Hiroshima, Japan, September 10, 2015 –
USA made it three wins from three after they defeated Canada in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-17) in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup Japan 2015 in Hiroshima on Thursday.
Once again USA’s attack variations dismantled the Canadian reception, with Matt Anderson top scoring on 13 points. Taylor Sander also impressed with 12 points of his own as well as the Most Impressive Player while Canada were led by Steven Marshall on 12 also.
It was a quiet start for both sides, with the North American neighbours testing each other out in the early exchanges. It was Canada, who did not include star player Gavin Schmitt in the starting line-up, who eventually broke the deadlock by going two up at 12-10. US errors kept the Canadians in the game, 12 in total in the first set, although the world No.5 maintained the lead at 18-16. USA turned it up a gear from that point and eased to the set victory following a Canadian error.
USA stayed in control in the second as they improved their discipline to commit fewer errors. Canada kept the pace however, making sure they remained in touch at 19-18. But once again USA ramped up the pressure, asking serious questions of the Canadian attack. Two huge serves from Matt Anderson concluded the frame.
As the United States continued to settle into the game, Canada’s woes continued. The world No.14 couldn’t match their opponents serving power as the US looked to end the match quickly. Whilst the Canadians stayed close in the first half of the set, drawing level on two occasions, they couldn’t maintain the pressure on their NORCECA rivals as David Smith put an end to the game with a pair of ace serves.
