Thanks to a strong first half the Women Eagles have secured a Cup quarterfinal spot at the Atlanta 7s with a 19-12 win over Russia in their second pool play match. Also through to the Cup quarterfinals are New Zealand who beat South Africa in their pool match. The U.S. will next play New Zealand for top spot in the pool. Russia, despite their two losses, are in a fairly strong position to also make the Cup quarterfinals.
Knowing that a win would lead to their advancement the Eagles came out attacking early and nearly had a try through Jessica Javelet but the ball was knock-on. However, Russia only had the ball for a matter of seconds before Vix Folayan stripped the ball. After working it's way around the pitch the ball eventually found Folayan again who made a great pass to Megan Bonny for the opening try and a 5-0 lead.
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After the try Russia tried to respond but the U.S. continually kept them pinned in their own end. After a few big hits, in particular from Nana Fa'Avesi, Russia seemed scared of contact with the U.S. and it resulted in several poor passes. Unfortunately for the U.S. they weren't able to come up with a try and soon lost Folayan to an injured knee.
Folayan's replacement, Kristen Thomas, immediately made an impact. Collecting the ball deep in her own half she ran around a Russian defender and the shrugged off the tackle of another for the try. The U.S. would then end the half as Javelet capitalized on helter skelter play to take a 19-0 lead.
During the break head coach Ric Suggitt warned his team not to let Russia back into the game. Despite the warning that is exactly what happened as Russia opened the scoring. However, the U.S. defense held firm as Russia had the majority of the possession in the half. Things got interesting as Russia scored less with less than a minute remaining to make it 19-12 but the U.S. held on to the restart and booted the ball out for the win.
If the U.S. beat New Zealand they will claim first in the pool. However, the likelier scenario is they finish second in the pool which should give them a better chance of advancing to the Cup semi-finals. They play New Zealand at 6:56 p.m. et/3:56 p.m. pt.
Starters: Bonny, Griffin, Fa'Avesi, Baravilala Javelet, Folayan, Kelter