Torey Defalco and USA returned to winning track after taking down Brazil in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg.
Reeling from a stinging loss to Canada and a shocking upset to Iran, USA regained its mojo with a thrilling escape act over Brazil, 25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9, in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila Leg at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday night, June 20.
The United States once again leaned on Torey Defalco, pouncing on an error-prone Brazil side to bolster its Final Eight bid with a 4-6 record.
After splitting the first two frames, the Americans flipped a 11-13 deficit into a 23-20 lead. Garrett Muagututia then nailed set point before Alan Souza put too much power on his attack that sailed wide.
Backed against the wall, the Brazilians rode on the offensive brilliance of Alan Souza, Lukas Bergmann, and Lucarelli Souza for a 24-20 cushion.
The US tried to close the gap and forge a two-to-win situation with two unanswered points, but Flavio Gualberto forced a decider.
A seesaw battle ensued at the onset of the final frame before the collective hats of Matthew Anderson, Taylor Averill, Maxwell Holt, and Defalco gave USA crucial breathing room, 13-8.
Defalco then smelled blood, nailing the finishing touches for United States' breakthrough moment in the Philippines.
USA seeks to further boost its quarterfinals bid when it collides with Germany on Saturday, June 22, while Brazil tries to get back on the winning track when it takes on Canada on Friday, June 21.