NOLA Gold’s season ends in loss to San Diego

NOLA Gold’s hopes of securing a playoff spot ended in their 22-10 loss to the San Diego Legion on Sunday night.

The Gold claimed the first lead of the game with a penalty goal by vice-captain and fullback Jean-Pierre Eloff that put them up 3-0 five minutes in.

After back and forth action for the majority of the half, San Diego struck with consecutive tries in a five-minute spurt just before halftime.

Paddy Ryan powered in for a try from just outside NOLA’s five-meter line, giving San Diego the 7-3 lead in the 32^nd minute.

After the ensuing kick off, NOLA attacked into Legion territory, but Josh Furno picked off a pass, taking it the other way.

Furno then offloaded to Jasa Veremalua who touched it down for the score that extended their lead to 14-3 in the 37^th minute.

San Diego opened the second half with another score in the 44^th minute, as Mike Te’o dotted it down, giving them the 19-10 lead.

Just minutes later, NOLA answered.

Nick Feakes forced a turnover and ran deep into San Diego territory. After a few forward punches, Nikola Bursic scored a try that cut the lead to 19-10 in the 50^th minute.

This would be NOLA’s final points as the Legion (12-3-1, 61 points) held up defensively and scored their final points with a penalty goal in the 62^nd minute from Joe Pietersen.

NOLA finished the game with eight penalties and 11 knock-on’s in the loss and ended the year with a record (9-7, 53 points) record.