of fight.

Rugby ATL have nearly locked down home field advantage for the Eastern Conference Final, but a big win would not only guarantee it, it would give them a shot at hosting the MLR Championship Final.