Sunday, February 17, 2019

First-ever TD sparks first-ever win for Fleet


SDCCU STADIUM (02/17/2019) The San Diego Fleet (1-0) opened its home schedule with a 24-12 come-from-behind victory over the Atlanta Legends (0-2) in front of over 20,000 fans who braved some heavy rain.

Ja'Quan Gardner put up 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, but in the fourth quarter, he became the first player in Fleet history to find the end zone after his 8-yard run gave the team a 15-12 lead with 9:04 left to play.

Following a three-and-out by Atlanta, Gardner scored again from seven yards to all but seal the game.

“This is a huge win for us to get back on track,” Gardner said. “Football is back in San Diego and we couldn’t be happier.”

The Legends got the ball first and ended their opening drive with a 29-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo.

On the ensuing possession, quarterback Phillip Nelson, who was making his first career start, was picked off by Carlos Merritt. Atlanta capitalized with a 19-yard bomb from Matt Simms to Malachi Jones to give the Legends an early 9-0 lead.

A 46-yard field goal Donny Hageman put the Fleet on the board with 1:38 left in the first half.

Ryan Moeller's second interception of the season set up another Hageman field goal, the 43-yarder cut Atlanta's lead to 9-6 at the half.

The San Diego State alum made all four of his attempts.

Next Sunday the Fleet returns home with a chance to redeem their opening week loss to the San Antonio Commanders, who are coming off a 37-29 loss to Orlando.

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