Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds defeated the NOLA Gold 45-21 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals on Saturday night, marking the franchise’s first appearance in the MLR playoffs. With this victory, the Hounds advance to face the New England Free Jacks in the Eastern Conference Finals, scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m. Central.

Flyhalf Luke Carty led all scorers with 15 points through three successful penalty kicks and three conversions. Hooker Dylan Fawsitt added his 13th try of the season, while lock James Scott, wings Julian Dominguez and Nate Augspurger, center Billy Meakes, and reserve scrumhalf Jason Higgins also contributed to the scoring.

The Gold initially took an early 8-0 lead within ten minutes. Flyhalf Rodney Iona converted a penalty attempt in the sixth minute following a breakdown penalty. Shortly after, center Jordan Jackson-Hope scored after picking up an unattended ball around the breakdown. Although Iona missed the PAT, NOLA maintained a two-score lead.

Carty responded with his first penalty attempt in the 14th minute after a penalty on Gold prop Jarrod Adams. A few minutes later, Carty kicked for touch following another penalty win by Chicago. Fawsitt’s accurate lineout throw set up his own try via maul play. The conversion was good, giving Chicago a 10-8 lead which Carty extended with another successful penalty kick in the 25th minute.

Despite this momentum shift, rookie wing Julian Roberts capitalized on Chicago's mishandling of the ensuing kickoff to score a try for NOLA. Iona again missed the conversion but tied it at 13 before adding another three-pointer to regain NOLA's lead.

Just before halftime, Dominguez broke several tackles to score in the corner, giving Chicago an 18-16 advantage going into halftime—a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game.

Augspurger scored his seventh try of the season shortly after halftime resumed. In response to a try by NOLA flanker Jonah Mauu that narrowed their deficit, Chicago fullback Adriaan Carelse made significant ground before passing inside to Meakes for another try. Carty's subsequent conversion extended their lead to 33-21.

James Scott and Jason Higgins added further tries as Chicago secured their victory. The Hounds will now travel to New England for their third matchup of this year against the Free Jacks—New England won their week four encounter while Chicago emerged victorious in week ten at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on FS1 at noon Central.

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