It was always going to come down to the U.S. vs. Canada for the gold at the Pan-Am Games and unfortunately for the U.S. as much as they dominated the rest of the tournament they equally struggled against a world class Canada side that could easily win gold in Rio. In the end the Eagles will be happy with their silver medals but at the same time will know what they need to do to get into the next tier of medal candidates in Rio.
Gold Medal Match: Eagles 7-55 Canada
The Eagles struggled against Canada in their two matches on day two, losing by a combined score of 89-19. Most of those points for Canada came in the final as they rattled off 55 points after Kristen Thomas has scored a great individual try just two minutes into the match. In today Ashley Steacey (2), Karen Paquin (3), Ghislaine Landry (2), Jen Kish, and Magali Harvey.
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Tries: Thomas; Conversion: Johnson
Starters: Bonny, Griffin, Kelter, Stephens, Doyle, Thomas, Johnson
Eagles 71-0 Mexico
The day started out the complete opposite of the final with the U.S. blowing out Mexico in pool play. It started out with Kate Zackary scoring early and then a bunch of players scoring the rest of the way. The U.S. led 40-0 at the half. Zackary ended up with three tries and Kelter and Fowler had two a piece.
Tries: Zackary (3), Stephens, Kelter (2), Gardner, Fa'avesi, Fowler (2), Lopez; Conversions: Kelter (8)
Starters: Fa'avesi, Kelter, Stephens, Thomas, Fowler, Gardner, Zackary
Eagles 12-34 Canada
Both the U.S. and Canada had sealed a spot in the final ahead of this match so it was a preview of the final. Like in the final Canada ran out to a big lead as they kept possession on restarts and never turned it over. The U.S. did end up having a few good final minutes at the end where Zackary scored two tries.
Tries: Zackary (2); Conversions: Johnson
Starters: Fa'avesi, Lopez, Stephens, Fowler, Gardner, Zackary, Johnson