The Seattle Seawolves have upset the Glendale Raptors to win the inaugural Major League Rugby championship.

The Seawolves lost twice to the Raptors in the regular season, but produced an excellent defensive effort in Saturday's final at Torero Stadium in San Diego, CA,  

The Seawolves held Glendale to a lone try in the first half and led 8-7 at the break. Bolstered by the return of USA and Canadian internationals for the playoff run - Olive Kilifi, Ray Barkwill, Vili Toluta'u, and Phil Mack all returned from international duty - the Seawolves pulled away to win 23-19.

Champions ?

?: Colt Cannon pic.twitter.com/nTqS1QeGbS

— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) July 8, 2018

Seattle flyhalf Peter Smith opened the scoring with a penalty goal for a 3-0 lead, but Glendale replied with a maul that put hooker Zach Fenoglio over. Flyhalf Will Magie converted for a 7-3 lead for the Raptors.

The Seawolves showed they can maul it, too, and hooker Ray Barkwill peeled off the back to go over in the corner. Smith missed the conversion but Seattle held a slim 8-7 lead. In the second half, Glendale exploded for two early tries. Eagles John Quill and Bryce Campbell both scored well-taken tries that, with a Magie conversion on Campbell's try, put the Raptors ahead 19-8. 

Right off the restart, Seattle pressured and got a penalty for a high tackle. From the ensuing lineout, Vili Toluta'u was put up the tramline and than the ball went out to Will Rasileka who scored in the corner. That made it 19-13. Right after that, Seattle worked a counter quickly, and with some slick handling, No. 8 Riekert Hattingh powered over. Smith hit the conversion, and suddenly Seattle led 20-19. Smith added a penalty moments later. That made it 23-19, and from there it was a case of the Seawolves closing it out.

The defense, and smart possession rugby, finished it off.

Seattle Seawolves 23
Tries: Barkwill, Rasileka, Hattingh
Convs: Smith 2
Pens: Smith

Glendale Raptors 19
Tries: Fenoglio, Quill, Campbell
Convs: Magie 2

It has been an excellent opening season for Major League Rugby, and the Seawolves showed again that there is parity within the league, which is crucial for its future. In addition, none of the back-office troubles that plagued the previous pro league have been an issue, which is why we're able to talk about what happens on the field more than off.

The Seawolves are the 2018 champions.