Free Jacks Look to Lock Up Eastern Conference Top Seed with Win Over NOLA Gold

The New England Free Jacks are set to face NOLA Gold this Saturday, June 7th, at 7:00 p.m. in their final regular-season match of 2025. With a win, the two-time defending MLR champions can clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference and secure home-field advantage for the playoffs. The match will take place at The Gold Mine in Metairie, Louisiana, and fans can catch all the action live on NBC Sports Boston and ESPN+.

What’s at Stake

For the Free Jacks, Saturday’s match is more than just a season finale. A win against NOLA Gold will give New England the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, a crucial achievement that guarantees home playoff games, including the first playoff match at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy on June 15. The Free Jacks already secured a home playoff game last week, but clinching the top seed would give them the best path to a potential third consecutive MLR championship.

New England previously defeated NOLA Gold at home earlier in the season, a 35-31 victory that showcased their ability to grind out tight games. Now, the Free Jacks aim to finish the regular season with a strong performance, ensuring they enter the playoffs on the back of a win.

NOLA Gold: Playing for Pride

While the Free Jacks are focused on securing the top seed, NOLA Gold has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. However, that won’t stop them from giving everything they’ve got in their final match of the season. NOLA Gold will be looking to end their 2025 campaign on a high note and play spoiler to New England’s playoff hopes. They’ll be led by standout players like JP du Plessis, who continues to impress with his all-around efforts in the midfield.

Though NOLA’s season won’t extend into the playoffs, they’re determined to make their mark on the Eastern Conference race, and a win over the defending champions would be the perfect way to cap off their year.

Key Players to Watch

• New England Free Jacks: Brock Webster
  Webster has been in fine form, contributing with both the boot and in open play. His two penalty kicks and two conversions in last week’s win helped New England secure their playoff spot, and his strong kicking game will be vital to their hopes of clinching the No. 1 seed. Webster’s ability to control the game from the tee and add meters with ball in hand makes him a key figure in Saturday’s match.

• NOLA Gold: JP du Plessis
  Du Plessis has been one of NOLA Gold’s most consistent performers this season. The center has put up impressive numbers in recent weeks, including 13 carries for 50 meters and 10 tackles in last week’s loss to Chicago. He’s been a crucial playmaker for NOLA, and his physicality and attacking threat will be something the Free Jacks defense must be wary of.

Coaches’ Comments

Head Coach Ryan Martin spoke about the upcoming match, acknowledging the challenging conditions his team will face in New Orleans. “We are excited by the prospect of traveling to NOLA and performing in what will be very challenging conditions with the heat and humidity expected for the match,” Martin said. “Training has been short and sharp this week to maximize energy levels and allow the team to push hard for the win to secure the No. 1 ranking in the East! We are expecting a NOLA team with nothing to lose, so we will look to have a test match temperament to all of our play.”

The Free Jacks will have to weather the heat and humidity of the Louisiana summer, but with the stakes high, they’re ready for the challenge.

How to Watch

• When: Saturday, June 7th, at 7:00 p.m. ET

• Where: The Gold Mine, Metairie, Louisiana

• Broadcast: Live on NBC Sports Boston and ESPN+

A Look Ahead

Regardless of the outcome in New Orleans, the Free Jacks have already secured a home playoff match, but they’ll be hoping to finish the regular season strong and secure that coveted No. 1 seed. A victory would give them the perfect opportunity to pursue their third consecutive MLR championship without leaving New England.

The Free Jacks’ playoff journey begins on Sunday, June 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, where they’ll host their first playoff match of 2025.

Stay tuned for updates, live stats, and post-match coverage as the Free Jacks look to lock up the Eastern Conference top seed and continue their quest for a three-peat.

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