Warrior's defeated Chicago in the physical first game of the season on the street

February 24, 2025 – Major League Rugby (MLR)
Utah Warrior's press release

Chicago – The Utah Warriors used a strong start and an even stronger end to achieve an impressive 45:31 win against the Chicago dogs on Sunday.

Without the advantage that Utah played the week before in the temporary season, he dominated early and often owned. Strong physical play and precise execution -especially for early line -out opportunities paved the way to secure five points in the overall ranking.

“You never really know how your team will do with a strong pre -season, but I smile,” said Warriors trainer Greg Cooper. “It was a quality victory against a quality page and I am proud of how the boys appeared out there.”

Utah stated the tone early and made an attempt after only 90 seconds played the ball in the Try zone after a successful mouth after a successful mouth. About five minutes later, Blake Makiri achieved an effective unloading of Logan Crowley for an early 14-0 lead.

In view of the fact that Utah played his first game of the year after the Hounds achieved an impressive victory in Houston last week, the start was even more impressive.

“We traditionally don't start well,” said Cooper. “I think it was very important that we started well what we did, but then our discipline let us down a little.”

In fact, Chicago used several mistakes in Utah with 28: 7 for a 28:21 lead shortly after the second half. Utah's only attempt during this route came from Joe Mano, who moved the ball down after a precise kick assist from d'Angelo Leuila.

But things changed dramatically after Chicago had issued a red card during the 47th minute of the game.

Utah used a clear advantage than the dogs played down with a man. Matt Jensen made an attempt in the 51st minute and then Spencer Jones achieved another lead after a long run after sales in the 59th lead.

In between, Leula directed the piece from his half of the fly and made himself perfectly 7-7 in kick attempts.

“Today he thrown a considerable amount of goals in the entire park – pressure goals and he was excellent,” said Cooper. “We are lucky enough to have him and Joel (Hodgson) for two high -class (flies half).

Terring Mano, mano took off and took off an outline from Jordan Trainor to polish things in the 79th minute with style.

“Joey is a great Try scorer,” said Cooper. “I think with the team we have this year, Joey will be getting better and better, and I think we will see him for his best play.” As for Utah's strong finish, it is helpful if you can bring high -quality talents like Paul Lasike, Bailey Wilson and Phil Bradford from the bank late with several others.

“We worked hard on our conditioning, i.e. the training staff and yes, our reserves came and had exactly the kind of effects they would hope there,” said Cooper. “But they not only end well with conditioning, but also with the belief how they play and with the connections that we have built up from the field. We are an united team.”

Last, but certainly the game of Utah's front Line under the direction of team captain Gavin Thornbury was in the edition of a strong physical game that consistently looked at a good tone.

“You drove the intention today,” said Cooper. “The intention was to become physical, and we had to be physical because Chicago is a very physical team.”

With the victory and at least four attempts, Utah scored five points in the overall ranking and will take over the early swing in New Orleans Gold next Saturday at the Zions Bank Stadium.

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