Despite scoring first in a must-win game, Canada's men's rugby team lost its second straight Pacific Nations Cup match on Saturday in Vancouver, dropping a 28-15 decision to the United States.

Peter Nelson opened the scoring for Canada in the fourth minute with a penalty kick from 48 metres out to go up 3-0. The U.S. responded moments later, with a penalty kick from Luke Carty to tie the game.

Two tries by American Connor Mooneyham gave the U.S. a 10-point lead in the 15th minute. With back-to-back penalties to the U.S., Canada went on the attack, stringing together several phases to create a prime scoring opportunity for Nic Benn. While the ball was held up on his first scoring attempt, Benn got Canada their first try in the 26th minute off the lineout, receiving a pass from Andrew Quattrin.

The U.S. regained its 10-point lead in the 37th minute, breaking through Canada's defence to go up 18-8, a score they held through to halftime.

"I think we had all the opportunity to score, to put points on the board. We just didn't capitalize, whether that's through detail or effort, we're going to have a really hard look at it," said Canadian captain Lucas Rumball.

"We've just got to keep building. It's easy probably to go into your shell and get disappointed about things. But it's qualification next year, and that's what we need to be building toward."