We dropped a tough match to host team Brazil this evening 1-3. We are all disappointed but hats off to Brazil. After yesterday's loss to Japan, we knew Brazil was going to be very focused. They served tough jump and standing floaters and kept our passers off balance. Although we were out of system quite a bit, we hit our way out of some tough situations and had our chances to go up 2-1 in sets by tying the score at 21-21 in set three, but Brazil was a bit better at the end of sets and now is tied with Japan at the top of our pool.

The staff is doing a nice job keeping the boys positive since there is a lot of volleyball to be played. In fact, I have a feeling we might get to play Brazil again! This is the scenario: FIVB tournament seedings are based upon points earned. For instance, when USA beat Bulgaria yesterday, we earned 3 points since 3-0 and 3-1 wins are worth 3. A five-set win is worth 2 points and a five-set loss is worth 1 point. So, right now in our pool, Japan and Brazil are tied for first: Japan has 4 points with 2 five-set wins. Brazil has 3 points from a win over the USA and one point from a five-set loss to JPN.  USA is third with 3 points and Bulgaria has 1 point after a tough five-set loss to Japan today.  (Bulgaria had a swing for the match in set three, but Japan's D was just too opportunistic!)

So, with a win tomorrow in 3 or 4 sets, we will have 6 points and advance to the top 8 and stay in Rio with Brazil (if they win their match vs. Bulgaria). If we lose, we will play for 9-16 place in Niteroi. However, mathematically speaking, we can still win our pool if Brazil loses. It's complicated but Go USA!

So needless to say, tomorrow's match is huge for these young men! The staff just finished our meeting on Japan at 1 a.m., so we are ready to give our guys the best shot at success!  

BTW, we have a nice group of parents here. (thanks for the laundry help!) They will cheer on Team USA tomorrow at 4 p.m. local time. We will be the team in BLUE! Check out the link at FIVB.org.

Bon Noite from Cococabana!

Shawn