The US national team recorded one of its most impressive victories in the Nations League, after defeating Brazil 3:0 (25:23, 25:19, 25:18) in a match from the third week of the tournament, played at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates near Chicago. Thus, the Americans improved their record to 8 wins and 2 losses and solidified their place among the leaders in the standings, and their next opponent is Bulgaria.
This was the first match between the two teams since the quarter-final at the Olympic Games in Paris, when the USA also emerged victorious.
The Americans dominated in all key elements. They finished with 12 successful blocks against just 5 for Brazil, scored 8 aces against 3, and had an advantage in attack
– 36 successful attacks against 32.
The big hero of the evening was T.J. DeFalco, who played one of his strongest matches in the national jersey. The outside hitter scored 18 points, including an impressive 7 aces, 7 successful attacks, and 4 blocks.
Haines added 13 points (12 attacks and 1 ace), Anderson finished with 12 points (9 attacks and 3 blocks), McHenry scored 6 points, Jendryk finished with 4, and Micah Christenson contributed 3 points. Libero Shoji was solid in defense with 7 digs.
The first set was the most contested. After an early 1:3 deficit, the Americans turned the game around thanks to a series of three consecutive aces by DeFalco and held off the pressure from the South Americans until the end to take the lead in the score.
In the second set, the hosts established complete dominance. After another strong serving run, they took a convincing lead early on, and despite a brief resurgence from Brazil, they doubled their advantage without problems.
The third set also went according to the Americans' dictation. DeFalco continued to trouble the opponent with his serve, and the strong block finally broke the Brazilians. Anderson ended the contest with a successful back-row attack for the final 25:18.
This is the sixth victory for the USA against Brazil in their ten encounters in the history of the Nations League. After a rest day, the Americans will face Bulgaria in an extremely important match in the battle for spots in the final eight.
photo:volleyballworld.com
