U.S. vs. France (Men's indoor)

[Gilmoy]

20-18 Anderson js, N'Gapeth left seam Shoji dives but shanks
20-19 Sander bic roll, Rouzier(?) D? blocked along net Christenson pokes. s/Troy/Russell/
21-19 Troy js shank, chase set tight left over -- N'Gapeth nets with chest!
22-19 Troy js long. s/Russell/Troy/
22-20 Anderson D line off Grebennikov's left shoulder
23-20 Russell jf, N'Gapeth right blocked high wide right
23-21 N'Gapeth js, Sander left line shanked
24-21 Christenson js net
24-22 Tu1

24-22 Le Roux js, Anderson left dug, Rouzier right cut wide left
25-22

USA +22+22-14+22 France.

[ciscokeed]

Yes!! France playing crazy good D but USA with enough timely plays to win

[SuperSpike]

I was worried at 23-21 when Sander got that moon ball cross court. Huge swing by him under pressure.

[volleyfan24]

Mostly good team effort today. We really stepped up in all aspects of the game. There was hustle. Anderson continues to be a stud, one of the best in the world we would be in so much trouble without him. Christensons reluctance to go to Holt more is a little frustrating, you have one of the best middles in the world use him more. Not too many complaints though. Clean up the serving yet again and Russels lollipoping it in is basically giving the other team a point.

This team seems really prone to swings in play. This is both a good and a bad thing. This could have been a sweep and then we come out in the 3rd flat footed and in a daze. If these guys keep the foot on the gas they can beat anyone anyday.

[sorrirmais]

I was so disappointed and angry at the execution in the third set but they did well coming up with big plays in the latter of the fourth set despite giving up the early cushion. Personally as a fan, I want their next goal to be closing out in three and decisively.

[Gilmoy]

I would be happy with USA men closing out the QF, SF, and gold in 3 each! That would be decisive!

[vinnielopes]

Here's the initial game story: www.offtheblockblog.com/2016/08/u-s-blocking-too-much-for-france-in-another-olympic-win/

[springs]

Anybody else feel like Lee is just a touch slow, and not as terminal as the US needs out of their MB? Is it misconnection with Christenson?

[vboldskool]

Aug 13, 2016 19:16:07 GMT -5 springs said:

Anybody else feel like Lee is just a touch slow, and not as terminal as the US needs out of their MB? Is it misconnection with Christenson?

That's a great question. I see him as the only nasty competitor on the floor. The kinda guy who has no problem going under the net and back up some talk. I noticed that he rarely runs a 31 when Anderson is front row with him. It's 1, 1, and occasionally a back quick. He also been wearing a brace/sleeve on his knee recently. He is still such a smart blocker. So I am guessing that his guts, blocking and leadership keep him well ahead of Smith.

[Northern lights]

Aug 13, 2016 18:31:39 GMT -5 volleyfan24 said:

Mostly good team effort today. We really stepped up in all aspects of the game. There was hustle. Anderson continues to be a stud, one of the best in the world we would be in so much trouble without him. Christensons reluctance to go to Holt more is a little frustrating, you have one of the best middles in the world use him more. Not too many complaints though. Clean up the serving yet again and Russels lollipoping it in is basically giving the other team a point.

This team seems really prone to swings in play. This is both a good and a bad thing. This could have been a sweep and then we come out in the 3rd flat footed and in a daze. If these guys keep the foot on the gas they can beat anyone anyday.

I agree, a lot of Russell's sets are at Holt's expense, and Holt can hit for an = or higher %. If you want the middles to work hard on the block, you need to feed them some sets, good to keep the big guys happy. 

This is a much better team when Anderson is clearly the focus on offence. IMO Anderson can carry the team farther than Russell.

[springs]

Aug 13, 2016 19:48:58 GMT -5 vboldskool said:

Aug 13, 2016 19:16:07 GMT -5 springs said:

Anybody else feel like Lee is just a touch slow, and not as terminal as the US needs out of their MB? Is it misconnection with Christenson?

That's a great question. I see him as the only nasty competitor on the floor. The kinda guy who has no problem going under the net and back up some talk. I noticed that he rarely runs a 31 when Anderson is front row with him. It's 1, 1, and occasionally a back quick. He also been wearing a brace/sleeve on his knee recently. He is still such a smart blocker. So I am guessing that his guts, blocking and leadership keep him well ahead of Smith.

I get the gutsy/leadership qualities. This team definitely needs it...and the a medal won't be won or lost from the MB spot.

[midnightblue]

Trying to watch the replay and it's telling me that : Coverage Not Available At This Time....

[Sbilo]

I'm sure none of us have predicted a month ago that the US Men's Team would lose to Canada and Italy and take down Brazil and France in the Olympics.

[akbar]

Very very important win for the USA Men. France was terrific on defense most all of the night.

Taylor Sander was extremely valuable in tonight's win. His first touch contacts were confident and clean.

The incredible 10-17 comeback in game 1 was fueled by his play.

Matt Anderson clearly is playing at a top 5 player in the world level in this tourney. He destroyed some balls tonight.

We tried to set Lee tonight but France seemed to be on the right place and returned almost everyone of hi's hits. But David Lee compliments this team with energy, strong blocking and never giving up on the ball. His real value is can't be measured stats.

Holt needed to get more balls....it was clear.

Russell was very sharp again in game 1 and 2 but blew up in game 3. Speraw was livid at the teams collapse in game 3 and I would say a little with Aarons but the coach remained calm at the halfway point of game 3 and the team put that set out of mind.
14 terrific games out of 15 is a stat more than acceptable for any coach.

In game 4 Sander was moved back the OH1 spot (smart coaching move) and his passing was excellent and he was sharp on serve and attack.

The team looked physically and mentally strong tonight.

Btw, if Italy wins tonight, possibly the loser of Brazil/France tomorrow is out of the tourney. Whoops.

[huskersrule95]

Aug 13, 2016 22:03:14 GMT -5 akbar said:

Very very important win for the USA Men. France was terrific on defense most all of the night.

Taylor Sander was extremely valuable in tonight's win. His first touch contacts were confident and clean.

The incredible 10-17 comeback in game 1 was fueled by his play.

Matt Anderson clearly is playing at a top 5 player in the world level in this tourney. He destroyed some balls tonight.

We tried to set Lee tonight but France seemed to be on the right place and returned almost everyone of hi's hits. But David Lee compliments this team with energy, strong blocking and never giving up on the ball. His real value is can't be measured stats.

Holt needed to get more balls....it was clear.

Russell was very sharp again in game 1 and 2 but blew up in game 3. Speraw was livid at the teams collapse in game 3 and I would say a little with Aarons but the coach remained calm at the halfway point of game 3 and the team put that set out of mind.
14 terrific games out of 15 is a stat more than acceptable for any coach.

In game 4 Sander was moved back the OH1 spot (smart coaching move) and his passing was excellent and he was sharp on serve and attack.

The team looked physically and mentally strong tonight.

Btw, if Italy wins tonight, possibly the loser of Brazil/France tomorrow is out of the tourney. Whoops.

Canada could be out as well with loss to Italy in final match.