Kaliningrad, Russia, 27 June, 2015 – Playing in front of a
passionate Russian crowd, the United States defeated Russia 3-1 (25-23, 19-25,
25-23, 25-18) in Pool B of the FIVB World League on Saturday. USA won the World
League in 2014, and they are trying to become first team to win back-to-back
World League trophies since Brazil (2009, 2010).
USA’s biggest advantage came at the net, with the Americans
scoring 11 points off of blocks, compared to four points for the Russians. Micah
Christenson won four points from blocks for Team USA, while David Smith won
three points. Overall, Matthew Anderson led USA with 18 points. USA had a
balanced attack, with five players recording at least nine points. Denis
Biriukov led Russia with 18 points.
Team USA has dominated Russia recently. The United States
beat Russia in straight sets last Friday, and they have now won seven of their
last eight World League matches against Russia, including four this year.
The United States leads Pool B with 23 points. Russia, who
has lost all 10 of their World League matches this season, sits in fourth place
in Pool B.
To see the match gallery, read the full match live commentary and post-match comments, visit the
match page.