The Miami Sharks took on the San Diego Legions at the Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night for their final home game of the regular season. They won by 36-32, but it took a collective effort to flip the script.
A trip to the playoffs was at stake for the locals, and the win solidified it.
The last time the two teams met, in March, Miami had no answer to the Legions aggressive offense and suffered a terrible loss, 31-12.
Before the start, the Sharks’ fan base of about 3,000 spectators was electrified. Shannon Minor, 51, from Coconut Creek, was there to watch. The former athlete knew from experience that the men on the field were ready for battle.
“They’re going to go all out,” she said. “As someone who used to play, I expect them to give it their all.”
The Miami side came onto the field ready for action. They were extremely focused, fully aware of what was at stake.
Sharks fans filled the stands from top to bottom. Many of them came in groups, mostly families. They cheered loudly for the local team, which is only in its second year after being founded in 2023. They were hungry for a win after a season in which the team compiled eight wins and eight losses.
Fans shouted and cheered even through the rain, which really picked up about 62 minutes in, with rugby balls flying high over stands and heads alike.
For one lifelong rugby fan, Roy Monk of Port St. Lucie (but originally from England), this game was the first he actually got to watch as a fan. He works for Major League Rugby (MLR) as a tech zone manager for the Sharks, and has followed the team since their first game.
Tech zone managers typically oversee time for the game, and make sure that each player follows timing rules like suspensions and temporary replacements. They also serve as assistant referees and report incidents where needed.
“I’m very hands-on with the team, and the coaches,” said Monk. “But it’s a very all-inclusive job, so I don’t get to enjoy it as a fan. Tonight’s the first time in two years I get to do that, even though I’ve been in rugby for 53 years.”
The game kicked off with a bang, with the Sharks scoring the first points.
Players Benjamin Bonasso, Shane O’Leary, and Manuel Adaro earned 17 points cumulatively in the try zone, making it impossible for San Diego to score until 32 minutes into the first half.
San Diego fought back, scoring 12 points, but Miami’s defense was stronger, and they managed to keep their lead going into the second half.
Miami shone in the second half, with their teamwork paying off. Shane O’Leary scored most of the points again, mostly in penalties and conversion goals, but Josiah Morra assisted as well.
San Diego held its own to be sure, but in the end it wasn’t enough to close Miami’s lead. Though the Legions scored the final points of the game, the Sharks won with a final score of 36-32, leaving them primed for playoffs.
Miami celebrated their win in the pouring rain, with fans whooping and cheering despite the last minute washout.
Now the Sharks get to rest and regroup as they gear up for the final season game against the Seattle Seawolves on June 8, their final game of the season. That match will determine their official position in the standings.
“It’s unreal,” said Miami Sharks star Tau Koloamatangi. “We’ve worked so hard this week, and part of our plan was just to keep humble and do the hardest work behind the scenes, off the ball, and it paid off. So I’m very happy.”
