Full Breakdown
Chicago Hounds Pursue Perfect Season in 2026 MLR Championship
6/22/2026, 11:20:15 PM
Final Showdown
The Chicago Hounds host California Legion at Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium Sunday 7 p.m. on ESPN 2, with the MLR Shield and Chicago aiming for an 11-0 finish.
Season Overview
Chicago went 10-0, scoring at least four tries game, earning 50 points, 461 points for and 252 against. In the semifinal they beat Old Glory DC 59-22, with seven try-scorers and Noah Brown scoring twice. California, after a 5-5 season, upset Seattle 43-34, overcame a first-half red card, held 57 % possession and secured 19 points from Coby Miln.
Players
Chicago featured flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck (15 points in the semifinal) and scrumhalf Ruben de Haas, whose kicking controlled territory. Hooker Theo Fourer scored his 10th try; No. 8 Jake Kinneeveauk led the carry. Flankers Mason Flesch, Lucas Rumball, wing Peyton Wall and wing Noah Brown (two tries) added speed. Ollie Devoto announced retirement after the final. California’s staff is led by coach Steve Hoiles, captain Jason Damm, Coby Miln (19 points), hooker Joe Taufete’e and forward Rhyno Herbst (red-carded).
Official Response
Legion coach Steve Hoiles emphasized defense over attack, stressing that success will depend on discipline and set-piece stability. Chicago’s coaches highlighted the de Haas-Hilsenbeck half-back duo as the engine of territorial control.
Underdog View
California’s 5-5 record and red card underline its status. Hoiles’ focus suggests Chicago’s attack could be neutralized if the Legion stays disciplined, as shown by its 57 % possession and Miln’s 19-point boot.
Quotes
“It won’t be about how well we attack,” — Steve Hoiles, California Legion head coach
“That’ll be a byproduct of how well we defend and how our discipline is. It’s going to come down to defense and discipline as much as anything.” — Steve Hoiles, California Legion head coach
“If we get the game to an arm wrestle and there’s 10, 15, 20, 25 minutes to go and it’s not going as well as they would have liked, they simply haven’t had as much time under the pressure that we’ve had this year,” — Steve Hoiles, California Legion head coach
“I just couldn’t think of a better way to end my career than with that special group. Peter’s has had a massive influence. You’ve got Satch [Matt Satchwell] and Phil [Groves] as well, who are also owners. And James English, he’s got a goal of getting the Hounds to compete with the rest of the Chicago sports teams.” — Ollie Devoto, former England centre
Next Steps
Winner claims the MLR Shield; Chicago aims for the league’s first perfect season. The championship airs on ESPN 2, and a title would cement the Hounds among Chicago’s major-league teams.
