STATS OF THE MATCH
In the Olympic women's rugby event, the United States was removed from medal pursuit after losing 21-12 to Great Britain in the semifinal round.
The women's team from the United States has been eliminated in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive Olympics. In the five years after Rio, the team has made significant progress in World Series competition, resulting in a runner-up finish in the 2018-19 season, making the Tokyo outcome even more disappointing. In the 2nd version of rugby sevens at the Olympics, the United States was widely considered a medal possibility.
With such a brace of touchdowns by Jasmine Joyce and Abby Brown in the opening three minutes, Great Britain punched the United States in the mouth. The women's Eagles were down 14-0 with 90 seconds left in the first half before they could even control the ball.
The United States was given the ball to begin the second half, but they could not get everything out of their defensive half. Joyce dusted Kristi Kirche after a turnover to score Great Britain's third try to increase the lead to 21-0.
With 2:30 left in the game, the Americans raced downfield for a Kirche try, but Nicole Heavirland failed to convert, effectively ending any American hopes of a comeback.
Although Naya Tapper netted at the minute to bring the score more acceptable, Great Britain won and advanced to the semifinals.
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