The United States beat Portugal 22-17 with two second-half tries in four minutes then hung on while a man down at Estadio Universitario on Saturday.
The Eagles led 10-6 at half-time thanks to a try by star winger Takudzwa Ngwenya, who broke clear then ran over a defender.
After Portugal fly-half Joseph Gardner closed the gap to one with his third penalty, America struck quickly twice, with midfielder Andrew Suniula sliding in in the 56th minute, followed four minutes later by a rampant charge to the line by veteran replacement Paul Emerick.
The Eagles enjoyed most of the possession in the second half, but after replacement number eight Jonathan Gaganio was sin-binned, Portugal flanker Vasco Uva earned a try and gave the match a tense finish.
The scorers:
For Portugal:
Try: Uva
Pens: Gardner 4
For United States:
Tries: Ngwenya, Suniula, Emerick
Cons: Malifa 2
Pen: Malifa
Comments
looseheadcannon says...
It would have been nice for fans in the USA to see this game somewhere on American TV...or any other fall tour matches,for that matter. Fox Soccer Plus is a joke,they should call it Fox Soccer Plus more soccer. Is there any way to see these games other than paying Setanta-i $20 per game? Emails are welcome at drew970 at live dot com. Thanks
Posted 15:26 16th November 2010
5Lock4ward says...
@Meener, Describe the appearance of a prototypical American...I didn't think so. There's no such thing as an American accent; it's a nation of immigrants. And by the way nobody poached him, he was already in the States at an American college being groomed to play American football when he decided to play rugby instead. And as MarcoP said he's from Zimbabwe. Probably best to have your facts straight before you write something in a public forum.
Posted 12:51 15th November 2010
filipegouveiac says...
Great result for Portugal. With a bit of luck they could have won it. Nice strong pack and enthusiastic backs. Good debut for new coach Errol Brain. Let's see if they beat Namibia and, hopefully, Canada.
Posted 23:24 14th November 2010
Meneer says...
Takudzwa Ngwenya, wonder if he's been working on his American accent. Typical, any team looking for quality rugby players have to look no further than South Africa. I suppose if the English can do it (and they have the largest base of players in the world) why not any one else including Australia.
Posted 18:48 14th November 2010
5Lock4ward says...
USA, USA, USA!!!
Posted 13:31 14th November 2010