After settling down from a nervy start the Eagles did what was expected and beat Guyana 31-0 in the quarterfinals at the Pan-Am Games. With the win the U.S. will likely play Canada (who play Chile in the quarterfinals) in the semi-finals for a chance to see who goes to the gold medal match.
As mentioned, the U.S. didn't get off to the cleanest of starts as they committed a few turnovers and penalties that robbed them of possession. When they did have possession they didn't always make the right decisions, including throwing a couple of hospital passes. Still, the U.S. eventually found their way and when Will Holder broke through a tackle and scored the U.S. were on their way with a 7-0 lead.
Take the jump to read more.
Guyana were tough and they made the U.S. work but the Eagles were able to head into halftime at 14-0 when Madison Hughes scored his first try of the day. Brett Thompson scooped up the ball after a great run from Hughes to open up the scoring in the second half. That was followed by a try from Ben Leatigaga on the missed Guyana line out and then a final try from Carlin Isles who burst around the defense for a try near the touchline. Isles's try was good to see because just a minute early he was down on the ground injured.
As mentioned, the U.S. will almost certainly play Canada next barring a major upset. That match will be at 4:49 p.m. et/1:49 p.m. pt. It can be see here: http://tycsportsplay.com/evento?123-Toronto_2015__Canal_1_Rugby (you may have to try a couple of different browsers).
Tries: Holder, Hughes, Thompson, Leatigaga, Isles
Conversions: Hughes (2), Augspurger
Starters: Blair, Thompson, Te'o, Tomasin, Holder, Hughes, Baker