Coach Tony Pacheco has finalized the USA Falcons roster for the Las Vegas Invitational. The injury to Maka Unufe in Wellington saw Rocco Mauer plucked from the Falcons for the main event, and some unavailability forced late changes to the roster. But this team is meant to be the USA's second team, for the most part.

All contracted players not on the Eagles roster for the weekend are playing with the Falcons, except for Mike Te'o, who is playing with Tiger Rugby due to his preference. Te'o is a Belmont Shore player at heart, and Belmont coach James Walker and several of Te'o's Belmont clubmates are running with the Tigers.  

Also playing for the Falcons are five participants from last month's extended camp - Kyle Hitt (Denver Barbarians), Jeff Gillingham (Sacramento Lions), Peter Tiberio (Chicago Lions), Madison Hughes (Dartmouth) and Pila Taufa (Tama Laie Lions).

Taufa and Hughes have been training at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista since the camp. Hughes will soon be returning to class at Dartmouth, while Taufa has the opportunity to parlay a good performance at the LVI into extended residency at the OTC.

James Aldridge, a former Notre Dame running back, has been playing rugby since 2010. His large body and deceptive speed make him an intriguing prospect. He's played the last two summers with the Gentlemen of Aspen under Eagles assistant coach Andy Katoa, and he's currently registered to play 15s with Glendale.

Tanner Barnes was a late addition, but Pacheco, who coaches Barnes at Central Washington, is familiar with the Junior All American.