USA/Canada Final Perfect Mix of Drama

The match everyone had been waiting for all year. Even as the World Series season began last Fall, it was a safe bet that this match was going to happen. It was almost fitting. While both sides would have preferred to finish in the Top 4 on the World Series and claim an automatic bid, this matchup just seemed right. An epic battle between two rivals with Olympic glory on the line.

It was difficult to top the drama that took place yesterday afternoon in Cary, North Carolina. There was a buzz about the stadium all morning long that built into a fever pitch by the time the USA Women stormed past Mexico to nail down their bid to Rio. The Women’s victory was a foregone conclusion as they drubbed their opponents into submission. The outcome of the Men’s game was far from decided, although there was a quiet confidence about the USA team, coaches, management, and even fans.

Evens the other teams in the tournament turned out in the stands for the final as they recognized the significance.

There was a reality that the Eagles would not qualify. The perfect recipe for sports drama was in place as the two teams took the field and stood for their respective National Anthems.

The tense opening minutes of the match, the collective sigh of relief when the USA struck first as Perry Baker streaked into the end zone. The building confidence around the stadium as the Eagles added two more scores. The anticipation during the final ten minutes where Canada gave the USA everything they had only to be turned away. The final whistle with the crowd exploding.

Those at the tournament can say, “I was there when it happened.” For those that couldn’t make it to the tournament, the weekend stream on USA Rugby TV had to suffice. Unfortunately for some, the stream had technical difficulties throughout the tournament and many were without even a similar experience at home.

For those that did not get a chance to watch the final match of the tournament, here it is in it’s entirety thanks to BC Rugby News.