Tukwila, WA – The Seattle Seawolves held off a late San Diego Legion comeback attempt in a 34-32 victory. The action started early, as the Legion got a penalty kick on the board just three minutes into the match. The Seawolves got off to an impressive start offensively, but with tries in the 68th and 76th minutes, San Diego made this a close contest. The Seawall was able to hold strong one final time, as team captain Riekert Hattingh made a big stand. AJ Alatimu kicked to touch and the final whistle would sound. With the win, the Seawolves swept the regular season series over their old rivals.
Getting an important hot start.
The Seawolves have often struggled this season to get consistent offense. It has been one of the few main issues that has held them back from really breaking through and being a contender in the MLR Western Conference. The Seawolves were able to put down three tries within a 20-minute period, a critical start to a match that was very close to “must win.” Seattle was able to get this offensive attack from a variety of players, as four different Seawolves scored tries. On top of the tries for the day, Flyhalf AJ Alatimu was perfect on his kicks. Alatimu went two for two on penalties, and four for four on conversions.
Coming back to haunt them
The San Diego comeback featured a converted extra attempt, five tries but three missed kicks. On their first three tires, the Legion missed their conversions, as one kick even hit the post. These missed kicks came back to haunt San Diego, as the Legion fell just short of completing their comeback by two points. It was just another example, especially in Seattle’s season, of how every possession matters and can play an impact on the outcome of the match. This was another close contest played by the Seawolves, their sixth match that was decided by three points or less.
The importance of every possession extends to every game for Seattle down the stretch of the rest of their schedule. The Seawolves have rematches with Austin, Houston, and LA, and a contest against New York. Seattle sits just one point from moving into third in the West, and one point from falling into fifth. The road to the playoffs will not be an easy one for the Seawolves, but with a few adjustments this team should be able to weather the storm and fight their way in.
Seattle’s next contest in their fight for a postseason spot takes place on the road against the Utah Warriors. The Seawolves will take on the 2-7 Warriors at Zion Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah with a 7PM PST match start.
EXCELLENT photos provided by Melissa Levin. Thank you Melissa!
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