Mike Friday would be forgiven for basking in the glow of his USA Men's Sevens team winning the USA Sevens in Las Vegas, but he's also looking at what's next — this weekend's Canada Sevens in Vancouver, BC.
However, before that, the coach had some kind words for a team that brought him a tournament win this past Sunday.
"They have been working hard these last two months and we have asked a lot of them both tactically, with some changes we have had to make on the pitch, but also collectively together on how they learn and communicate with each other on and off the pitch," Friday said.
"We've been trying to become more effective and cohesive as a unit and deal with each moment, whether its a positive or negative one, and then move onto the next one."
That was on display in Las Vegas.
"There were a number of occasions where things didn't go well but they didn't dwell," Friday said. "They supported one another and got back on track, focusing on the next moment. They would then, at the appropriate time, be it in the match or after, look to fix the issue so as to minimize the risk of it happening again."
Several players made a mark on the weekend, which culminated with the Eagles blanking Argentina 28-0 in the Cup Final.
Folau Niua continues to play consistently well, tallying the second-most points (39) for the USA in Las Vegas behind Perry Baker's 40. Earlier this season, teammate Madison Hughes said Niua was a "constantly overlooked."
"He's a strong defender and he sets up his teammates, but he is also deceptively quick," Hughes said at the time.
Friday noted that he was pleased with just about everyone, but singled out Ben Pinkelman, the USA's leading tackler in the World Sevens Series.
"He has taken on a lot as captain, but the senior guys have really supported and fallen in to assist as well whilst ensuring they maintain their high standards on the pitch," Friday said.
Matai Leuta got some love, too, especially as he spends more time as a forward.
"He was excellent this weekend with the amount of work he did in the breakdown and in defense whilst becoming a big handful carrying in attack having to play a lot of 14-minute matches," Friday said.
And yes, that's an overlooked part of it all. Leuta went from an impact sub and sometime starter to a regular in the lineup, and he was sorely needed.
Maka Unufe was also required to put in more minutes, and he played as a forward, as a scrumhalf, and just about anywhere as a back.
"He has energy in defense and he's floating across the ground in attack," Friday said.
Relative newcomer Kevon Williams was asked to contribute more, which he certainly did, while Martin Iosefo, like Niua, was a candidate for the dream team.
"Martin has been on form all season and continued to be that attacking threat at the weekend, which buys space for others around him," Friday said. "l think we have loads of game breakers in different ways, and that's the beauty of the team.
"Perry gets the box office reviews, but how many of his tries are from direct turnovers from Pinkelman? Martin and Maka in attack are sizzling right now, whilst Folau is just conducting whatever players are put around him. Danny (Barrett) is causing mayhem with his ball carrying ability. The strength of us as a squad is we are a healthy balance of power, pace physicality, and glue."
So what's next? With Joe Schroeder out with an injured shoulder, there'll be one change in the lineup for Vancouver this weekend. But Friday said the team's performance, while impressive, wasn't perfect.
"We have got some things we need to get right this weekend, which we were not happy with," Friday said. "Some of our basic passing at high speed was not to the level we expect or is required, and on a wider pitch that will be key for success. We also will need to adjust tactically and be on point as this pitch is a fast wide pitch so our speed of threes in attack, and accuracy at the breakdown will need to be on point."
The Eagles are in Pool A with Australia, Canada, and Uruguay. Their first game kicks off at 12:04 PM PT at BC Place in Vancouver.