Chile defeated United States and close in to a historical classification

Chile defeated United States and close in to a historical classification

LIMA, Peru, May 8, 2019 - In a dramatic match, Chile turned the score and beat the United States 3-2 (24-26, 17-25, 25-21, 26-24, 15-10) moving one step closer to achieving a historic classification to the U21 World Championship.

The duel valid for the pass to the semifinal of the IV Men's U21 Volleyball Pan American Cup lasted 2 hours 34 minutes at the Manuel Bonilla Coliseum in Miraflores.

Those led by Iván Villarreal put pressure on their opponents from the first set, and with a great work of defense they took advantage of every counterattack opportunity to score points in their favor.

Chile would take the advantage in block (10-7), with four from outstide hitter Rafael Fuentes. But USA, showed dominance in attack (45-53) and service (5-9). The team of Spencer McLachlin yielded in 47 unforced errors, Chile reduced them to 37.

Vicente Ibarra, Chile's top attacker, commanded the offense of his team with 20 points, accompanied by Manfred Borgstedt and Julián Zenteno with 12 and 10 points respectively. For the United States, Brett Wildman, Anthony Matheney and Ryan Wilcox recorded 26, 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Vicente Ibarra, Chilean captain: We know that the Norceca teams have a very good serve, they managed to complicate our reception a lot. But we started to follow the coach's instructions and with teamwork the results were given, being close to the classification is something that motivates us a lot, achieving it would be something historic for our country.

Devin Joslyn, captain of the United States: The match was well disputed, it was point to point but they managed to get the minimum advantage. Each of my teammates fought until the end and that is the learning that we take, to fight at every point and never give up.

Chile joins those already qualified to the semifinals, Canada and Cuba, in a scheduled day Friday, May 10. The winners will advance to the grand final of the Cup that will be played on Saturday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m. Peruvian time.