MLR Round 15 Preview, Predictions
New England Free Jacks vs. Rugby ATL
Friday, 7 p.m. Eastern at Veterans Memorial Stadium
This week’s Friday Night Special features the two best in the East. I had held my reservations on New England earlier in the season until they beat a team like Atlanta. The Free Jacks did just that in convincing fashion, 41-27 back in March and still haven’t lost a match since February. No way I’m putting against New England at home in the rematch. 31-24, Free Jacks.
Toronto Arrows vs. Dallas Jackals
Saturday, 7 p.m. at York Lions Stadium
Dallas will fight through the end, but it’s tough to see a win in the Jackals’ future. 34-20, Arrows.
Houston SaberCats vs. Utah Warriors
Saturday, 8 p.m. at Aveva Stadium
Utah got off the mat with a huge upset win over Atlanta last week. That doesn’t mean I’m picking the Warriors this time around, not with the negative playoff implications it would mean for Houston. These ‘Cats are HONGRY. 28-19, SaberCats.
NOLA Gold vs. Old Glory DC
Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Gold Mine
These teams might be out of the playoff race, but it still carries some serious weight. DC’s Nate Osborne will be the first coach to reach 50 MLR matches and will do so against the team he coached for four years. In talking to Osborne when he was hired by Old Glory, he already had this one circled on his calendar. I say he celebrates with his new team in style, 38-33.
Rugby New York vs. Seattle Seawolves
Sunday, 3 p.m. at JFK Stadium
Every match for Seattle from here on out carries the weight of playoff implications. New York has a bit of a cushion for the final spot, but will still fight for seeding. Give me New York with the home field advantage, 28-24.
San Diego Legion vs. LA Giltinis
Sunday, 9:30 p.m. at SDSU Sports Deck
These two teams are trending in separate directions. LA puts San Diego’s slim playoff chances on ice, 38-28.
Last week’s predictions: 3-3
Season’s predictions: 54-26