After a monthlong break, the Men's Eagles Sevens team is returning to its home stop of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Las Vegas this weekend.

The Eagles have made the semis in the last three USA Sevens events at Sam Boyd Stadium and could use another top four finish to move up in the standings.

The USA opens the three-day event with games against Australia, Samoa, and Spain in Pool C on Friday.

Last Time

After going 1-1-1 in pool play, the Eagles were forced to make everything count en route to winning the Challenge Trophy at the Hamilton Sevens in New Zealand earlier this month (the Challenge Trophy is the series' equivalent to the Bowl).

It all came down to the final pool play match against Kenya, whom the Eagles faced after beating Canada 28-14 and after falling to Samoa on a late try, 14-10. Because the Eagles and the Kenyans drew (19-19), the United States was pushed to the Challenge Trophy track, making its loss to Samoa in the final moments that much more disappointing.

But, after taking the time to reflect as a team, the Eagles were unstoppable upon their return. Three consecutive wins — 29-12 over Spain, 42-12 over Papua New Guinea, 31-12 over Argentina — allowed the USA to make the best of Day Two.

This Time

The USA has made several changes to its lineup. Madison Hughes underwent surgery and is out for the foreseeable future, leaving a halfback spot open. Stephen Tomasin, who might well have been the starting halfback in place of Hughes, is also injured. 

Head coach Mike Friday has gone for a best-available selection rather than specifically looking for a halfback. As a result, former Life University Scholz Award finalist Cody Melphy joins the squad. Fast and skilled Melphy will have a chance to show what he can do. But who slots in as the scrumhalf and first receiver is still a question. Could it be Chris Mattina, the powerful University of Delaware product? 

Maybe, but it could also be Maka Unufe or even Carlin Isles. Niua could move to the halfback spot and someone such as Mattina could fit into the flyhalf role.

"It's disappointing that Hughes and Tomasin are injured but that provides others with opportunities who have been waiting patiently in the wings — working hard — to ensure they can add to the squad," Friday said. "We look forward to seeing the team's continuous growth and evolution with newer players that will wear the Eagle."

Rookie Joe Schroeder is also on the squad and making improvements. Meanwhile, Kevon Williams is enjoying his first few appearances in the World Series.

Ben Pinkelman is going to captain the team.

"It is always an honor to represent your country, but to do so on home soil, in front of the very people we represent, makes it special," Friday said. "The louder the support, the more we are fueled; so, we hope our fans bring their 'A' game to inspire the boys to do the same."

Men's Eagles Sevens Roster For Las Vegas

Perry Baker
Danny Barrett
Martin Iosefo
Carlin Isles
Malon Al-Jiboori
Matai Leuta
Chris Mattina
Cody Melphy
Folau Niua
Ben Pinkelman (C)
Joe Schroeder
Maka Unufe
Kevon Williams