VANCOUVER, B.C. - In a tournament filled with many ups and downs, the Men's Eagles Sevens fell 24-14 in the Bronze Final to take fourth place at HSBC Canada Sevens 2019.
Finishing without a medal for the first time all season, the United States still remains No. 1 in the world as the race for Olympic qualification heats up in the next round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Overall, the Eagles Sevens went 2-1 in pool play, falling to would-be Canada Sevens Champions South Africa before a massive comeback against England launched them into the Semifinals. Then, after being overcome by eventual silver-medalists France, the USA was unable to stop an array of sharp offloads from Fiji.
"What you saw is what we're about. You saw the doggedness, the determination, the resilience to stay in the fight,' said Head Coach Mike Friday, describing his overall thoughts on the team's performance this weekend. "I'm proud of every one of them. We're where we need to be on the Series, going to Hong Kong No. 1 in the world so there's plenty to look forward to. But we need to get home now, spend some time with our families and loved ones — rest, recover, and it's back into camp.'
The United States kept the score close for much of the game, hinting to fans in BC Place Stadium that another comeback could be underway. The Fijians earned the first try — but not without intense defensive pressure by the USA that forced them to work for every inch.
USA's Kevon Williams answered back shortly after with a clean break on the wing (7-5) but after a scrum penalty against the Americans, Fiji was at it again.
The Fijians earned their own scrum and ran down the pitch to reclaim the lead 7-12 at halftime. And when play resumed, they broke open on the wing again and extended their side of the scoreboard 7-17.
With five minutes still to go and only two tries down, Fiji drew a yellow card and the United States had an advantage. With the ball tipped to the American side after a lineout, Martin Iosefo got a strong run and the USA had it within five meters. There, after a penalty against the Fijians, Carlin Isles ran a short route along the right flank to dot down, 14-17.
Only three points down, the Eagles Sevens had put themselves in a position where, again, every moment was crucial.
Working hard to keep Fiji back once more, the USA defense tried desperately to close its gaps from edge to edge. But after several phases of play, the Fijians made a swift offload with space on the outside to score another, 14-24.
The United States had the ball right as time expired — employing one final strong attack — but when Carlin Isles was pushed to touch, the referee blew his whistle and the Eagles Sevens had lost Bronze.
It was understandably a tough finish for a team who has obliterated the odds to make five consecutive podium finishes. But with another four stops left in the season, and the USA still ranked No. 1 in the world, much lies ahead in the remainder of the year.
The Men's Eagles Sevens will next return for Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sevens taking place April 5-7. Schedule and details will be made available at world.rugby/sevens-series with matches broadcast LIVE on watch.espnplus.com.
Men's Eagles Sevens Staff
Head Coach | Mike Friday
Assistant Coach | Anthony Roques
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Jon Hood
Athletic Trainer | Brian Green
Team Manager | Scott Novack
HSBC USA Sevens Schedule
Pool A | Broadcast LIVE on ESPN +
vs Wales | 40-14 (W)
vs Chile | 33-19 (W)
vs South Africa | 7-19 (L)
Cup Quarterfinals
vs England | 21-19 (W)
Cup Semifinals
vs France | 5-33 (L)
Bronze Final
vs Fiji | 14-24 (L)
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