Defenders vs. Sea Dragons live score, updates, highlights from XFL playoff game

By | April 30, 2023
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The XFL season is rapidly approaching its crescendo. And before it does so, two of its biggest and brightest sides battle for a spot in the much-vaunted “Million Dollar Game.”

The Defenders and Sea Dragons met twice before, in the Feb. 19 season opener and again on April 9. Both were tight games, with D.C. prevailing 22-18 in the first meeting and 34-33 in the second. 

But the stakes will be higher this time, as Ben DiNucci and Seattle look for revenge in D.C. against Jordan Ta’amu and Co. with a spot in the XFL championship game on the line. 

MORE: Watch XFL games live with Fubo (free trial)

The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from Sunday’s playoff game between the Defenders and Sea Dragons. Scroll below to follow all the action as it happens from Audi Field.

Defenders vs. Sea Dragons live score

  1 2 3 4 F
Defenders 3 – – – –
Sea Dragons 3 – – – –

Defenders vs. Sea Dragons updates, highlights from XFL playoff game

(All times Eastern)

First quarter

3:21 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Matt McCrane finds his mark from 24 yards out to knot the game at 3. Sea Dragons 3, Defenders 3

3:18 p.m.: Jordan Ta’amu gets the party started with a great read, finding tight end Riley Moore in open space. Moore rumbles down the field for 57 yards, bringing D.C. on the brink of the end zone.

3:13 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Seattle’s offense stalls out near the target. However, Dominik Eberle slots his kick through the uprights to give Seattle an early lead. Sea Dragons 3, Defenders 0

3:11 p.m.: Unreal throw and catch by DiNucci and wideout Jachour Pearson. DiNucci slings the ball through a maelstrom of oncoming Defenders, finding the diminutive Pearson, who outmuscles D.C.’s secondary to get the big gain. Roughing the passer cal will bring the Sea Dragons that much closer to pay dirt.

3:09 p.m.: Gordon redeems himself after an early drop, snagging a pass through traffic to convert for first on third down. He’ll be imperative to Seattle’s offense today.

3:07 p.m.: And we’re off! DiNucci and the Dragons headed on the field. They’ll have their work cut out for them.

3:02 p.m.: It’s wet and wild in D.C. Interesting to see how the conditions affect the game plan for both sides. Sea Dragons have the best passing offense in the league, while the Defenders possess the league’s most effective ground game. Intriguing stylistic matchup here.

2:57 p.m.: We’re about five minutes from kickoff at Audi Field. Seattle and D.C. coming at you live from D.C. United’s stadium. What could be better?

2:40 p.m.: Josh Gordon is dressed for success. Look out, opposition cornerbacks…

2:05 p.m.: It’s going down (playoffs), I’m yelling timber (playoffs)…

1:55 p.m.: We’re about an hour from kickoff, and both sides are on site at Audi Field in Washington D.C. The winner will face the upstart Renegades in the XFL championship game, who nabbed a shock 26-11 win vs. the Roughnecks last night.

Defenders vs. Sea Dragons start time

  • Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET | 12 p.m. PT

Sunday’s game between the Defenders and the Sea Dragons will kick off at 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT) from Audi Field in Washington D.C.

What channel is Defenders vs. Sea Dragons on today?

XFL fans will be able to watch Sunday’s Defenders vs. Sea Dragons game on ESPN. Live stream options include ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Division championships

Saturday, April 29

Matchup Time (ET) TV Live stream
(1) Houston Roughnecks vs. (2) Arlington Renegades 7 p.m. ESPN ESPN+, Fubo

Sunday, April 30

(1) D.C. Defenders vs. (2) Seattle Sea Dragons 3 p.m. ESPN ESPN+, Fubo

XFL Championship

Sunday, May 13

Matchup Time (ET) TV Live stream
North winner vs. South winner 8 p.m. ABC Fubo

The XFL Championship will be played on Sunday, May 13 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game will air on ABC.  

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