Eagles Fall In Game 1 Of Can-Am Series
Contributed Article: FloRugby- Alex Rees
Rugby 15s Senior Women
Playing in windy, sloppy conditions, it was the Canadians who were better on the day, taking down the Americans 19-0.
Both sides had a number of handling errors throughout the game, but Canada executed more efficiently inside of the 22, capitalizing on three try-scoring opportunities.
The Eagles had a ton of chances to score, but were held up in-goal three times and knocked on in-goal another time to keep themselves scoreless.
While the ballhandling and accuracy at the set piece were lacking, the U.S. held up extremely well physically against a big, strong Canadian team.
Watch the second leg of the Can-Am series this Sunday at 5:00 pm (ET) on FloRugby
Lock Kristine Sommer and No. 8 Katie Johnson both stood out in defense, getting in on a number of big collisions. Wing Jennine Duncan was lively in attack, making the most of her limited opportunities on a wet day.
Canada got tries from prop DaLeaka Menin, winger Irene Patrinos, and flanker Janna Slevinsky, as well as two conversions from scrumhalf Brianna Miller.
Miller caused problems for the Eagles all day with her quick attacking play and strong box kicking. Fullback Alex Tessier also put the U.S. under pressure with some huge kicks and good open field running and passing.
Both teams will regroup and get ready for round two on Sunday, hoping the weather isn't as nasty as it was today.
The winner of the series will be determined by the aggregate scoreline over both tests, so the Eagles will have to win by 20 points or more to take the series.