(MLR Release) - The Seattle Seawolves were named the Major League Rugby Team of the Week the league announced today. The Seawolves defeated the San Diego Legion, 39-23, in front of a sold out crowd at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA.

Seattle jumped out to a 20-6 halftime lead behind strong defensive play, holding the Legion without a try. Despite a late surge from San Diego, Seattle's 19-point second half proved enough for an opening weekend win.

As far as my son will know, rugby has always been a professional sport in the USA. Congrats to the league office, owners, coaches, players and, most importantly, the fans for @usmlr.Everyone buy tix, merchandise, take a friend to the game, get on board!! @USARugby @NBCSN @AP9_ pic.twitter.com/rx3GdSobhD

— Dan Payne (@danpayne_USAR) April 23, 2018

Seawolves scrumhalf Phil Mack picked up Player of the Week honors. Mack’s duties over the past few weeks have increased. Stepping into the lead coaching role, he built a game plan based around the Seawolves strength in the scrum. His agility and ball speed out of the ruck put the ball in the hands of his fly-half Will Holder or the next pod of forwards in the right location. Timely box kicks took the pressure off the Seawolves when they were within their own half.

MLR also announced the First XV:

1. Loosehead Prop, Kellen Gordon, Seattle Seawolves

2. Hooker, Mike Brown, Austin Elite

3. Tighthead Prop, Tim Metcher, Seattle Seawolves

4. Left Lock, Ben Mitchell, Austin Elite

5. Right Lock, Charlie Hewitt, Houston SaberCats

6. Blindside Flanker, Chris Turori, San Diego Legion

7. Openside Flanker, Hanco Germishuys, Austin Elite

8. No 8., Sebastian Kalm, NOLA Gold

9. Scrum-half, Shaun Davies, Glendale Raptors

10. Fly-half, Will Magie, Glendale Raptors

11. Blindside Wing, Harley Davidson, Glendale Raptors

12. Inside Center, JP Eloff, NOLA Gold

13. Outside Center, Anthony Salaber, San Diego Legion

14. Openside Wing, Josua Vici, Houston SaberCats

15. Fullback, Mat Turner, Seattle Seawolves