Seattle Stuns San Diego in Final Seconds to Defend Major League Rugby Title

In a heartbreaking loss, the San Diego Legion was stunned 26-23 late in the Major League Rugby title game Sunday at Torero Stadium.

The defending champion Seattle Seawolves made a dramatic comeback after San Diego’s Joe Pietersen kicked a 3-pointer to pace the multinational Legion to a 23-19 lead after trailing 14-6 at halftime.

“We knew it would come down to the 80th (and final) minute,” said first-year Seattle coach Richie Walker, who coached women’s national teams at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center.

Up to that point, it appeared the Legion had secured the MLR Shield, the league championship trophy, on their home turf at the University of San Diego’s stadium.

After trailing at the half, the Legion inched their way back, finally taking the lead 20-14, only for the SeaWolves to climb back close at 20-19.

The flurry of action continued as the Legion added a cushion, extending their lead to 23-19 with two minutes to play.

A Legion penalty (a high tackle around the neck against Seattle’s Brock Staller) led to the scrum, after the 80th minute, that produced the final score.

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Adrian Balfour, co-owner of the Seattle Seawolves (in blue) celebrates pro rugby title with team members in San Diego. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego fans congratulated Legion fans despite their final-minute loss. Photo by Chris Stone

A young rugby fan flies championship game flag at the University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium. Photo by Chris Stone

Seattle Seawolves celebrate their second Major League Rugby title at the University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego fans celebrate a Legion score in the the title game. Photo by Chris Stone

Legion players bring down Seattle ballcarrier during tense title game at Torero Stadium. Photo by Chris Stone

Seattle Seawolves celebrate decisive try that returns them as champions of Major League Rugby. Photo by Chris Stone

Seattle player Vili Toluta’u pulls up shattered Psalm Wooching after its shocking end. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego Legion player holds head amid tears after heartbreaking loss. Photo by Chris Stone

Seattle part owner Shane Skinner is hugged a coach after 26-23 comeback victory in MLR title game. Photo by Chris Stone

Seattle player holds shield trophy of Major League Rugby after Seawolves defended their 2018 title. Photo by Chris Stone

Players pursue a lineout ball under the watch of thousands of San Diego fans. Photo by Chris Stone

Mat Turner of Seattle gets jump on the ball during seesaw game at Torero Stadium. Photo by Chris Stone

A Seattle player catches ball amid San Diego defenders during title defense. Photo by Chris Stone

Four Seattle players surround a Legion player during the MLR title game. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego Legion fans made noise with thundersticks in a packed Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego’s Josh Furno gets pinned amid Seattle legs during title game. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego controls the ball against Seattle in the Major League Rugby title game. Photo by Chris Stone

The Legion’s Nate Augspurger (9) helps take down Seattle’s Brock Staller at Torero Stadium. Photo by Chris Stone

On Father’s Day, Legion players emerged with children, including some who took the field as ball boys in the title game. Photo by Chris Stone

Seattle Seawolves co-owner Adrian Balfour (center) enjoys a spray of champagne during on-field celebration. Photo by Chris Stone

Champagne bottles, corks and confetti litter Torero Stadium field after Seattle celebration in Major League Rugby title game. Photo by Chris Stone

Disappointed San Diego fans linger after the stands clear out at Major League Rugby championship. Photo by Chris Stone

Flags and rally towels were given to fans at Torero Stadium for the Major League Rugby title game. Photo by Chris Stone

San Diego player reflects on sudden turnabout after game ends in the 80th minute. Photo by Chris Stone

Legion player Psalm Wooching enters the stadium at the start of the game. Photo by Chris Stone

With his thunder sticks in hand, a young fan is ready to cheer on the San Diego Legion. Photo by Chris Stone

Seawolves forward Brad Tucker, who scored the game-winner, said “it was the type of thing you dream of as a kid.” He also gave credit to the Legion for giving his team such a challenge.

“They fought tooth and nail,” Tucker said. “You couldn’t have asked for a better game.”

Legion fans wearing red were hoping to see San Diego’s first professional sports championship in 56 years.

That’s when the Chargers, at that time part of the American Football League, won the 1963 championship over the Boston Patriots. 

The San Diego Padres have lost in the World Series twice, in 1984 and 1998, and the Chargers in the Super Bowl once, in 1994.

The Legion beat Rugby United New York 24-22 on June 9 to qualify for the championship game, scoring on the last play of the game to win. The Seawolves beat the Toronto Arrows 30-17 in the semi-finals to advance to the championship.

The Legion’s record going into the championship was 12-3-1, while Seattle was 11-4-1. The Legion beat the Seawolves in two earlier matches this season.

Coming into Sunday’s championship match, the 528 points that the Seawolves have scored in 2019 are the most in the MLR while the Legion’s 481 points are the third-most.

The Legion’s Lou Stanfill carried the ball 13 times this season for 28 meters and a try in addition to making 17 tackles in the Legion’s two wins over the Seawolves this season.

Seattle’s Tucker headed into Sunday’s match with six tries, a league-leading 258 tackles and 181 ball carries. Staller this season lead the MLR in scoring with 217 points on six tries and a goal percentage of 79 percent.

Major League Rugby was established in 2018. Nine teams compete in the league, but three more are set to be added for the 2020 season.

— Ken Stone and staff reports