USA men win
Americas Cup Championship over Brazil
 Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, August
7, 2005 - Dave McKienzie and Riley Salmon scored 16 points
apiece to lead the USA Mens National Volleyball Team to a
stunning 3-2 win over defending Olympic gold medalist Brazil in
the championship match of the Americas Cup on Sunday afternoon.
McKienzie blasted 16 kills while Salmon added 15 kills and one
service ace as the United States hung on to register a 27-25,
26-24, 21-25, 20-25, 15-11 victory over the undisputed No. 1
team in the world.
"This was a huge win for Team USA," said USA head coach Hugh
McCutcheon. "The guys competed and did their country proud.
Anytime you can beat the best team in the world, it's a great
thing."
Brazil has been nearly unbeatable in recent years, winning the
2002 World Championship, the 2003 World Cup, the 2004 Olympics
and each of the last three World League titles (2003, 2004 and
2005). The Brazilians had also earned Americas Cup crowns in
1998, 1999 and 2001.
Brazil did not lose a set in this years tournament until
dropping the first two games on Sunday.
Tom Hoff and Jim Polster added 11 points apiece for Team USA,
which finished the tournament with a record of 3-1 after posting
wins over Cuba, Argentina and Brazil.
Hoff had eight kills and three blocks while Polster ripped nine
kills to go along with two blocks for the USA Men, who improved
to 12-5 overall this season.
Meanwhile, Cuba defeated Argentina, 3-0 (28-26, 25-20, 25-17) in
the bronze medal match.
Up next for Team USA is the NORCECA World Championship
Qualifying Tournament from Aug. 22-28 in Caguas , Puerto Rico.
Final Standings: 1-USA, 2-Brazil, 3-Cuba, 4-Argentina, 5-Canada,
6-Venezuela |
