The USA Men's Eagles opened the inaugural 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup with a dramatic 30-29 victory over Portugal on Independence Day, with four Seattle Seawolves helping the United States secure a memorable win in Denver.
Paddy Ryan, Rufus McLean, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, and Mason Pedersen all featured for the Eagles as the home side battled back from an early deficit before Chris Hilsenbeck's 79th-minute penalty sealed the result at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Portugal struck first with two early tries from Manuel Cardoso Pinto to build a 12-0 advantage, but the Eagles responded through Cory Daniel before Seawolves No. 8 Paddy Ryan crashed over from close range in the 29th minute to cut the deficit.
Dominic Besag crossed just before halftime to complete the comeback and give the Eagles a 21-19 lead heading into the break after an entertaining opening 40 minutes.
Ryan started at No. 8 and played an important role in the victory, scoring one of the Eagles' three tries while helping anchor the forward pack throughout the contest.
McLean started on the right wing and provided attacking spark during his 61-minute outing, including a strong second-half break that put the Eagles on the front foot.
Pedersen earned his first international cap as Eagle #602 after replacing Tonga Kofe in the 61st minute, becoming the latest Seattle Seawolves player to represent the United States on the international stage.
Lindenmuth entered four minutes later, replacing Jack Iscaro as the Eagles closed out the final stages of the match.
The second half developed into a tense battle, with Hilsenbeck and Portugal flyhalf Samuel Marques exchanging penalty goals before Portugal reclaimed a 29-27 lead with just under 20 minutes remaining.
The Eagles remained composed as Portugal's discipline began to unravel. After receiving a second red card of the evening, the visitors were reduced to 13 players for the closing stages.
The United States controlled possession in the final minutes, forcing a penalty in front of the posts. Hilsenbeck stepped up in the 79th minute and calmly slotted the match-winning kick to complete the comeback and secure a one-point victory.
The Eagles finished with 53 percent possession, won every scrum, and conceded only four penalties compared to Portugal's 13, highlighting a disciplined performance that proved decisive in the closing stages.
The victory gives the USA a winning start to its Nations Cup campaign as preparations continue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Eagles return to action on Saturday, July 11, against Zimbabwe in Charlotte before closing the tournament against Spain on July 18. With four Seawolves contributing in the opening round, the club was once again well represented on the international stage.
