The first of two UFL semifinal matchups took place Sunday in Daytona, Florida, as the defending champion D.C. Defenders traveled to face the red-hot Orlando Storm. The game marked the third consecutive meeting between the teams, with Orlando winning both the Week 9 and Week 10 matchups.
This time, however, the Defenders had a championship to defend.
D.C. refused to let Orlando make it three straight victories. Behind a dominant defensive performance, the Defenders smothered UFL MVP favorite Jack Plummer and the Storm offense, doing just enough to punch their ticket back to the United Bowl.
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It wasn’t easy, though.
Orlando earned the conference’s top seed for a reason. Trailing 28-16 late in the fourth quarter, the Storm marched down the field and cut the deficit to a one-possession game. Although D.C. had controlled much of the contest, the momentum had suddenly shifted.
The Defenders entered the postseason having lost four straight games. Their season also took a major hit after losing starting quarterback and former United Bowl MVP Jordan Ta’amu when they were 5-1. Fortunately for D.C., Jason Bean stepped up when it mattered most.
Facing a crucial third down deep in his own territory, Bean delivered the biggest play of the game.
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With pressure closing in, he fired a clutch completion to move the chains and keep the drive alive. The Defenders then methodically drained the remaining time off the clock until the final seconds expired.
A chance at history
Now, D.C. stands one win away from making history. The Defenders can become the UFL’s first repeat champion while also becoming the league’s first team to reach consecutive United Bowls.
After finishing the regular season 5-5 as the UFL’s fourth and final playoff seed, the Defenders have already completed an improbable postseason run. They now have the unique opportunity to host the United Bowl on their home field.
D.C. will await the outcome of the Louisville Kings and St. Louis Battlehawks semifinal matchup. The winner will advance to face the Defenders in the UFL’s third annual United Bowl.
United Bowl III will take place at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on June 13 at 3 p.m.
Can the Defenders complete their remarkable turnaround and repeat as UFL champions?
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