Over the last few months the U.S. and Canada have met in intense matches on the World Sevens Series and a winner take all match at the NACRA 7s. It's not surprising that during that time, as well as the last few years, the two teams have developed quite a rivalry. The rivalry might have reached a new high today as the two teams battled it out in the Pan-Am Games semi-finals. In a match that saw several lead changes it was the aggressiveness of Canada at the start and at the end of the match that resulted in a 26-19 win. The U.S. will next likely face Uruguay (barring a major upset over Argentina) for the bronze.
As mentioned, Canada were extremely aggressive from the get go keeping possession and limiting U.S. opportunities. Canada were duly rewarded just a little over a minute into the match when Harry Jones scored in the corner. The try game through great work from Phil Mack to push the ball down the field.
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Canada did make errors, especially in kicking their restarts into touch on a couple of occasions but the U.S. weren't able to take advantage early. Instead, it was Canada that would take a page out of the U.S. playbook and put in great work at the breakdown. That nearly led to their second try as Nathan Hirayam slipped through the defense only to be caught by Carlin Isles. Still, they earned a penalty and off the tap John Moonlight was in for the try and a 12-0.
The U.S. fought back and they eventually settled down with better defense. That defense led to better possession which in turn allowed the team to find Isles out for the try. He would then open the second half with a try to tie the match at 12-12.
The U.S. had a further advantage when Canada's Admir Cejvanovic cynically tackled Isles after he scored his try and earned a yellow card. With the man advantage the U.S. easily took the lead through great team play finished off by Martin Iosefo.
Still, a heads up play from Hirayama pegged a try back for Canada with just a few minutes to go. They then did well to pin the U.S. back and earned several turnovers. They nearly had a winning try in the corner but Iosefo made a great defense play to keep the game alive. However, the momentum was with Canada and with no time remaining Cejvanovic turned hero as he scored the winning try.
The Eagles will now play Uruguay at 7:34 p.m. et/4:34 p.m. pt.
Tries: Isles (2), Iosefo
Conversions: Augspurger (2)
Starters: Isles, Thompson, Bender, Leatigaga, Augspurger, Hughes, Iosefo