MLR Colorado Raptors

Glendale Takes on Seattle in First Professional Road Game

Published on April 26, 2018 under Major League Rugby (MLR)
Colorado Raptors News Release


Hot on the heels of a victory against Austin Elite Rugby in their home opener, the Glendale Raptors will travel to Starfire Stadium on Saturday to take on the Seattle Seawolves. Formed in 2017, the Seattle team enjoyed success at its own home opener last weekend, defeating the San Diego Legion side 39-23. Saturday's match kicks off at 8:30pm MT, and can be viewed on CBS Sports Network.

The Seattle trip will likely pit the Glendale squad against some of the toughest competition they'll face in the inaugural season of Major League Rugby. The Seawolves played hard, smart rugby against San Diego, coming away with a decisive win in front of a sold out stadium. Raptors Head Coach David Williams acknowledges that Saturday's contest will be a difficult one: "We've got a big game on the road this weekend in Seattle. They have a physical team, as witnessed in their game against San Diego, and we are excited with the challenge that physicality will present."

Home field advantage is so-named for a reason, but the Raptors' long experience as a unit may lend itself to the team's success while on the road this weekend. Asked about playing away from Glendale for the first time as a professional team, Raptors Head Coach Williams is confident his team can perform: "We are used to traveling as a team, getting adjusted to different locations - that is the nature of the sport," he said. "It will be great to play in front of a packed house filled with Seattle's passionate supporter base - should be a great game of rugby to watch." Raptors flyhalf Will Magie shared Williams' anticipation of the match, and added that there are some Seawolves to look out for: "We're really looking forward to the challenge. Seattle had a fantastic start last weekend and we know we're in for a very good game. We'll definitely keep an eye on former England 7s player Matt Turner, and USA Eagle Aladdin Schirmer, who had a big game last week."

The Raptors will travel again for their next game of the regular season, visiting Salt Lake City to challenge the Utah Warriors - a team the Glendale squad defeated in a preseason match. A non-game of the week match, fans can catch the Utah action on AT&T Sports Network or ESPN+. Throughout the inaugural MLR season, CBSSN will broadcast the game of the week, which is available on all cable sports packages, and can be digitally streamed in the U.S. through the CBS Sports All Access app. International viewers (those outside the U.S. or Canada) can view games live through the MLR Facebook page. Future non-game of the week Raptors matches will be available through AT&T Sports and ESPN+.

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Major League Rugby Stories from April 26, 2018


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