Dogs Show Heart in Salt Lake Comeback That Fell Just Short

On a windy day across state lines, the Dogs rocked up to one of the outside fields of Zions Bank Stadium for their Round 2 clash against Park City Haggis. Some players had arrived the night before, while most came in via plane or team van. Travel went smoothly, spirits were high, and the Dogs had a chance to climb to the top of the Rocky Mountain Rugby (RMR) table. Haggis, hosting their second straight home match, had the same opportunity. Winning on the road in the RMR is never easy.

Haggis kicked off, and Water Dogs center Francis Goonan immediately made a half break before being dragged into touch. The hosts pressed early, a theme that would define much of the first half. From the ensuing scrum, Park City attacked down the left flank, stringing together silky offloads and pop passes, a sign of what was to come.

After several phases, the Dogs conceded a penalty that winger Kayle Van Zyl booted into the corner. Three phases later, a slick offload from Kayle sent Haggis’ left wing into the corner for the opening try. The swirling wind pushed the conversion wide, leaving it 5–0 to the hosts.

From the restart, Denver were penalized for offside, giving Haggis easy territory. Their front row — Nick Mostyn, Scott Strong, and Angus MacLellan — imperious on the day, carried hard and often, laying a platform for Utah’s dangerous backs.

The Dogs cleared their lines after a penalty, and despite a failed kick to touch by fullback Sean Kilfoyle, Denver earned a lineout inside Haggis’ 22. A strong maul earned advantage and nearly crossed the line, but the ball was held up. A second maul attempt went awry with a wayward throw, giving Haggis the chance to clear. Denver’s first sustained attack came shortly after, but a missed knock-on call halted progress when a Haggis hand played the scrumhalf’s arm.

Possession and territory swung back and forth as both sides pieced together attacking movements before errors crept in. Denver had opportunities deep in Haggis territory but couldn’t turn them into points. As is typical of Utah’s running rugby style, Park City preferred scything counterattacks over tactical kicking, testing the Dogs’ defense repeatedly.

After one such turnover, Francis fed Jacob “Expo” Goeppner for a break down the left flank. A few strong carries later, a loose offload gifted Haggis a counter. Their blindside flanker scooped and dove for the corner, but after review, it was ruled he’d stepped in touch — a try-saving effort from outside center Sefo Selavasio.

A penalty soon after allowed Kilfoyle to clear to Park City’s 22, but Denver again couldn’t capitalize. A few penalties and pick-and-drives later, Haggis powered over for their second try. The conversion was good, extending the lead to 12–0.

Haggis weren’t done yet. After another turnover and penalty, they found themselves back in Denver’s half. A five-meter tap led to another close-range try through their forwards. A surprising conversion miss left it 17–0 at the break.

Waters, oranges, and fruit snacks were taken on board as Denver made early changes, Yared Belay entering the front row and Dan Prochoda joining the back row.

The Dogs kicked off the second half, but a poor chase and missed tackles put Haggis right back on attack. Sustained pressure was repelled by strong Denver defense, and a knock-on allowed Scott Nies to clear.

Momentum began to shift when Expo forced a turnover near the 22 and followed it up with a quick tap into Utah territory. The tempo lifted, and Denver’s substitutes injected new energy. Andrew Wulf, fresh off a stint with Tsunami 7’s, added his trademark hard running to the attack.

The next twenty minutes were an even contest, with Denver edging the territory and possession battle. From a lineout in Utah’s half, crisp handling down the right side saw Francis and flanker Adam Satz combine for a half break. Expo pounced from the base of the ruck, dummied, and sniped over for Denver’s first try. Kilfoyle converted, cutting the lead to 17–7 and giving the visitors new life.

Jacob "Expo" Goeppner would be crowned Man of the Match for his intensity and two tries for the Water Dogs match in Utah.

Four minutes later came what might stand as the try of the season. Following a Park City knock-on, Denver’s scrum fed directly to center Wulf, who chipped delicately over the top. The bounce favored Sefo, who broke one tackle and, as he was going to ground, threw a no-look offload to Expo for his second try, an absolute gem. Kilfoyle’s conversion made it 17–14, and suddenly the Dogs were right back in it.

Despite the momentum, Denver spent most of the closing minutes pinned in their own half. Handling errors and decision-making lapses proved costly, and Park City eventually powered over for their fourth try, securing the bonus point and denying Denver a losing one.

The Dogs mounted one last push, but a confusing call at the breakdown ended the match. Final score: Park City Haggis 22 – Denver Water Dogs 14.

Utah now heads into a bye week, while the Denver Water Dogs prepare to host the Gentlemen of Aspen on October 18th. That one was an all-timer — but you’ll have to wait for the next Dogs blog to hear how it went.