Rugby United New York @ Austin Elite Rugby

If there was an “easy” pick this week, it would be to pick RUNY. I’m not so confident.

First of all, this home game for Austin is actually taking place in San Antonio. Who knows what kind of new and different energy that will bring. And Austin has been playing much better over the last two weeks.

Just like NOLA, one could easily see the Roosters looking past this to a bye week and then a visit from the San Diego Legion. It is a classic trap game, and RUNY will have to be careful to avoid springing it.

NOLA’s near-loss may be the best thing that could have happened for RUNY, as it put the league on notice that Austin is still dangerous. I think they take that to heart. Though I foresee this being closer than people expect, I do think NY pulls it out.

New York by 5

Toronto Arrows @ Utah Warriors

The Jekyll & Hydes of MLR 2019 return to action when the Arrows make their last road trip of the season. They face off with the Warriors, who are coming from a loss in Houston. Both sides are going to be hungry and both likely see this as a winnable contest.

For the Arrows, closing out their road schedule 4-4 would be considered a win. It puts them where they need to be to launch a playoff run. For Utah, a loss essentially terminates their playoff hopes. They’ll be fighting against that.

But considering how close the Arrows played in New York and adjusted for the continued reintegration of their internationals, I think Jekyll shows up for this one and the Arrows run away with it.

Toronto by 15

NOLA Gold @ Glendale Raptors

Glendale will be happy to return to Colorado after the dusting they took in New York. NOLA will be happy to do anything after the disaster they only barely avoided against Austin. One of them won’t be happy for long.

Glendale have been much stronger at home than on the road and still have never lost in Rugby Town USA. Ever. But most of those wins came last year, and the draw this year against San Diego shows it can be done.

Will NOLA have a healthy Tristan Blewett and a Cam Dolan (is he hurt, not really sure)? It could make a big difference. But NOLA has shown tremendous fight all year. They have refused to lose. Glendale has, to some degree, refused to win. I think NOLA’s culture that has been delivering wins this year will prevail.

NOLA by 3

San Diego Legion @ Seattle Seawolves

Another major fight goes down Sunday evening in Tukwila, Washington. San Diego managed a big win in Round 2 when they took out the Seawolves in the rare San Diego typhoon. Seattle will be out to return the favor. With both of these teams hovering near the playoff border, they both will be marking this as an important win to take.

Seattle has been steadfast at home. San Diego has been wavering after a strong start to the season. I think the Seawolves bring the season series even.

Seattle by 6

TRS Staff Picks

You can find TRS contributor Paul Bains’ picks here.