The USA Men’s Sevens gave home fans a winning finish with a 24-19 defeat of Ireland in Los Angeles. Finishing 5th and claiming 13 Series points, the United States now sit 7th overall with three more stops remaining until the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Martin Iosefo scored right away with Naima Fuala’au and Carlin Isles following right behind him. While the American offense was firing through the first half, the Irish attack threatened a comeback with two consecutive tries in the second half.
The USA and Ireland finished the match going back and forth with Danny Barrett finishing it off for his side in the 13th minute.
It wasn’t the tournament the Eagles Sevens had hoped for as fifth-place is far from the capability and skill that makes the group ruthless when harnessed in full. Regardless, the USA proved that even against adversity, where results don’t match the target, the squad can band together and fight for one another to give home fans a performance to be proud of.
The United States will next compete in Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday for the sixth (of ten) round of the 2020 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
TRIES | Martin Iosefo, Naima Fuala’au, Carlin Isles, Danny Barrett
CONS | Madison Hughes (2)
ROSTER
3. Danny Barrett
9. Stephen Tomasin
13. Maceo Brown
10. Madison Hughes (c)
1. Carlin Isles
12. Martin Iosefo
7. Naima Fuala’au
SUBSTITUTIONS
8. Maka Unufe (8’)
11. Perry Baker (8’)
6. Kevon Williams (12’)
4. Cody Melphy (7’)
LOS ANGELES RESULTS
vs Samoa | 19-17 (W)
vs Scotland | 33-12 (W)
vs Australia | 7-17 (L)
Cup Quarterfinals
vs South Africa | 12-10 (L)
5th Place Semifinals
vs France | 5-24 (W)
5th Place Playoff
vs Ireland | 19-24 (W)
