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Source: FECOVOL
In the Olympic qualifiers for the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA), Costa Rica is now 0-2.
The Men’s Volleyball National Team was no match for their opponents from the United States last night at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Judging by the game, the American team will have no problems securing a ticket to the 2012 Summer Games in London. The Ticos, however, have an uphill battle ahead.
On May 7th, Costa Rica played the first game against Mexico and lost 25-16, 25-18, 25-20. The game against United States ended up in an even greater defeat: 25-14, 25-9, 25-9. The Americans are now 2-0.
Richard Smith has scored 14 points for Costa Rica thus far. He scored 8 points against the U.S. and 6 against Mexico. The Americans scored 11 aces from the line, whereas the Ticos scored none.
Costa Rica will now face the team from Trinidad and Tobago. It will prove a decisive game, for both teams need a victory to stay alive in the tournament, in the hopes of representing their nations in London.
The Ticos saw some improvement over their first game. They allowed Mexico to serve 17 aces and made 33 errors in the game. They fought harder against the U.S., but the Americans dominated the net. Coach Cesar Salas admitted that this tournament is the highest level that the Costa Rica Men’s Volleyball National Team has ever played.
Speaking to a NORCECA reporter, coach Salas explained that:
“Our goal tonight was to have better reception of the ball and improve our defense and there isn’t a better team to do that against than the United States.”
“I am pretty happy about tonight. These kinds of tournaments are very helpful for us. In Central America the challenge isn’t so high; so every point, set and match is very important to us.”
