Cole Bambini posted these reflections
on November 18, 2023.
All pictures from their website.

TEAM USA WHEELCHAIR RUGBY WINS BIG OVER CHILE, ARGENTINA TO START 2023 PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES CAMPAIGN

SANTIAGO, Chile — Team USA’s Eric Newby found teammate Charles Aoki cutting toward the goal line, splitting multiple Argentine defenders. Aoki crossed the goal line, scoring the first try of the game as the USA led 1-0 — a lead it would never surrender.

The United States cruised to a 55-31 victory over Argentina in its second mixed preliminary match on Saturday to begin its 2023 Parapan American Games. Earlier today, the U.S blew out host nation Chile 62-27, led by Zion Redington’s 26 tries. 

“We’re a high-tier team right now,” said Christopher Fleace, who played just over seven minutes in the win over Argentina and nearly 20 against Chile. “We’re very diligent with everything that we do (and) very disciplined, so I think that’s a lot of what made it happen.”

Against Chile, Redington dominated and played the most of any U.S player with nearly 21 minutes of play. Clayton Brackett added nine tries while six others scored. Defensively, the USA had 10 steals. Chile had 11 turnovers total on the day. Fastforwarding to its second game against Argentina, the United States forced nine turnovers with six steals. 

The United States wasn’t the crowd favorite as more Argentine fans showed up, led by the chanting of a small group of fans lined up behind a “Selección Argentina Quadrugby” sign that was adjacent to an American flag. Argentina entered off a 63-30 defeat to Canada earlier on the day. 

Team USA’s Sarah Adam, the lone woman on the team, played a significant role in the team’s win. Adam notched 11 tries and one steal in over 13 minutes of play. One on defensive play near the end of the first quarter, Adam checked Argentina’s Medina Gomez with her wheelchair to prevent an easy try, resulting in a Argentina turnover.    

“It’s great to see the team kind of coming together, getting some of the new players on the court, doing fantastic stepping up into those roles we need them to right now ” Adam said. 

On the offensive end, Adam scored on a breakaway with no defender in sight just mere seconds into the second half. Then, a few tries later, she navigated her way through the court, absorbing contact from Argentine defenders before finding Aoki for an easy try. Later, she also scored off an assist from Newby, who rewarded Adam for an interception she made on the previous Argentinian possession.

At this point, the United States led 41-19, allowing a plethora of players to get into the game. All 12 players listed on its roster entered the game, playing a minimum of five minutes each. Mason Symons said these types of games are a great way to give starters a chance to get a breather. Against Chile, Aoki, Adam, Newby and Jeffrey Butler started for the United States.

“I think we’re able to work on USA ball and play clean USA ball and that’s what we need to be doing right now,” Adam said. 

A give-and-go between Symons and Redington extended the lead to 25, which would be the largest of the game for the United States. Earlier in the second half, Symons had a smart defensive play, checking Gomez into the cone on the right side of the goalline, which negated an Argentine try. 

To close out preliminary play, the United States plays Colombia on Sunday, Brazil on Monday and Canada on Tuesday. Colombia defeated Brazil 55-48 in the match just before the United States’ against Argentina. 

“We’re playing our ball and that’s what it’s all about,” Symons said. “We’re not going to let anyone dictate how we play. Now’s the time to show and perform.”

For more photos from this event, visit here.