Eastern Conference Final: New England Free jacks Host Chicago Hounds in MLR Playoff Rematch

The New England Free Jacks are set too host the Chicago Hounds this Saturday in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference Final rematch. Scheduled for June 21 at 1 PM ET, the game will take place at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the home of the Free Jacks, promising a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the Major League Rugby (MLR) Championship final. Tickets are available for purchase for those wanting to witness the action live.

Eastern Conference Final Preview

Last year, the New England Free Jacks secured a hard-fought 23-17 victory against the Chicago hounds in the same fixture. Since then, both teams have navigated their own paths to return to this stage, each concluding the regular season with an extraordinary 11-5 record. The Free Jacks, under the guidance of returning coach ryan Martin, once again topped their division. Meanwhile, the hounds, led by first-year coach Chris Latham, ascended to second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing just two points behind this weekend’s hosts.

Did You know? The New England Free Jacks have won back-to-back MLR titles, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league.

Free Jacks’ Path to the Final

The Free Jacks clinched their place in the Conference Finals with a decisive 32-10 victory over the Miami Sharks. The scoring commenced swiftly, with Paula Balekana crossing the try line just 20 seconds into the game, courtesy of an assist from Ben LeSage. additional tries from Simon-Peter Toleafoa, Le Roux Malan, and Andrew Quattrin further solidified their triumph. Quattrin emphasized the importance of a tenacious team and consistent defense in securing the win. According to recent MLR statistics, the Free Jacks boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, allowing an average of just 18 points per game.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Free jacks’ set-piece dominance; their scrum and lineout have been key weapons throughout the season.

The Hounds’ Ascent

The Chicago Hounds have demonstrated significant betterment this season,climbing to second place in the Eastern Conference. Their journey to the final has been marked by a strong team culture and the emergence of key players. Peyton Wall is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, while Chris Hilsenbeck has excelled at fly-half after initially starting the season behind Swiel. The team also benefits from the experience of players like Dylan Fawsitt, the league’s all-time leading try scorer, and Lucas Rumball.The Hounds’ focus on developing depth has been crucial to their success, fostering a “next-man-up” mentality that has allowed them to overcome challenges and maintain a competitive edge.

Home Advantage and Community Engagement

Andrew Quattrin, a fan favourite since joining the Free Jacks in 2023, highlighted the meaning of hosting the Eastern Conference Final. He emphasized that the fan experience brings immense energy to the team, with cheers and chants fueling their performance on the field. Quattrin’s involvement in community projects, such as coordinating food deliveries for veterans and initiating Operation Sock drop, underscores the free Jacks’ commitment to being more than just a sports team. This deep connection with the community makes hosting the final even more special, as the players feel the unwavering support of their fans.

“Hosting is super significant,” Quattrin said. “The fan gameday experience brings a lot of energy from our fans that filters down to us on the field. The huzzahs, the chants, and the cheers honestly fill us with so much energy. The venue is so intimate that it makes it feel like you’re all in together.”

Will the Free Jacks’ home advantage and strong community support propel them to another victory? Can the Hounds overcome the odds and secure their place in the MLR Championship final?

Share your predictions for the Eastern Conference Final in the comments below! Who will advance to the MLR Championship?