New York Empire at Atlanta Hustle — May 4 2024
Silverbacks Stadium | 730p | Tickets on sale now
Available on Youtube, PSN, & WatchUFA.tv
The New York juggernaut are expected to carry a UFA-record 31-game winning streak into this Week 2 test in Atlanta. When the Empire last traveled to the Hustle’s home digs, they left as losers, on the wrong side of a 22-21 thriller on July 24, 2021. This is a result that astonishingly still stands as New York’s last regular season loss. Overall, including the playoffs, the Empire are 38-1 since that riveting day, when Atlanta’s Kelvin Williams blocked Ben Katz’s potential game-tying toss to John Lithio at the buzzer.
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From the Hustle side, their minds will more likely be focused on revenge of the OT postseason loss against the Empire that occurred on the road later that season. The Hustle have been blocked from Championship weekend by one point twice in the last 3 seasons. They will be out to smash through whoever stands in their way of Salt Lake City in 2024.
Amidst all these unpleasant memories, here’s something else that’s also true: the Atlanta Hustle truly believe that they are the team with the best combination of skill, size, and athleticism to threaten New York. And they might not be wrong. Brett Hulsmeyer, Dean Ramsey, Jeremey Langdon, and Jakeem Polk are athletes created for the next generation of ultimate. Hayden Austin-Knab has repeatedly shown glimpses of All-League ability, and he’s still just 24 years old. Don’t forget about reigning Callahan Award winner Justin Burnett, whose blocks last season (21) match his current age. And accomplished veterans like Austin Taylor, Matt Smith, and Christian Olsen have the vision and scar tissue to steer Atlanta right back into the top tier of contenders.
We’ll see whether it’s enough to emerge victorious against New York’s wealthy stable of past and future MVPs, but either way it’ll be an absolutely fascinating early-season measuring stick moment for both franchises.
Silverbacks Stadium | 730p | Tickets on sale now
Available on Youtube, PSN, & WatchUFA.tv
