San Diego Legion Merch Shop

LEGION HOST RAPTORS IN A BATTLE FOR POSITIONING

~

MATCH PREVIEW: LEGION WELCOME GLENDALE RAPTORS WITH PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Legion will welcome the Glendale Raptors to town for a telling re-match on Saturday afternoon.

The third-place Legion (7-2-1) hold just a three-point lead over the fourth-place Raptors (5-3-2) in the Major League Rugby table. The result of Saturday’s match between an evenly matched San Diego and Glendale side will be carry massive weight down the road as five teams continue to scrap it out for just four playoff spots.
~
~

After putting up 45 points in their victory over Austin Elite Rugby in their last game at home, the Legion will look to carry that offensive momentum into Saturday’s match against a high-scoring Raptors team.

San Diego’s last run-in with the Raptors resulted in a 28-28 draw back on March 16 at Infinity Park. In what turned out to be an instant classic, the Legion used a try from JP du Plessis followed by a conversion from captain Joe Pietersen in extra time to tie the match at 28 and stun the Raptors.
~
~

Saturday’s rematch has all the potential to feature the same fireworks as the first meeting. The stout Legion defense will be faced with the tough task of shutting down a Glendale backline that features two of the top eight try scorers in the MLR at both wing positions. John Ryberg leads the MLR with nine tries while Harley Davidson is hot on his heels with six. Ryberg also leads the league in try assists with eight while fullback Dylan Taikato-Simpson rounds out both the league leaders and the Raptors’ back three with five.

The Legion will rely on fly-half Joe Pietersen, who currently sits in the top five in points scored, penalty goals and conversion with 92, 11 and 23, respectively, to generate offense. Pietersen will receive help from dynamic fullback Mikey Te’o, vice-captain Louis Stanfill and scrum-half Nate Augspurger.
~
~

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS

Saturday’s match brings with it enormous playoff implications. In the logjam that is the top four spots in the league table, the points in this match are huge as the Legion make their way through the last six games of the season.

The Legion currently sit in third place with 36 points in the tables. They trail the second-place Seattle Seawolves, whom they have beaten twice this season by one, and the league leading NOLA Gold by seven points. The forth-place Glendale Raptors trail by 3 points so this game becomes ever more important.

Saturday’s match against Glendale will be broadcast on Fox 5 San Diego and will be streamed on ESPN+ and international viewers can view the game on our Facebook page. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 PM PST.

 available online or at the gate.

The forecast calls for sun and blue skies, come early to enjoy amazing food and beverages from local vendors like @ironfistbrewing Gates Open at 1:00 PM.

Join the Legion Army! Wear your Toga and receive prizes; it’ll be a day filled with fun for everyone!

For the adults, we’re expanding our  service to include the entire stadium! For the kids, the Easter Bunny will be making a surprise visit to host an Easter Egg Hunt during half time. Bring your baskets!

Stay current with Legion news  by following @SDLegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and hashtag #WeAreLegion.

Posted by Brett Vergou on

← →