Miami Aims For Upset In Historic Playoff Debut Against Free Jacks

Veterans Memorial Stadium is about to host a much-anticipated matchup, and something has to give.

The Miami Sharks make their first-ever playoff appearance this Sunday, June 15, at 2 p.m. ET, facing none other than the two-time defending MLR champion New England Free Jacks. It's a semifinal clash loaded with history, momentum, and revenge.

These two Eastern Conference foes split their regular season series. Miami shocked the league with a 30-19 win on May 16, avenging a brutal 43-6 loss in April when New England ran riot behind a Paula Balekana hat trick. Miami also pulled off a narrow 15-13 victory last season, showing they’re no strangers to challenging the Free Jacks.

But the postseason is different altogether. New England boasts the league’s stingiest defense, allowing just 47 tries and 341 points in 13 games. The Free Jacks enter Sunday as the top seed in the East, riding a two-game win streak and winning nine of their last eleven. However, they'll be without star flyhalf Jayson Potroz, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 16.

Miami’s hopes rest heavily on Shane O’Leary, the MLR’s leading point scorer. With 90 points, over 3,000 kick meters, and a dangerous eye for gaps, the flyhalf could be the key to unlocking New England’s iron wall. On the other side, Joe Johnston anchors New England’s defensive front, leading the team with 192 tackles and 11 forced turnovers.

The Free Jacks are chasing a third straight title, but a fearless Miami side is ready to crash the party.