Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds moved to 8-7-1 on the 2024 season after defeating the visiting Miami Sharks, 38-26, on Saturday night at SeatGeek Stadium. Flyhalf Luke Carty led all scorers with 13 points through a try and four successful conversion attempts. Hooker Dylan Fawsitt added two tries, while lock James Scott, wing Julian Dominguez, and center Mark O’Keeffe each contributed scores.

Carty began the scoring within the opening minute of the game by intercepting a long Miami pass and racing nearly 60 meters for the score. He converted the difficult attempt. Moments later, Nick McCarthy went to the weak side with the ball, and some sleek hands from Fawsitt and O’Keeffe saw Mac Jones racing down the sideline. The flanker held off the cover defense and found Scott for a try in the corner.

Miami responded with a try in the eighth minute via center Nick Grigg. However, O’Keeffe widened the gap a few minutes later with his second score of the season. Carty’s successful conversion made it 19-7.

Dylan Fawsitt touched down for his 11th try of the season in the 20th minute. Although Carty’s kick was no good, Chicago led 24-7 early on. The Sharks fought back as Miami center Tomas Inciarte scored a try in the 25th minute, followed by Shane O’Leary's successful conversion making it 24-14. Wing Eric Naposki brought Miami closer with his own try ten minutes later. Another try in the 38th minute and Shane O’Leary's kick gave Miami a brief lead at 26-24.

At halftime, left wing Julian Dominguez beat several Miami defenders en route to his seventh try of the season. Carty’s tough conversion attempt was successful, giving Chicago a pivotal five-point lead at halftime, 31-26.

The second half saw Chicago dominate as Fawsitt scored his 12th try of the season in its opening minutes. Carty’s conversion attempt was good, extending Chicago's lead to 38-26—a score that remained unchanged until full-time.

With this victory, the Hounds now look forward to their first-ever playoff appearance against NOLA Gold in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals on Sunday, July 21st.

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