Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds experienced a narrow defeat against the Houston Sabercats, losing 23-22 in Week 12 of the 2024 Major League Rugby season. This loss brings the Hounds' record to 5-5-1 and drops them to third place in the Eastern Conference playoff standings.

Chicago's efforts were led by wing players Nate Augspurger and Julian Dominguez, who celebrated his 50th MLR cap during the match. Both players scored two tries each. Flyhalf Adriaan Carelse contributed with one successful conversion out of four attempts, adding two points to the team's total score. On defense, flanker Ben Landry stood out by completing all 11 of his tackle attempts during his full 80-minute playtime.

The game took place on a hot and humid evening at Sabercats Stadium in Houston. The first twenty minutes were marked by intense exchanges between both teams, with Houston applying early pressure. Despite this, Chicago's defense remained strong, resulting in a scoreless game until the first half water break.

Houston was quick to score after play resumed following a penalty against Chicago. Scrumhalf Andre Warner secured the first points for Houston, followed by flyhalf AJ Alatimu's successful conversion, bringing the score to 7-0 after 22 minutes.

Houston extended their lead at the half-hour mark with another penalty kick from Alatimu, making it 10-0. However, Chicago responded swiftly with Augspurger scoring off a pass from Carelse, narrowing the gap to five points despite an unsuccessful conversion attempt.

Shortly after regaining possession, Chicago capitalized on another opportunity as Dominguez scored following a grubber kick from Carelse. With a successful conversion kick, Chicago took a brief lead at 12-10.

Just before halftime, Houston regained their advantage through another penalty kick by Alatimu, leading 13-12 at the break.

In the second half, Chicago quickly reclaimed control with consecutive scores. Augspurger scored again following his own grubber kick but missed the conversion attempt. Moments later, Dominguez added another try after receiving an offload from outside center Mark O’Keeffe. Despite missing both conversion kicks, Chicago held a two-score lead at 22-13.

Houston reduced this lead with hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue's try at the 50-minute mark and later regained it when wing Semiou Smith scored in the 61st minute despite another missed conversion attempt. This left Houston ahead at 23-22.

Chicago made several attempts to regain control towards the end of the game but failed to capitalize due to a knock-on that resulted in possession being handed back to Houston. The Sabercats secured their victory by winning possession from a scrum and kicking out as they improved their season record to 10-1.