Chicago City Wire

A star performance from Chicago Hounds fly half Luke Carty helped the USA Men’s Eagles secure a victory over Canada last Saturday night in Los Angeles, California. The Eagles defeated Canada 28-15, earning an automatic spot in the semifinals of the Asahi Pacific Nations Cup and now head to Japan next weekend.

The Can-Am clash is one of the most significant games in North American rugby, especially with many players familiar with each other from Major League Rugby franchises. The Eagles aimed for their first win in 2024 to improve their 12-1-1 record against Canada from their last 14 meetings.

Kingsley Jones’ side entered the game after a 55-28 loss against Japan in Vancouver. They scored first with a penalty goal by fly-half Peter Nelson, leading 3-0 within five minutes.

The Eagles quickly responded. A set piece inside Canada's half allowed them to execute a physical game plan. This led to a penalty chance for Luke Carty, who leveled the score at 3-3. Following this, some impressive box kicking by Seattle Seawolves scrum half JP Smith helped maintain possession inside Canada's half. Strong running created space out wide, allowing Carty and Old Glory DC players Jama Fanana-Schultz and Tomasso Boni to assist Seawolves winger Conner Mooneyham's try. Despite missing the conversion due to exceeding the shot clock, they led 8-3 within ten minutes.

Carty continued to lead effectively as he opened up the attack against Canada's defense. After several phases of play and another missed opportunity for Nate Augspurger due to Canadian defense, Carty looped a pass over Canada's defense for Mooneyham's second try. Though Carty missed another conversion attempt, they maintained a lead of 13-3 after fifteen minutes.

Canada gained momentum through ill-discipline from the Eagles. Dallas Jackals winger Nic Benn scored after receiving an inside ball from New England Free Jacks hooker Andrew Quattrin but failed to convert it fully, leaving them at 13-8.

Both defenses held firm towards halftime until Carty chipped over Canada's line and offloaded to Mitch Wilson (Free Jacks) for another try before halftime, leading 18-8 despite another missed conversion by Carty.

The second half began with dominance from Jack Iscaro (Old Glory DC), Kapeli Pifeleti (Saracens), and Alex Maughan (RFCLA). A penalty conceded by Canada allowed Carty to add three more points making it 21-8.

Carty’s strategic kicks continued putting pressure on Canada leading Tavita Lopeti close enough for Pifeleti's try confirmed by TMO review and converted by Carty extending their lead comfortably at 28-8.

Canada showed signs of recovery when Ben Lesage broke through creating an opportunity for Cooper Coats' try bringing it up to 28-15 post-conversion by Nelson but couldn’t close further despite promising attacks towards game's end where fresh faces including Pono Davis (Houston Sabercats) & Sean McNulty (Miami Sharks) joined defensive efforts ensuring final whistle blew confirming Eagle’s semifinal spot even ahead remaining match against Japan while Canadians relegated fifth-place playoff campaign completion also headed there.