DC Defenders and Louisville Kings pull off semifinal upsets to reach United Bowl

The DC Defenders and Louisville Kings are headed to the United Bowl after both teams pulled off road upsets in the United Football League semifinals on Sunday, setting up a championship showdown at Audi Field in Washington, DC.

Defenders finally solve Orlando

The first semifinal saw the defending champion DC Defenders finally break through against the top-seeded Orlando Storm after losing both regular-season meetings between the teams.

Jason Bean delivered his best performance of the season when it mattered most, passing for 233 yards and adding 40 rushing yards while guiding the Defenders to a 28-22 victory. Bean also helped fuel an offense that converted 10 of 16 third downs and consistently extended drives throughout the afternoon.

The Storm entered the postseason as the league’s top seed and one of its most explosive offensive teams, but DC’s defense rose to the occasion. Derick Roberson applied pressure throughout the game and came up with a critical fourth-down sack as the Defenders contained MVP finalist Jack Plummer and limited Orlando to just 273 total yards.

The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for DC and sent the defending champions back to the title game with a chance to defend their crown on their home field.

Kings continue remarkable turnaround

The second semifinal featured another upset as the Louisville Kings traveled to the Battledome and knocked off the St. Louis Battlehawks 29-20.

After beginning their inaugural season 0-3, the Kings continued one of the league’s most remarkable turnarounds by winning their fifth straight game and seventh in their last eight contests.

Tanner Brown played a major role in the victory, becoming the first kicker in UFL history to convert two four-point field goals in the same game. Brown connected from more than 60 yards twice, providing crucial points in a tightly contested matchup.

Louisville’s defense also delivered. Cam Gill recorded his 11th sack of the season, while Steele Chambers sealed the victory with a diving interception in the end zone during the closing minutes.

The Kings also produced several explosive plays, including three gains of more than 50 yards, as they avenged a regular-season loss to St. Louis.

Former teammates meet for the title

The championship game now features an intriguing quarterback matchup.

Jason Bean began the season with Louisville before moving on to DC, while Chandler Rogers took over as the Kings’ starter and helped spark the dramatic turnaround that carried the franchise to the United Bowl.

Adding another layer to the story, Bean and Rogers both attended Lake Ridge High School, making next week’s championship clash a meeting years in the making.

Now, with a title on the line, the Defenders and Kings will battle for the UFL championship in what promises to be a compelling finish to the season.