RIO DE JANEIRO _ The United States nearly overcame a 12-point deficit against Argentina in Olympic rugby sevens competition Tuesday at Deodoro Stadium, but ultimately lost, 17-14.
The Americans trailed 12-0 with 5:30 remaining after a successful try by Argentina's Fernando Luna. The first U.S. points came on a penalty try and a Madison Hughes conversion at the 3:50 mark for a 12-7 score. Danny Barrett then scored a try at 5:09 followed by another Hughes conversion for a 14-12 U.S. lead with 90 seconds left in the contest. However, Matias Moroni scored a late try to give Argentina the win.
The Americans came tantalizingly close to winning on Argentina's late try. The ball hit America's Perry Baker in the leg.
If Baker picks up the ball?
"Game over," said Rugby USA CEO David Payne. "But you can't control the bounce of the ball."
Rugby was last played in the Olympics in 1924. The United States is the defending Olympic champion. The Americans upset the French team at Paris in 1924, and French fans attacked American fans after the game. The riot led to rugby's exit from The Games.
