Falcons Find Consolation
Falcons Find Consolation
The USA Falcons 7s team won the consolation bracket at the Sevens de Vina del Mar in Chile.
The American team finished 2nd in their pool, but that wasn't so crucial as all eight teams entered Sunday's quarterfinals. Still, they notched an impressive 28-14 defeat of Argentina as well as a 31-0 defeat of the Invitacion 7. However, they dropped a surprise 19-14 decision to Canada, leaving Argentina, USA, and Canada all at 2-1. Argentina got the top spot due to points difference.
That put the Falcons up against Chile, 1-1-1 in their pool, placing third behind a surprising Brazil, and Uruguay. In that game, Chile won 17-5 to advance to the semis. Canada lost to Brazil and Uruguay and Argentina were also winners. Argentina went on to beat Brazil and Uruguay to take the title. Uruguay was second, and Chile edged Brazil 7-5 for third.
The Falcons needed to win twice to take 5th, and they did, beating the Invitacion 7 33-0 in the consolation semi, while Canada defeated Peru 26-15. In the consolation final, the Falcons garnered revenge for their earlier loss to the Canadians, winning comfortably 29-0.
Overall, it was a fairly positive two-tournament trip south for the Falcons players. They finished 2-4 in Mar del Plata, good for 4th out of six. (Details here), and then going 4-2 in Vina del Mar to finish 5th.
USA Falcons Squad
Chris Turori
Coaches
Nese Malifa
Paul Goulding
Al Caravelli