COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 10, 2019) – If anyone had any questions about how Brazil was undefeated at the FIVB World Cup, it had all the answers on Thursday.
Brazil used a quick offense and tough blocking to defeat the U.S. Men’s National Team, 25-23, 25-22, 25-17 in Hiroshima, Japan.
Related: OFFICIAL STATISTICS
The U.S. Men (5-2) will look to bounce back at 2 a.m. PT on Friday against Canada (3-4). All World Cup matches are being shown on FloVolleyball.tv.
The U.S. Men battled Brazil closely until the end of the third set when the South Americans took over.
Brazil led in kills (45-40) and dominated in blocks (8-1). The U.S. led in aces (6-5). The U.S. gave Brazil 17 points in errors while Brazil had 15.
U.S. blockers struggled to stop Brazil’s hitters thanks to Brazilian setter Bruno Rezende. The U.S. kill percentage was 50.6 while Brazil’s was 60.8.
Outside hitter Aaron Russell led the U.S. with 16 points on 14 kills and two aces. Outside hitter Garrett Muagututia added 11 points on nine kills and two aces.
U.S. libero Erik Shoji also stood out, finishing with six digs and 12 excellent receptions.
U.S. STARTERS VS BRAZIL
Outside hitters: Aaron Russell and Garrett Muagututia
Middle blockers: Max Holt and David Smith
Opposite: Matt Anderson
Setter: Micah Christenson
Libero Erik Shoji
Substitutes: Josh Tuaniga (S), Ben Patch (Opp), Mitch Stahl (MB)
U.S. STATISTICS VS BRAZIL
Kills: Russell 14, Muagututia 9, Anderson 6, Holt 6, Smith 2, Christenson 2, Stahl 1
Blocks: Holt 1
Aces: Russell 2, Muagututia 2, Holt 1, Anderson 1
Digs: Shoji 6, Anderson 4, Christenson 3, Russell 2, Muagututia 2, Smith 1, Holt 1