Storm Surges to UFL's Best Record with Commanding Win Over Defenders
Published on May 22, 2026 under United Football League (UFL)
Orlando Storm News Release
ORLANDO, FL - The Storm continue to prove they're one of the toughest teams in the UFL. In their regular season home finale, a dominant first half powered Orlando to a 27-19 victory over the Defenders. Former DC receiver Chris Rowland delivered a statement performance against his old team, hauling in eight receptions for 117 yards and a 62-yard touchdown.
Rowland wasted no time making an impact. On Orlando's opening drive, Jack Plummer dialed up his playmaker early. Rowland turned a short catch into a 62-yard score, making multiple defenders miss on his way to the end zone and adding another highlight to his growing reel.
With a clinching scenario on the line, the Defenders answered quickly. After Matt McCrane connected on a 43-yard field goal, the defense forced a quick stop and got the ball right back. Spencer Sanders then delivered one of his best throws of the night, finding Keke Coutee for 45 yards.
A few plays later, Deon Jackson punched in a three-yard touchdown and DC grabbed a 10-7 lead.
The Storm offense responded immediately. Plummer dropped a perfect deep ball into the hands of Elijah Badger, who raced into the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown.
Plummer struck again later in the half. After a 35-yard completion to Cam Camper, he found the receiver once more for a two-yard touchdown. Suddenly, Orlando had full control with a 21-10 lead they would never give back.
The Defenders nearly cut into the deficit before halftime. McCrane attempted a 67-yard field goal, but it came up just short.
He redeemed himself coming out of the locker room, drilling a 56-yard field goal to bring DC within one possession at 21-13.
As they had all night, the Storm answered again. Michael Lantz connected from 35 yards out to push the lead back to two scores [24-13].
The Defenders made things interesting in the fourth quarter, but could not finish drives in the end zone. McCrane added two more field goals to trim the deficit to 24-19. Lantz answered once more with a 51-yard field goal [27-19], giving Orlando breathing room late.
DC had one final opportunity, but Keshawn Banks strip-sacked Sanders to seal the win. Orlando's defense turned in another strong performance with three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and a takeaway.
The Storm improved to 7-2 and now own the best record in the UFL [Final Score: 27-19 Orlando Storm].
UP NEXT
The Orlando Storm conclude the regular season with a second-straight matchup against the DC Defenders at Audi Field Sunday, May 31, at noon ET.
United Football League Stories from May 22, 2026
- Storm Surges to UFL's Best Record with Commanding Win Over Defenders - Orlando Storm
- DC Fails to Clinch, Drops Third Straight - DC Defenders
- Rowland Haunts Former Team, Orlando Wins Third Straight - Orlando Storm
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