The Commanders sealed a late 19-15 victory in their first meeting against the Salt Lake Stallions last Saturday improving their record to a Western Conference-best 5-2.
In front of 30,000 strong, the Commanders struggled on offense early in the game with their defense carrying the team for the most part. Dubbed “Area 51” as a nickname for the Commanders defense where a thrown pass may enter and never return back to the team is quite fitting.
Late in the 4th quarter, Commanders quarterback Logan Woodside left the game due to a shoulder injury. The 2nd string quarterback Marquise Williams took over leading with a touchdown and two-point conversion drive to take the lead 17-15.
With a little under 3 minutes left in the game, the Stallions drove down the field and scored a 21-yard touchdown pass to Stallions receiver Terrell Newby. To tie the game, the Stallions just needed to convert their 2 point conversion. In an attempted pass, the Commanders defense would intercept the ball and run back for a touchdown-scoring 2 points for the defense.
The electrified crowd of 30,000 strong was definitely the secret weapon against the Stallions making communication a challenge for the Stallions’ offense. The Dome sounded like it was hosting an NFL game. “It’s San Antonio, it’s the state of Texas, and it’s football country,” said Stallions Head Coach Dennis Erickson of San Antonio’s home field advantage.
The Commanders will meet the Stallions again in week 9 in Salt Lake City. This week the Commanders will host the Arizona Hotshots in their 2nd meeting between each other. The Commanders defeated the Hotshots last time 29-25 in Arizona. The game is set for Sunday night at 7pm CT and will be televised on the NFL Network.