slide 1

NOTE: Only paying subscribers have access to locked content. LEARN MORE.

USA Finishes 3rd in Spain

  • 21 Feb 2021
  • 248 Views

USA Rugby photo: Kristi Kirshe vs. Kenya

USA RUGBY – The USA Women’s 7s National Team finished the first weekend of Madrid Sevens in third-place. After defeating Poland, Spain and Kenya yesterday, the Eagles Sevens lost their two opening matches against Russia and France.

Struggling to get on the front foot led the U.S. to crumble under defensive pressure. The tenacity and resilience was always there while execution needed a bit more finesse to overcome Russians and French. When they clicked, the USA Women were unstoppable. Every member of the squad owned their role to drive the ball back and forth across the attacking line and put try scorers in a position to maximize on open space.

Head Coach Chris Brown said:

“This was a weekend of reminders that sometimes we have to make decisions that differ from how we feel in the moment. Ultimately on the 7s series, what matters is your ability to execute in every situation regardless of your emotions. That’s the difference between the best in the world and the rest.

“I’m looking forward to seeing us take the learnings from this weekend forward into next week and seeing progress in our performance. Now it’s time to enjoy each other’s company and recover.”

Madrid Sevens continues next weekend (Feb 27-28) LIVE on florugby.com. A full schedule will be announced in the coming days.

USA vs Russia | 19-21 (L)

The USA women fought hard for each other, that much was certain. Nia Toliver scored the opening points for the third match this weekend but the United States committed early errors that continued to give Russia attacking opportunities. Match play was back and forth with barely one-possession separating the scoreline for both sides. With minutes to go, a yellow card on Kasey McCravey had seemingly given Russia the edge until a penalty allowed Lauren Doyle to score from the scrum. On the final play, in heartbreaking fashion, the Russians spotted a gap and ran straight for posts to steal the win.

TRIES | Nia Toliver, Cheta Emba, Lauren Doyle CONS | Nicole Heavirland (2)

USA vs France | 26-7 (L)

The USA struggled to get on the front foot, spending most of their time in home territory fighting off a stout French defense. Chip kicks, handling errors and penalties at the breakdown brought intensity to a match where only the French were able to capitalize for the lead at halftime. After a break, the U.S. came back with vigor as Kris Thomas scored on the opening kick off. French defense continued to apply pressure until the final minutes and the Eagles Sevens struggled to make much progress near the goal line.

TRIES | Kris ThomasCONS | Nicole Heavirland

USA vs Poland | 47-0 (W)

The USA Women were brilliant against Poland. Team tries scattered the field through every minute of play as the squad’s workrate and management of space were far too much to handle. Poland attempted to use their kicking game often but failed to execute on most occasions. On several other occasions the opposition left the ball unprotected at the breakdown, allowing the United States to make crucial turnovers that added to a momentous game. After two earlier losses, the third-place final delivered the same spirit and energy that translates to the podium.

TRIES | Lauren Doyle, Sui A’au (2), Kristi Kirshe, Nia Toliver (2), Abby Gustaitis CONS | Mccravey (4), Canett (2)

Article Categories:
USA

Leave a Reply