The UFL’s D.C. Defenders fell short in their title defense Saturday, as they lost to the visiting Louisville Kings 27-20 in the United Bowl, which was held at the Defenders’ home stadium in the District.
The victory marked a championship for the Kings in their inaugural season after a 6-4 regular season.
The Defenders were already forced to rely on backup quarterback Jason Bean for the championship game. Jordan Ta’amu, the Defenders’ first-string signal-caller and an MVP finalist, suffered a season-ending injury last month.
Bean joined him on the bench midway through Saturday’s championship. The Kansas product was ruled out for the game after suffering a left shoulder injury.
Third-string quarterback E.J. Perry could not lead the hometown squad to victory, even as the Defenders entered the second half with a 16-7 advantage.
Perry completed just five of his 12 passes, recording 50 yards with an interception. He was more productive with his legs, adding 43 yards as a runner.
The Kings outscored the Defenders 20-4 in the second half — D.C. kicker Matt McCrane converted a four-point field goal from 60 yards out — to secure the win. Kings running back Ian Wheeler was named the inaugural United Bowl MVP after rushing for 81 yards with a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The sold-out event served as a promising finish for the fledgling spring football league, which has now survived three seasons since merging the XFL and USFL. TV ratings jumped for each of the UFL’s broadcasters.
Fox reported a 4% jump in viewers, ESPN saw an 8% spike, while ABC reported 14% growth with an average audience of 941,000.
TV ratings for Saturday’s United Bowl were not immediately available over the weekend.
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