Washington, D.C. (April 5, 2025) — In a dramatic finish under the lights at Audi Field, the DC Defenders (2-0) stormed back late in the fourth quarter to secure a 17-12 victory over the Memphis Showboats (0-2) on Saturday night. Trailing 12-9 with time running out, DC found the endzone twice — first on a touchdown grab by tight end Ben Bresnahan and then with a crafty two-point conversion pass from wide receiver Chris Rowland — to seal the win in front of their home crowd.
DC’s defense set the tone early, just as they had in their season opener. Cornerback Kiondre Thomas made a statement on Memphis’ opening drive, intercepting quarterback E.J. Perry for his first career pick in the UFL.
Memphis got on the board first with a methodical 11-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 23-yard field goal from Matt Coghlin late in the first quarter.
DC answered midway through the second. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu led a steady 55-yard drive, with Rowland making a clutch 17-yard catch on third down to extend the possession. Kicker Matt McCrane would finish the series with a 23-yard field goal to tie things up at 3-3.
Before halftime, the Defenders managed to take their first lead. A short drive set up McCrane for a 30-yard field goal, giving DC a 6-3 advantage at the break.
McCrane remained reliable, adding a 46-yard field goal on the Defenders’ opening possession of the second half, stretching the lead to 9-3. Running back Abram Smith contributed a key 15-yard catch to keep the drive alive.
Memphis responded on the next series, with Perry connecting with wide receiver Jonathan Adams for a 39-yard strike that set up a 33-yard Coghlin field goal, cutting DC’s lead to 9-6.
Early in the fourth quarter, McCrane missed a 40-yard attempt, giving Memphis life. The Showboats capitalized with a 70-yard scoring drive highlighted by another big catch from Adams. Perry finished the series himself with a 16-yard rushing touchdown, giving Memphis their first lead of the night, 12-9.
But the Defenders didn’t flinch.
DC orchestrated a clutch 76-yard drive featuring a 45-yard bomb to Rowland. Bresnahan finished the drive with a short touchdown catch, and the Defenders followed with some trickery — Rowland threw a two-point conversion pass to wide receiver Cornell Powell, putting DC ahead 17-12.
With just under eight minutes remaining, Memphis had one last shot to close the gap. They drove into field goal range, but DC’s special teams unit delivered the final blow. Defensive tackle Devonnsha Maxwell blocked the Showboats’ kick attempt, allowing the Defenders to run out the clock and lock in their second straight victory.
Game Notes:
Wide receiver Ty Scott led DC with five receptions for 59 yards — marking his third consecutive game with at least five catches dating back to June 2024.
Chris Rowland finished with 66 receiving yards on three catches and threw the first touchdown pass of his career.
Linebacker Momo Sanogo paced the defense with a career-high seven tackles.
Kiondre Thomas recorded his first career UFL interception.
Kicker Matt McCrane has now made three or more field goals in a game for the sixth time in his professional career.
