First-year San Diego Legion coach John Manenti entered the Major League Rugby season wanting to see his team play a disciplined and physical style.
“I am pretty simplistic,” said the 53-year old Australian who is new to the MLR. “I’m not overly technical or tactical. I am big on attitude and work-rate to drive players, trying to get the best out of them.”
So far, so good.
The Legion (2-0) followed a season-opening 40-26 home win over rival Seattle on Feb. 16 with a 52-5 win over Anthem RC last Saturday in Charlotte.
The Legion will look to keep it going on Saturday, when they visit Old Glory D.C. (1-0) at 1 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Old Glory is coming off a 31-29 win over Miami.
In its first two matches, the Legion dominated possession and controlled the pace of action while playing imposing rugby at the point of attack on both offense and defense.
Three Legion players were named to MLR’s First XV for their performances last week: tight-head prop Darcy Breen (nine tackles), blindside flanker Christian Poidevin (18 tackles) and scrum-half Richard Judd (one try scored, 294 kicking meters).
Wing Ryan James (Cathedral Catholic High School) has been consistently dangerous on the flanks and leads the MLR with three tries scored while Poidevin leads the MLR with 37 tackles.
The Legion return to Torero Stadium against RFCLA (0-0-2) next Saturday at 7 p.m. All Legion matches are on ESPN+ and therugbynetwork.com.
Gulls push forward
The San Diego Gulls entered Friday night’s game against Coachella Valley at Pechanga Arena riding a seven-game winning streak, their longest stretch since the 2020-21.
The Gulls (17-24-5-2, 41 points) complete a three-game homestand Saturday against Bakersfield at 7 p.m.
The team has received a nice boost from goalie Ville Husso, who was acquired in a trade from the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 24, and stopped 34 shots while becoming the first Gull to record a shutout in his team debut during Wednesday’s 4-0 home victory over Calgary.
The Gulls entered the weekend five points behind seventh-place Tucson and a playoff spot with 21 games remaining in the regular season.
Sockers visit Tacoma
The San Diego Sockers (13-3-0) are coming off a 5-3 home win over Milwaukee and visit Tacoma (6-8-3) on Saturday night. The Sockers are 3-1 against Tacoma on the season and outscored the Stars by a total of 22-17. They return to Frontwave Arena on Wednesday night to host the Empire Strykers.
To help with the stretch run and push for a title, the team this week acquired 2025 MASL All-Star defender Kristian Quintana from Dallas in exchange for cash considerations.
Mojo rising
The San Diego Mojo (4-8) of the Pro Volleyball Federation snapped a six-match losing streak with a four-set victory over the Grand Rapids Rise (4-8) at Viejas Arena Thursday night.
Middle blocker Regan Pittman returned from a six-match injury absence and was dominant, recording 20 points with 12 kills, six blocks and two service aces.
The Mojo host the Columbus Fury (4-8) on Saturday night. The match starts at 6:05 p.m. The Mojo won 3-1 at Columbus on Jan. 11.
Quick hits
The San Diego Seals (5-6) of the National Lacrosse League are idle this week. They return to action against Vancouver on Friday at Pechanga Arena.
• The San Diego Clippers (10-11) of the G League host Indiana today at 7 p.m. and the South Bay Lakers at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Sunday’s game will air nationally on NBA TV from Frontwave Arena.
