The Orlando Storm’s inaugural season came to an end after a heartbreaking 22-28 loss to the DC Defenders in round one of the UFL Playoffs, just one game away from playing in the United Bowl.
The city of Daytona Beach was home to the Orlando Storm’s first-ever playoff game due to some scheduling complications at Inter&Co Stadium. However, the change of scenery did not seem to affect fans, who showed up early at Daytona Stadium to root for the Storm.
The afternoon showdown kicked off as the Defenders got the ball first, and with nine minutes remaining in the first quarter, running back Deon Jackson would put DC on the board first.
Orlando got the ball for the first time in the game, but were unable to do anything notable once inside DC territory. Storm settled for three points as kicker Michael Lantz hit a 47-yard field goal to put them within four points.
The Defenders got the ball back, and quarterback Jason Bean piloted another effective drive for DC. This one resulted in another rushing touchdown, this time by running back Abram Smith.
Orlando scored the only points in an uneventful second quarter, which came from one 32-yard field goal by Michael Lantz. The score going into halftime was 14-6 in favor of the Defenders.
Returning from halftime, the Storm had possession for just one play, as quarterback Jack Plummer would throw an interception and give DC great field position. They capitalized as kicker Matt McCrane made his first field goal of the afternoon, and extended the Defenders’ lead.
As the third quarter had four minutes remaining, Orlando needed a spark as time was running out, and the offense was unable to get anything going in their favor. That spark came from linebacker Kana’i Mauga as he intercepted quarterback Spencer Sanders and took the ball 59 yards for a touchdown.
DC quarterback Jason Bean returned to the game after the interception and led another scoring drive. With 27 seconds left in the third quarter, Bean found tight end Briley Moore for a 33-yard passing touchdown, increasing their lead to double digits once again.
The fourth quarter had begun, and the Storm only had 15 minutes remaining to attempt a comeback and clinch their spot in the United Bowl. They made a step in the right direction as Michael Lantz scored his third field goal of the game, making it a one-possession game with enough time remaining for the defense to get a stop.
That defensive stop came, sort of. They forced the Defenders to kick a 60-yard field goal, which is usually complicated, and in the UFL, these field goals are worth four points. Kicker Matt McCrane hit the field goal with no problem and hurt Orlando’s chances big time.
The Storm made something happen fairly quickly after Plummer found the receiver Chris Rowland for a 33-yard touchdown. It was a one-possession game once again, and Orlando attempted a three-point conversion, but it was unsuccessful. Score remained 22-28 in favor of DC with three minutes on the clock.
All the Storm needed was a defensive stop, and it looked like they were going to get it. However, Jason Bean would convert a third-and-10, officially icing the game, and the Defenders would begin to celebrate.
The final score from Daytona Stadium was 28-22 in favor of the DC Defenders, officially ending the Orlando Storm’s inaugural season just one game away from championship glory.
