In an intense battle marked by big plays and momentum swings, NOLA Gold came up just short against the San Diego Legion, falling 45-36 in a thrilling contest on the West Coast. Despite the loss, NOLA secured a valuable bonus point by scoring four tries, a testament to the team’s determination throughout the match.
San Diego struck first, powering ahead with two early tries to take a quick 14-0 lead. NOLA Gold responded with determination, as Moni Tonga’uiha broke through defenders and touched down in the try zone to cut into the deficit at 14-7. The Legion answered right back with another converted try to make it 21-7.
NOLA came roaring back. Tonga’uiha sparked the comeback once more, finishing off a well-structured attack to notch his second try of the night. Harley Wheeler followed up minutes later with a determined run, diving over the line for another score. Reece Botha capped off the flurry with his own try, giving the Gold an impressive 24-21 lead heading into halftime.
After the break, San Diego regained momentum with an early try to pull ahead 28-24. NOLA quickly countered with a smartly executed kick-and-chase by Cooper Coats, setting up Damian Stevens for a dazzling try that restored the Gold’s lead at 31-28.
The Legion, however, surged late in the second half, scoring three unanswered tries to create a 45-31 advantage. Harley Wheeler punched in a late try in the 78th minute—his second of the match—to help NOLA close the gap to 45-36, but time ran out before the Gold could mount a final comeback.
Despite the loss, NOLA Gold walked away with a bonus point for the four tries scored in the match, demonstrating grit throughout the contest.
NOLA Gold will look to regroup and turn their attacking promise into a win as they return home to face the Miami Sharks on May 9th at 6:00 PM CT.
Tickets for the game, including ticket packages and individual match-day tickets, are available now. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 504-507-8429 (504-50-RUGBY) or visiting nolagoldrugby.com. Matchday tickets start at just $25.
About NOLA Gold Rugby:
NOLA Gold Rugby is a proud member of Major League Rugby, representing New Orleans, LA. As one of the league’s premier teams, NOLA Gold continues to inspire fans with world-class rugby. For more information, visit nolagoldrugby.com.
NOLA Gold opened the scoring early in the first half, with Nikolai Foliaki breaking through the defense to score the first try of the game. Luke Carty followed with a successful conversion, giving the Gold a 7-0 lead. Houston quickly answered back with a try of their own, cutting the lead to 7-5.
Tickets for the game, including season tickets and individual match-day tickets, are available now. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 504-507-8429 (504-50-RUGBY) or visiting nolagoldrugby.com. Matchday tickets start at just $25.
Don’t miss out on the action—get your tickets now and cheer on NOLA GOLD at their next home match!
