Defenders Win-streak Comes to an End After Stallions Field Goal to Take the 20 to 18 Win After Rain Delay

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA (April 20, 2024) – The D.C. Defenders and the Birmingham Stallions dueled in Birmingham where the weather played a part in a rain delay. The Stallions secured the win 20 to 18 win.

Starting quarterbacks Jordan Ta’amu and Matt Corral battled for what could be considered the ‘Ole Miss’ bowl. Ta’amu and Corral both attended the University of Mississippi, even being in the same quarterback’s room at one point. The back and forth between the Defenders and the Stallions took all 60 minutes and more to decide the victor as the Defenders winning streak comes to an end.

The Defenders are now (2-2) overall with an 1-1 XFL conference record. D.C. was on a two-game win streak coming into Birmingham.

Birmingham (4-0) 2-0 in the USFL Conference, they continue their undefeated season after the 20 to 18 walk-off win.

The Stallions started the game off with a turnover that led to the Defenders getting the ball back and scoring the first points of the evening matchup with a dart pass from quarterback Jordan Ta’amu to receiver Chris Rowland in the back of the endzone for nine yards. Failing to convert on the two-point play the Defenders had a six-point lead.

But making the score even was the Stallions with a 50-yard bomb from Corral to receiver Amari Rodgers for the long house-call. But the one-point rush from the qb fell flat leading to a 6-6 score.

After a long period weather delay a safety and a field goal for the Stallions gave the home team an 11 to 6 lead going into the second half.

Quarterback Matt Corral was 13 for 16 with 170 yards at half, meanwhile the Defenders had a total of 129 yards of total offense.

After a 21-point second half from both teams the Stallions had to rely on Ramiz Ahmed to hit the 46-yard winner with four tics left on the clock.

The Defenders finished the game 251 yard of total offense with just 161 yards passing but Ta’amu had a 146 QB rating, meanwhile the Stallions tallied 356 yards of total offense with an efficient 19-29 240-yards, and a 146.4 QB rating.

The Defenders are back in action next Sunday at home in Audi Field. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. ET, with the game set to be broadcast on FOX.

D.C. Defenders Postgame Notes

• Both Jordan Ta’amu and Stallions quarterback Matt Corral attended Ole Miss together
• Kelvin Harmon ended the game with five receptions and 93 yards and a touchdown with a 45-yard reception
• Chris Rowland had two receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown
• Neither team scored a rushing touchdown