July 06, 2024

VNL: ‘It feels like home’ | USA’s TJ Defalco bares experience in Philippines

VNL: ‘It feels like home’ | USA’s TJ Defalco bares experience in Philippines
TJ Defalco feels right at home here in the country. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
From the moment TJ Defalco and USA arrived in the Philippines for the Manila leg of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the powerhouse team has received nothing but love from the Filipinos. 

For this reason, Defalco and his brothers-in-arms wanted to put on a show in front of the home crowd.

However, the debut outing of the Americans in the country did not go as planned, as they suffered a massive upset at the hands of erstwhile-winless Iranians on Wednesday, June 19. 

Driven to bounce back, the United States buckled down to business and dealt fellow powerhouse Brazil a resounding five-set win a day after. 

 

[ALSO READ: VNL: USA’s Taylor Averill hopes to try one very Filipino thing during their stay in Manila]


“Very intense five sets against Brazil. They’re always there to come out and play as hard as they can. Our only hope is to match that energy and I feel like we did that,” the 6-foot-6 outside hitter said. 

“I'm very proud of our team for staying in the game. We helped each other out. Brazil's an amazing team and it feels great to barely pull that one out in five.”

The Americans have been truly soaking in valuable experience as part of their buildup to the Olympic Games Paris 2024. But aside from that, they are also having a great stay in the country.

 

[ALSO READ: VNL: Micah Christenson bares heartfelt message to Filipino fans after USA’s first win in Manila Leg]

“I love this place. It's amazing, the country and the fans. Everybody speaks English and it's very accommodating,” Defalco shared. 

“It feels like home.”

@onesportsphl

“It feels like home.” ???🔥 TJ Defalco is definitely having an amazing time in the Philippines so far thanks to the fans and the Filipinos in general. Defalco also thinks Team USA is at an interesting place right now, but they’re working on getting better each day. | via Jamie Velasco/One Sports Digital #OSOnTheSpot #VNL2024 #BePartofTheGame

? original sound - OneSportsPHL
Next up for Defalco and the rest of the United States are Germany on Saturday, June 22.