Union Win 19-18 against UFA Powerhouse Atlanta Hustle in 2OT Thriller
June 3rd, 2025
Article by Weldon Genies
Photography by Noah Moell
CHICAGO—The Chicago Union continue their 2025 season with a spectacular 19-18 victory in double overtime against the Atlanta Hustle this past Saturday in the Chicago Classic @ De La Salle Institute.
The UFA once again selected this riveting matchup as Week 6’s “Game of the Week,” and it even surpassed the immense hype leading up to the game, as both squads came into the game as division leaders and left it all out on the field. The game started strong with the 6-5 Hustle lead in the first quarter, with both squads controlling the disk and playing efficiently on offense, with Atlanta finishing with an impressive 96% completion rate and Chicago finishing with a stellar 94% completion rate. In the second quarter, the game remained neck and neck, as the Union had a couple of costly turnovers in their backline, which led to the Hustle capitalizing on break chances for scores. However, the Union threw some jaw-dropping hucks of their own and were able to keep pace, heading to halftime only down 10-9.
Fast forward to two seconds left on the game clock with Hustle possession on the goal-line tied 17-17, Xavier Payne saves the day with a crucial block that sends this masterclass performance to overtime. The Hustle and Union are trading blows in overtime, but with the Union down 18-17 with four seconds left, recently acquired handler Pawel Janas delivers a strike to Brandon Van Deusen to tie the game even. The crowd erupts in cheer, with Union blue filling the bleachers, as the U is heading to the second overtime of sudden death to determine who will be victorious. To start the second overtime, the Hustle attempts a pass downfield, but once again, Xavier Payne makes a pivotal interception of the disk, and now the Union is on the break. Due to a Hustle foul in the red zone, Xavier Payne is in the center of the endzone with the disk, and as soon as the ref’s whistle blows, Payne quickly flicks the disk to Janas, and Janas maneuvers two marks and finds Wilson Matthews to stamp this win for the Union, moving them to 2-0 on the year. Players and coaches storm the field as co-head coaches Dave Woods and Charlie Furse embrace the team after an exciting team win.
A significant reason why Chicago walked away victorious was due to a special showing from Wilson Matthews, who had 317 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and two assists. Matthews could not be contained in this matchup, creating separation for handlers to find him in prime position to make plays. In his second season with the Union, he once again is just one of the many chess pieces that Woods and co. were able to utilize this past Saturday, and the depth of this team shines as players continue to step up regardless of who is playing each night. Brandon Van Deusen, also known as “Lotto,” had himself a night with 437 total yards, tallying 287 throwing yards and 150 receiving yards, along with four hockey assists, three assists, and one block. With this being his first season with the U, he looked like he had been part of the Union for years, with the synergy with teammates downfield on hucks and finding people open when opportunities presented themselves.
Mr. Consistent himself, Jack Shanahan, showed up big for the U, tallying 246 throwing yards and 191 receiving yards, with three assists, two blocks, one goal, and one hockey assist. Even in such an impressive outing, Shanahan knows that he can even take it up to another level and get even better. In his sixth season with Chicago, Nate Goff played exceptionally well, posting 221 receiving yards and 212 passing yards, along with two assists, two goals, and one block. Paul Arters had a stellar night with 370 total yards, two hockey assists, one assist, one goal, and one block. Henry Goldenberg had 340 total yards. Payne had a fantastic defensive outing, with two pivotal blocks and three assists. Ben Preiss scored two crucial goals, as did William Wettengel. This was the definition of a team win for the Union, as so many contributors stepped up and were a force to be reckoned with, even while missing key contributors like Daan De Marrée and Sam “Kam” Kaminsky.
For the Hustle, Austin Taylor and Hayden Austin-Knab had very impressive outings on Saturday. Taylor tallied 461 throwing yards and 156 receiving yards, along with five assists and a goal, and Austin-Knab tallied 219 receiving yards and 175 throwing yards with three hockey assists, two assists, and two goals. While both studs had good performances overall, the stout Union d-line was able to contain them when it mattered most in the most crucial moments. While the Hustle entered the game as the leader of the South Division, this loss has them at 6-2 and now in second place in the South. The Union and Hustle team stats are very comparable in most categories. Still, the Union was able to convert within the d-line and the red zone at a higher level, which ultimately won them the game. For those wanting to watch the game it will be streamed on Marquee Sports Network on Thursday, June 5th at 2pm CT.
This matchup could be an early preview of the 2025 UFA Championship weekend, featuring two very talented squads that can match up toe-to-toe with anyone. This week, the Union looks to continue this journey with their official home opener back at Northwestern’s Medicine Field at Martin Stadium against division rivals the Madison Radicals at 5 P.M. CT on Sunday, June 8th. Fans can purchase tickets to the game, through our online shop or at the gate. The match will stream live on WatchUFA.tv.
