Mustangs Muscle Past Belmont Shore in Statement Road Win 🔥

The Mustangs rolled into Long Beach with bagels, chocolate milk, and a chip on their shoulder. Playing at the St. Anthony’s Sports Complex on a perfect early spring day, they were greeted with an unwelcome surprise: no metal cleats allowed. That sent several forwards scrambling—literally—to the nearest sporting goods store in search of plastic studs.

Whether the cleat rule gave Belmont an edge is up for debate, but their bigger pack certainly took advantage early, bullying the Mustangs in the first few scrums. Add in some uncharacteristic handling errors, and the visitors looked out of sync.

Until they didn’t.

After Belmont gave up a midfield penalty, the Mustangs kicked to the corner and unleashed their signature maul. When Belmont’s defense folded inward to defend the maul, wing Gunner Paul bolted weak side, nothing but the try line in front of him. Scrumhalf Spencer Huntley smartly hit him with a pass for the opening try, giving the Mustangs a 5-0 lead ten minutes in.

The next 20 minutes were a brutal midfield slugfest, with both sides trading heavy carries. Another Belmont penalty and a clinical lineout set the Mustangs up again—this time, lock Mateo Bresenden found a crease and punched in a second try. With the conversion, it was 12-0.

Neither team was able to break through during the last few minutes before halftime. They went into the break Mustangs up 12–0.

Belmont came out swinging in the second half, determined to keep possession and attack through the middle. But centers James Curtis and Sam Violet anchored a patient and punishing Mustang defense, forcing knock-ons and turnovers.

Shortly after the break, Spencer Huntley was taken down by a high tackle. He dusted himself off and calmly slotted the penalty kick, extending the Mustangs’ lead to 15–0.

Belmont tried to respond, but another miscue deep in their own half turned into five more points when Mustang hooker Carson Palmberg scooped up a loose ball and dove into the try zone. The conversion made it 22–0.

Belmont finally broke through with five minutes to go, scoring in the corner after a series of punishing runs and Mustang penalties.

But the Mustangs had the last word.

Spencer Huntley intercepted a pass, and flew down the field. Belmont managed to keep him from scoring but they also managed to knock the ball on. Scrum down to the Mustangs. One well-executed backline play later, and they crashed over the line just before the final whistle. 

Final score: 29-5. Mustangs on top.

Final Thoughts:

• The Mustangs' defense was superb. Belmont struggled to find space and often resorted to long, looping passes in hopes of stretching the line—most of which went nowhere.

• You know you're elite when the other team knows what's coming... and still can't stop it. That's the Mustangs' lineout-to-maul game in a nutshell. “Just try to stop us” is their attitude.

• Belmont remains one of the most physically punishing teams in the country. They didn’t break through often in this one, but when they do, it’s usually after battering you at the gainline until something gives. Drink some extra electrolytes before playing these boys.

• Both squads looked absolutely drained at the end of this one—they both left it all on the field.

• Also, someone schedule a shoe-tying seminar. I’ve never seen so many cleats fly off in one match.

• The Mustangs’ Nationals bid is off to a roaring start. With this win, they’re in prime position to clinch a spot. Circle the calendar for their looming clash with the SOC Raptors—it’s going to be a big one.

• 77.78% — That’s how many of you picked the Mustangs to win in last week’s poll. You nailed it.