Now that the Chicago Hounds have the best record in Major League Rugby, they have gone from the hunters to the hunted for the first time in their three-year history.
So far, that role is suiting them well.
One week after knocking off San Diego on the road to take over the league’s best record, the Hounds came home and beat winless Anthem RC 28-20 on April 13 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Mason Flesch and Dylan Fawsitt each had a pair of tries, while Tim Swiel had three conversions.
The Hounds (7-1-0, seven-game winning streak) had a seemingly comfortable 28-8 advantage in the second half.
But in the 63rd minute, Anthem (0-8-0) scored and then scored again in the 68th minute to tighten things up. But the Hounds’ defense was able to keep Anthem from scoring the rest of the way.
The Hounds have a quick turnaround as they visit Seattle (2-5-0) on April 18.
Messi brings out the crowd
After two years of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi not being able to play against the Chicago Fire in Soldier Field, he finally got to play there on April 13.
And he was big at the box office.
Messi helped draw the highest crowd in Fire history – 62,358 — in a 0-0 draw in MLS action.
It appeared Messi assisted Luis Suarez for a goal in the 87th minute, but officials ruled Miami was offsides
“It’s nice to see the stadium filled,” Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Both teams put on a good effort.”
Messi had five shots for Miami (4-0-3), including two on goal.
Fire goalie Chris Brady earned his first clean sheet of the season.
The game featured eight yellow cards — five for the Fire (3-2-3).
The Fire hosts Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. on April 19.
Stars flip out over win
Brazilian star Ludmila scored two goals and did back flips in celebration, and Jameese Joseph provided both assists to help the Chicago Stars earn their first win of the year, 2-1 over Bay FC on April 13 in San Jose, California.
Ludmila scored in the fifth and 41st minutes.
Earlier in the week, the Stars (1-3-0) removed forward Ava Cook from the season-ending injury list. She played in just three matches for the Stars before tearing her anterior ligament during a training session.
The Stars return to action April 18 at Utah (0-3-1).
Fire II back in action
The Chicago Fire II (2-2-0) had the weekend off and will return to action at 6 p.m. April 20 against Huntsville City FC in Alabama.