Late Comeback Fails as Defenders Fall to Roughnecks

Houston, Texas – Mike DiLiello’s final pass attempt, a 3-point conversion to Chris Rowland, fell short as the D.C. Defenders’ comeback attempt came up shy in a 24–21 loss to the Houston Roughnecks.

D.C. jumped out to an early 9–2 lead, but Houston responded with 22 unanswered points across the second and third quarters. Despite a 12-point surge in the fourth quarter and an offensive outburst that produced 458 total yards (compared to Houston’s 371), the Defenders couldn’t complete the rally in the final seconds.

Former Defenders QB Torches His Former Squad

Houston Roughnecks quarterback Jalan McClendon was traded by the D.C. Defenders on November 6, 2024, and delivered a strong performance against his former team. McClendon finished 21-of-30 for 232 yards and two touchdowns, both caught by wide receiver Keke Chism. Their first touchdown connection came with just 16 seconds remaining in the first half, followed by a 13-yard score in the third quarter.

Cornell Powell Continues to Shine

After scoring two touchdowns last week, Defenders wide receiver Cornell Powell replicated the feat in Houston. Powell opened the scoring with a 44-yard touchdown reception from Jordan Ta’amu on the Defenders’ first drive. He later hauled a 5-yard touchdown pass from DiLiello with just 3 seconds left in regulation, giving D.C. one final chance at a game-tying 3-point play. Powell has four touchdowns in the last two games and has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic receivers.

Roughnecks’ Ground Game Carves Up Defenders

While D.C. won the yardage battle through the air, Houston took control on the ground. The Roughnecks outgained the Defenders 107 to 87 in rushing yards. Lorenzo Lingard led the way for Houston with 80 yards on 8 carries, including a 20-yard touchdown run that helped build their third-quarter lead.

What’s Next

The Defenders (6–3) close out the regular season on Friday, May 30th, with a crucial matchup against the St. Louis Battlehawks (7–2). Kickoff is set for 8 PM EST.