USA Men's Eagles dig deep in Singapore

USA Men's Eagles Sevens secure golden try in overtime to finish 11th at the HSBC Singapore Sevens.

Roster adjustments with last minute change in personnel after sustaining five injuries in Hong Kong the previous weekend, forced the squad to run out with only 12 available players, four of which, being reinforcements brought into the fold just this week. Porter Goodrum, Peter Sio Jr and Ryan Santos travelled out to the team while former player turned coach, Perry Baker made himself available for cover, though did not make an appearance on the pitch. The Eagles brought their familiar energy and enthusiasm in the Pool D opener against New Zealand where brilliant moments of magic played were delivered. A quick turnaround to take on Fiji exposed the side’s waning energy and with only two matches in the expedited format, booked themselves into the 9th place semifinal against South Africa, and then on to win the 11th place playoff. 

Head Coach Simon Amor commented on Singapore, “It’s definitely been one of the most challenging two weeks I’ve experienced with a team. The amount of injuries and adversity has really tested the group. I am so proud of the way the team has responded in both tours - going down to 8 or 9 players - to keep fighting, adjusting to position changes, all while maintaining a high standard of performance. There has been huge growth in our less experienced players. Porter joining us, Ulu getting his first cap, and Ryan Santos flying in on a moments notice is exciting to see. These players are the future of the program, and they way they stepped up and learned from challenges, came back fighting from mistakes is incredibly heartening."

Looking ahead to the home stop in Los Angeles, Amor added, "The opportunity to play in front of a home crowd is always special. And for us, it is an incredibly important stop as well. If we can keep growing on this trajectory, then we are in a good position. We are looking forward to USA fans coming out in full force. We are looking forward to taking another step ahead with this group, and excited to see what challenges LA brings us."

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The USA kicked their campaign off against New Zealand first with brilliant defense from Pita Vi holding up the Kiwis on their first trip to the line. Then, following up on attack with a show and go sequence from Marcus Tupuola that was completed with a hard running line, big hits and speed brought the USA ahead. The All Blacks responded just before the half and an unfortunate yellow card put the Eagles a man down and began tapping into their energy reserves. Using the touchline as the 7th man, the Eagles were initially able to hold strong, but New Zealand began to capitalize and the USA conceded tries. Ulu found the ball up off the back of the ruck and dialing into his speed brought the score within touching distance, but the All Blacks immediately replied and sealed the result in their favor.

A tight contest last week with just four points in the difference fueled both sides. However, number two ranked Fiji put a change in direction of the scoreline - and their footwork to draw in USA defense and run in two fast tries. Fiji employed hard and quick running lines and brilliant ball handling that broke down the Eagles’ momentum and closed off entry to the Fijians try zone. 

With the condensed programming of a two week bounce, the Eagles dug deep to reload for the knockout rounds drawing South Africa in the 9th place Semifinal. Quick USA hands and offloads find Jake Broselle who powers through the tackle to dive across the line. The Blitzboks turn over in the Eagles 22 and find space out wide to equalize. Keeping the momentum, they take a quick outside lane off the base of the ruck and speed over again. Lucas Lacamp runs right through 3 defenders to score and convert. Despite growing momentum, the Eagles skirt within touching distance of the line, but South Africa manage to put the ball in touch. 

The USA lined up against France in the 11th Place Play Off. Les Bleus started strong with a quick try. A successful jackal from Aaron Cummings puts the ball into Ryan Santos' hands who raced down the pitch to equalize the score line. Ben Broselle spots an inside gap in the French defensive line to dot down and put the USA in the lead at the half. France respond with a turnover in their 22 and near 100 dash to the other side of the pitch. With the score level, the Eagles up the intensity but a loose ball in touch pushes the match into extra time. Ben Broselle puts on the gas and secures the USA win with the Golden try. 

The USA Men’s Sevens will return to California for recovery before hitting another training block hard as they prepare for Los Angeles May 3-4, 2025. Tickets on sale now.

Simon Amor | Head Coach

Josh Schnell | Strength & Conditioning

Delaney Cassidy | Athletic Trainer

Liz Strohecker | Head of Operations - Sevens

Tries: M.Tupuloa, U. Niutupuivaha

Conv: L. Lacamp, P. Goodrum

Tries: J. Broselle, L. Lacamp

Conv: L. Lacamp

Tries: R. Santos, B. Broselle (2)

Conv: P. Goodrum