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Defenders Defeat Storm 28-22, Secure United Bowl Spot

6/8/2026

Summary

Defenders Earn Bowl

D.C. Defenders beat Orlando Storm 28-22 on June 7, 2026 at Daytona Stadium, earning a United Bowl berth.
QB Jason Bean threw 18-of-33 for 233 yards and a TD while Abram Smith rushed 57 yards and scored.
United Bowl III will be at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on June 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Summary

Bean Starts

Jason Bean joined the DC Defenders on April 19 in a trade sending quarterback Mike DiLiello to Louisville and became starter after Jordan Ta’amu’s season-ending injury, replacing Spencer Sanders.
The playoff moved to Daytona Stadium because an international soccer match conflicted with Orlando’s home-field schedule.
Daytona Stadium attracted 6,317 fans, filling lots and pushing some onto grass along LGPA Boulevard while Coach Anthony Becht pledged to double the Storm’s fan base next year despite loss.

History

Historical Context

After NBC lost AFC rights to CBS in 1998, it partnered with WWE to announce the XFL on Feb 3 2000, launching its season in 2001. The championship on April 21 2001 saw the Los Angeles Xtreme defeat the San Francisco Demons 38-6 before about 38,000 fans, a venue-driven market expansion echoed by the 2026 United Bowl III, moved to Daytona Stadium for the D.C. Defenders and Orlando Storm.

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Defenders Earn Bowl

D.C. Defenders beat Orlando Storm 28-22 on June 7, 2026 at Daytona Stadium, earning a United Bowl berth.
QB Jason Bean threw 18-of-33 for 233 yards and a TD while Abram Smith rushed 57 yards and scored.
United Bowl III will be at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on June 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

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