The USA head into their home tournament on the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas this weekend occupying eighth place in the overall series standings and with new found confidence.

Under the tutelage of head coach Mike Friday the Eagles have been one of the most-improved teams this season, reaching back-to-back Cup quarter finals in Port Elizabeth and Wellington but now looking to go one better and reach the Cup semi finals at the Sam Boyd Stadium.

Friday's side narrowly missed out on a Cup semi final berth at the Westpac Stadium, losing 19-15 to Scotland having led 15-0, before losing to Fiji, a side they beat 21-14 to win the Plate in South Africa, 12-10 in the Plate semi finals.

But the former Kenya coach, who Zack Test referred to as the side's Yoda, appears to be moulding a team that is clicking just in time not only for their home USA Sevens tournament, but also with the Olympics on the horizon.

"Mike is a genius when it comes to rugby," said Perry Baker, one of the standout players for the USA this season since his debut on the Gold Coast.

"I work hard at what he tells me to do and we are all buying into his system, which is working!

"To qualify for the Olympics would mean the world to me and I as though it would help inspire so many others which is one of my personal goals."

As well as Baker, the USA also appear to have unearthed a ball player that can release the likes of Baker, Carlin Isles and Sevens Wellington dream team member Maka Unufe in captain Madison Hughes, while Zack Test continues to lead from the front alongside Andrew Durutalo and Danny Barrett.

But in Baker, Friday has an alternative to rugby's fastest player Carlin Isles, who scored one of the seven of the best tries in Wellington and continues to improve his all-round game.

Isles is currently joint fifth on the season's try scoring chart with 16, just eight behind Seabelo Senatla, and Baker is only four behind him. The former Arena Footballer is now looking forward to his first appearance at the USA Sevens following an impressive start to his sevens career.

"I am excited for my debut this weekend, it will be a dream come true," added Baker.

"Running out of the tunnel to play in front of friends, family and fans will be an awesom feeling.

"Whenever I hear my named called to be one of the 12 to represent our country, family and friends is always up the best memory.

"I feel truly blessed and honoured to be apart of a great group of men like this and the season so far has been a postive one which is always a plus. Hopefully it can continue this weekend."

In Las Vegas the USA will play against Portugal, Japan as well as current series leaders South Africa, who have won three of the last four titles in Nevada.

You can follow the USA's progress as the series continues at worldrugby.org/sevens-series or @worldrugby7s.