United States will face Brazil in the semifinals

Mexicali, Mexico, July 14 2011.— The United States of America qualified to the semifinals at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup by defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-19, 25-4, 25-12).

Gregory Petty scored 16 points and Scott Rhein 10 for the American team, while Meyson García scored 5 for Costa Rica. “The first set was good for us, but we failed on the second and lost concentration”, said Andres Araya.

“Playing against the United States is a honor, the boys felt very well, they were not nervious and looked more concentrated on the first set”, remarked Costa Rican coach Henry Rodriguez.

“We played better today, with more communication and chemistry”, stated Matthew West about USA, whose coach, Ken Shibuya is focusing now on Brazil. “It will be a tough match. Brazil is a very experienced team, their coach Percy (Oncken) has a lot of time directing their program, and you don’t know how good you are until you play the best”, said Shibuya.

Costa Rica will match Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth place, and USA will play against Brazil in the first semifinal.