Chile defeats USA in straight-sets for Fifth Place

LEÓN, Guanajuato, August 31, 2025.- Chile defeated the United States in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18) to secure fifth place at the eighteenth Men’s Pan American Cup, held at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

Chile closed its campaign with a strong record of five wins and only one loss, while the United States finished with three victories and three defeats.

The match was highly contested in the first two sets, decided by small details. In the opening set, the score was tied at 22 when Tomás Gago blocked Kyle Hobus to give Chile a 24-22 lead. A service error extended the set, but a reception error by the U.S. following another attack from Gago sealed the win. In the third set, Chile built a clear five-point lead (15-10) and maintained control until closing out the sweep.

Chile outperformed the United States in attacks (40-34) and service points (4-1). Both teams scored seven points from blocking, while Chile committed fewer errors (22-24).

Dusan Bonacic led Chile with 13 points, closely followed by Vicente Parraguirre with 12. For the United States, Daniel Wetter topped the scorers and was the only player in double digits with 14 points.

Chile’s head coach Daniel Nejamkin praised his team’s performance: “It was a very close match. The team showed character. Perhaps this is Chile’s best performance at a Pan American Cup, with six matches played and only one loss (in five sets). We leave with the best impression as we move toward the World Championship.”