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Eagles Explode In 2nd Half To Beat Scotland In LA 7s

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Eagles Explode In 2nd Half To Beat Scotland In LA 7s

Ben Pinkelman has a little support from Madison Hughes. David Barpal photo.
02.29.2020 - Alex Goff
Maka Unufe is making an impact. David Barpal photo.

The USA is 2-0 in the LA Sevens after a really strong second half that saw the Eagles pull away from Scotland.

For the second game in a row, the USA started slowly, and for the second game in a row it was Stephen Tomasin who get them back on the scoreboard.

With the game tied 7-7 the USA had a chance to add to that, but Scotland got a penalty and tried to play with it. The half went three minutes past hooter as the Scots tried to get something going, and then the USA got a penalty and tried the same. Pinned in their own 22 the Eagles almost fumbled away a try to the Scots, but cooler heads prevailed and Danny Barrett kicked to touch to take the break.

"We were trying to shoot ourselves in the foot," growled Ben Pinkelman after the game. "We got lucky. Sometimes you need a little luck in sevens."

The USA responded in the second half with Martin Iosefo bursting through for an excellent try. Scotland's Kyle Rowe then punished a poor coverage on a grubber kick (the grubbers causing the USA fits in LA). That made it 12-12. And after that it was all USA.

Kevon Williams reminded everyone that, hey, he can run a little bit, too. Maka Unufe made a try-saving tackle and then turned around and scored moments later. And then, finally, Baker got some space and raced in for his 200th World Series try. Baker said it was all about the process, and seemed relieved not to have to talk about stats anymore.

Meanwhile, Iosefo and Unufe are starting to show their value.

Pinkelman said that when Unufe is feeling confident, "he's unstoppable. As long as he can stay there and were can help him stay there, we'll be in a good spot."

And the USA is in a good spot going against Australia, also 2-0.