Late Push Comes Up Short As U.S. Falls To Canada

Liz Ames Photo

Unable to overcome a sloppy first half and a crucial error, the Eagles failed to get their summer off the way they would have liked with a 16-9 loss to Canada in Edmonton. The match, which was not a full test match until earlier this week, was the first match in the Pacific Nations Cup for both teams.

In wet and windy conditions the U.S. came out much the visiting side allowing Canada to be aggressive early. The Canadians were nearly rewarded early for their aggressiveness with Taylor Paris slipped through the U.S. line before being brought done. Still, the Canadian would be the first to strike as Conor Braid, who plays his rugby for Doncaster, slotted the first penalty of the day to put Canada up 3-0.

Take the jump to read more.
The U.S. then began to slowly wake up with some nice movement, but as it was throughout the first half, each movement was either stopped with a poor decision or a silly turnover, allowing Canada to clear. The U.S. could have had an advantage early when Brian Doyle took a two handed shove to the back while in the air at a lineout, but the referee declined a card. Throughout the first half the Canadian defense was strong as well with Man of the Match Tyler Ardron making several big tackles.

The turning point in the match came halfway through the first half. Facing another lineout deep in their own end, the U.S. botched the effort allowing John Moonlight to bounce on the ball for a try. Canada was definitely the more aggressive team in the first half and looked to get a try at some point, but the U.S. will be disappointed that simple execution at the lineout became the difference in the match. Braid slotted the conversion to bring the Canadian lead to 10-0.

Canada nearly got another try a few minutes later but more bad handling, a constant plague on the afternoon, stopped the movement. As the half progressed Canada continued to get the better of the U.S., especially in the scrum, giving them plenty of possession. However, they weren't able to do much with that possession for the rest of the half and it was the U.S. to get on the board next as debutant Adam Siddall slotted a penalty to bring the score to 10-3 with eight minutes left in the half. Siddall missed his first attempt on the day but was perfect the rest of the way.

In the second half the U.S. came out of their funk and picked up their energy on both the offensive and defensive ends. Defensively the U.S. line was extremely quick and their tackles solid. They limited the Canadian offense to predicable balls and lines. Any movement was quickly stuffed out but the Eagles defense. Offensively the U.S. effort improved as the Eagles went on the attack. They were rewarded a few minutes later as Canada was penalized once again allowing Siddall to slot his second of the day. Braid tried to answer a few minutes later but his attempt was poorly missed.

The U.S. and Canada then played to a bit of a stalemate for the next ten minutes as each team had their opportunities. Only the U.S. was able to counter as Siddall hit another penalty to bring the score to 10-9. But Canada showed a lot of experience and slowly wore down the rest of the match. A stupid penalty from the Eagles allowed Braid to increase the lead to 13-9. The U.S. looked like they would break through a few minutes later when Robbie Shaw broke through the line but great counter-rucking by Canada forced the turnover.

Things got chippy in the end as Hubert Buydens pulled Todd Clever's hair, leading Clever to throw punches. The ref declined to go to his pocket once again but did penalize the U.S. for a separate infraction. Braid hit the penalty to bring the lead to 16-9. The U.S. pushed hard at the end and had a series of very nice plays, but late knock-ons allowed Canada to wind out the clock. Final: Canada 16-9 United States

There is no question that the Eagles will look back at this match as an opportunity lost. If not for the botched lineout in the first half the U.S. could have forced Canada to take more chances, allowing the U.S. an opportunity to play a more expansive offensive game. Overall the U.S. committed too many silly penalties and mistakes. It wasn't their most experienced international side and it showed. But full credit to Canada. They played a more tactically savvy match and were aggressive earlier.

The U.S. will have a chance to rebound from the loss in two weeks as they take on Ireland in Houston. The squad is expected to have its full contingent of overseas stars available for the match.