Quinto, the boy who dreamed, finally a PBA champion

On: By: admin


Meralco’s Bong Quinto recently paid a visit to the grave of his father and brought an item to show that he has arrived as a champion basketball player.

That was a championship shirt of the Bolts’ run in the PBA Philippine Cup, the culmination of a lifelong dream for Quinto, one which he obviously shared with his father.

“Nagbunga lahat ng panalangin mo para sa akin (All of your prayers have finally paid off),” Quinto wrote on his Facebook page on Friday.

Quinto became a PBA champion after his key role in the Bolts’ turnaround from the brink of missing the playoffs. In the Finals, his performance also downplayed why he was a huge steal as a second round pick in the 2018 Draft.

It’s also a full circle for Quinto, whose dream started when he watched a PBA game for the first time in 2007 at Cuneta Astrodome, where he saw the deciding Game 7 between Alaska and TNT for the Fiesta Conference title.

The Aces won that, and Quinto would see more games, cultivating his desire to one day become a PBA champion himself.

“Before I dreamt of winning a championship in college, I dreamt of becoming a PBA champion,” said Quinto in Filipino.

Also NCAA champ

He got an NCAA title in 2015 with Letran as part of the Cinderella “Mayhem” squad handled by rookie coach Aldin Ayo as they denied San Beda a fifth straight crown. He played three more years with the Knights, his versatility as a post player who can also play in the perimeter on full display.

But Quinto, a projected first-rounder, eventually ended up being picked 14th overall by the Bolts, who curiously had a chance to take him at No. 5 but chose guard Trevis Jackson instead.

Jackson is no longer in the league, and Quinto became a key fixture on the Meralco squad that made it to multiple semifinals and two Finals prior to this season, losing both times to Barangay Ginebra.

Quinto emerged as one of the key reasons for Meralco’s turnaround from 3-5 before eventually eliminating Ginebra in Game 7 of the semis. He also had key contributions in the Finals.

“I told the veterans that I was playing for them, because I know that at the end all of us will be the ones benefiting,” said Quinto.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Gonzales hot Binitin favorite

On: By: admin


Cailey Chanelle Gonzales, who dominated the girls’ 10-12 division in Iloilo, will come into the next Junior PGT Iloilo Visayas Series leg in Binitin in Iloilo next week as the player to beat.

After shooting a 36-hole, nine-over 149 total at Sta. Barbara to win by 17 shots, Gonzales is now training her sights on winning the Bacolod stop before she flies out with the Philippine delegation that will see action in the Junior Worlds in San Diego in the United States.

She is not making it a secret that she wants to win an international title, playing well at the tree-lined Binitin layout in Murcia town will definitely send her off well.

“My immediate dream is to win an international competition,” said Gonzales, an incoming Grade 6 student at De La Salle-Zobel.

The Binitin leg will be held June 24-27 before she skips the Marapara stop to fly to the US.

Meanwhile, John Rey Oro used a hot back nine to close out with a level par 70 on Thursday and destroy twin brother John Paul with a six-shot win in the premier 16-18 boys division at Iloilo Golf Club.

Ahead by just two shots entering their final nine holes, John Rey had three birdies in a three-hole span from the 10th, capped by a chip-in on the challenging par-3 13th that all but settled the outcome as he tallied a 72-hole 296.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Spain advances to knockout round at Euro 2024, beating Italy

On: By: admin


Spain’s Alvaro Morata celebrates with teammates after Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori, right, lies face down on the pitch after scoring an own goal during a Group B match between Spain and Italy at the Euro 2024 football tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany— Europe beware — Spain might just be back.

The three-time European champion advanced to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after a 1-0 win against holders Italy on Thursday.

A 55th-minute own goal by Riccardo Calafiori settled the Group B game at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. But that didn’t begin to tell the full story of a statement performance from Spain, which surely marks it as one of the favorites to win a record-extending fourth European Championship.

“I think it was the best Spain performance I have taken charge of,” coach Luis de la Fuente said. “I don’t see a ceiling on this team. The sky is the limit.”

READ; Mbappe breaks nose in France Euro 2024 win

Spain totally dominated defending champion Italy, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal further enhancing his reputation as one of football’s most exciting young stars.

Player of the match Nico Williams also tormented Italy’s defenders and was the width of the crossbar away from scoring in the second half.

It took Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to keep the score down with a string of fine saves until inadvertently pushing the ball into the legs of Calafiori, who couldn’t prevent it from ricocheting into his own goal.

“They deserved to win and we were never in the game,” Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said. “There was too much of a gulf. We were constantly stretched, we were never able to squeeze the gaps between the various units and they were able to cause us problems. They caused us more problems than the score line suggests, let’s not beat around the bush.”

READ: Spain removes word ‘women’ from national team name to show conceptual shift

Spain produced a throwback performance that brought to mind the years when it ruled international football when winning back-to-back Euros and the World Cup from 2008 through 2012.

Having failed to dominate possession for the first time in 136 competitive games in its opening 3-0 win over Croatia, Spain was back to its old ways in starving Italy of the ball and dictating play in a largely lopsided game.

Chances came thick and fast in the first half, with Donnarumma pulling off a number of saves to keep the score goalless.

For all of Spain’s superiority, it took Calafiori’s own goal to break the deadlock after halftime.

Donnarumma pushed Alvaro Morata’s glancing header into the legs of Calafiori, who could only watch as the ball rebounded into the back of the net.

Williams was then millimeters away from extending the lead with a curling shot that hit the bar.

“We dominated across the board,” Williams said. “Italy are an excellent side but we played very well and deserved to win.”

Williams is just one of the bright young stars in De la Fuente’s team. Yamal is another and the Barcelona teenager, who has a $1 billion buyout clause, showcased his talents with slaloming runs and tricks.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri looks like the modern-day answer to Spain great Andres Iniesta.

“I want to underline the quality of this generation of players, particularly those in this squad. Spanish players are the best in the world,” De la Fuente said.

Spain has endured frustrating times since it last won the Euros in 2012, with early exits from the last three World Cups.

At the last Euros, it lost on penalties to Italy in the semifinals.

But there have been signs of its resurgence in recent times, having won the UEFA Nations League last year.

Now it looks well-positioned to push for another major title in Germany.

“Essentially we haven’t achieved anything yet,” De la Fuente said. “Football can be very cruel. We have to be cautious, humble and show resect.”

England drew 1-1 with Denmark in Group C after Harry Kane scored and then made a mistake that led to the Danes’ leveler. Kane struck a record-extending 64th goal for his country to fire England ahead in Frankfurt. But his loose pass then allowed Morten Hjulmand to equalize from long range.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

In the other Group C game, Luka Jovic scored in stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 for Serbia against Slovenia.

England leads the group on four points and is likely to advance to the round of 16.

Gilas loses Scottie to old injury, will fly with only 11 men to Latvia

On: By: admin


An old problem reared its ugly head once again as Gilas Pilipinas on Friday officially lost Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson to a recurring back injury with the Nationals having less than two weeks left before departing for a mammoth task of trying to make the Paris Olympics through the Riga, Latvia qualifiers.

“Scottie is out because of an injury,” team manager Richard del Rosario told the Inquirer just as the Nationals opened camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.

Thompson, according to Del Rosario, has been grounded by a slipped disc—the same back injury that hobbled him at times in his collegiate career and again kept him from playing three games early into the Gin Kings’ bid in the recently concluded Philippine Cup.

The tireless playmaker is the latest mainstay to be ruled out for the July 2-8 tournament that will complete the competing nations in the Summer Olympic Games in the glitzy fashion capital next month.

Thompson becomes the third man to be scratched from the team after two-way forward Jamie Malonzo and big man AJ Edu, who was a revelation in the Fiba World Cup the country hosted last year.

Latvia first

Team Philippines first clashes with host Latvia, ranked sixth in the World, and then Georgia.

Coach Tim Cone has already rued missing the 6-foot-11 Edu, whom he feels could be vital in battling Latvia’s big men. Now, he will be dealing with the loss of a do-it-all playmaker familiar with his system and its tendencies, and an integral cog in the long-haul cast geared toward returning to the Olympics either through the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) this year or the World Cup set in Qatar three years from now.

The Nationals kicked off their closed-door training camp with original, handpicked talents present. Japeth Aguilar and Ateneo center Mason Amos, tapped as reserves back in April, were again joined by practice players Ralph Cu and Donald Gumaru—both Cone guys at Ginebra.

The Philippines won’t be the only side dealing with a manpower crisis as Latvia’s Kristaps Porzingis is expected to opt out of the OQT, as he is set to undergo surgery for a leg injury that kept him from playing three games of the NBA Finals his Boston Celtics won over Dallas.

Arturs Zagars, a crowd darling during the last World Cup, is also still coping with a knee problem sustained while serving his mother club BC Wolves in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LBL).

“Obviously, I’m still working towards that,” he said of a possible OQT stint in an interview published on the LBL website.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

As things stand, Gilas will be having just 11 players for the OQTs that will be cohosted by Spain, Greece and Puerto Rico. And whatever problems related to such a short roster should be visible even to casual fans when the Nationals host the Taiwan Mustangs this Monday at PhilSports Arena in one of its many friendlies leading up to the Riga showcase.

Gilas played with an undermanned roster during the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers when many-time World Cup June Mar Fajardo and Edu were sidelined with varying injuries.

VNL 2024: As Paris Olympics nears, Canada focused on improvement

On: By: admin



MANILA, Philippines — Bracing for their upcoming stint in Paris Olympics 2024, Eric Loeppky and Canada have been utilizing their Volleyball Nations League (VNL) stint as a huge preparation while pushing their Final Eight chances. Loeppky led another balanced attack with 21 points off 16 kills, three aces, and two blocks in Canada’s third straight

Max Verstappen aims for another win at Spanish Grand Prix

On: By: admin


Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen walks before during the first practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya on June 21, 2024 in Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona, ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix. (Photo by Manaure QUINTERO / AFP)

MONTMELO, Spain — Max Verstappen will be out to quash any hopes that his Red Bull could be beatable at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, where the three-time world champion enjoyed his breakout as a teenager and has won for the past two years.

The race just north of Barcelona kicks off a run of three grand prix in as many weeks and five in a six-week span. Given that tight schedule, teams will have less time to tweak their cars. So the upgrades they are bringing to Spain could be key to determining who has the edge as the summer heats up.

Verstappen has won six of the nine races so far this season and recorded his 60th career win in Montreal two weeks ago. Overall, the 26-year-old Dutchman has won 50 of the last 75 events and holds a 56-point over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc going into Sunday’s race.

READ; Max Verstappen ‘very happy’ at Red Bull but could quit F1 in 2028

While some races have practically been over once Verstappen sped off the starting line, there have been signs that his chasers could at least make this season a bit more interesting.

Both Mercedes and McLaren led the pace during stretches of the Canadian GP before Verstappen steered clear. And two of the last four races have gone to other drivers: McLaren’s Lando Norris won in Miami after Verstappen clipped a chicane and had to pit, while Leclerc won in his home race in Monaco.

Spain, however, usually lets the flat-out fastest cars dominate. Twenty-four of 33 races here have been won by pole sitters, and no driver has won from starting further back than fifth. It is also well known to drivers because pre-season testing used to be held here.

The 4.6-kilometer Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit was made even more fit for speed last year when a chicane that was unpopular among drivers was replaced by two fast turns head of the main straightaway.

READ: F1: Verstappen wins ‘crazy’ rain-hit Canadian Grand Prix

“I think it’s always very tricky, in a way of course exciting,” Verstappen said about the state of the competition before practice started for the race on Friday.

“This is normally a track that is a bit more straightforward. People have a bit more information about a track like this, it’s been on the calendar for a while. Of course, from our side we are hoping to have a good weekend here.”

Verstappen has fond memories of a track where he showed the stuff of a future champion by winning the 2016 Spanish GP on his Red Bull debut. That made him F1’s youngest race winner at age 18. He also scored wins here the last two seasons.

In Canada, Norris lamented not having taken his chance to get a second win. Now he hopes McLaren can match the Red Bulls for pure speed.

“The whole season we’ve been strong, at every race,” Norris said on. “If we can get the car performing like it has done in the past on high-speed circuits, and then I’ll be confident that we can. We should be able to fight.”

For Mercedes’ George Russell, who finished third in Montreal, a good result here should translate into better things to come.

“I think this is going to be a real test and if we can be fast this weekend, that bodes really well for the season,” Russell said.

Ferrari is looking to bounce back from a frustrating weekend Canada, when both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggled in qualifying and then neither were able to finish the race.

Sainz’s showcase

F1 Spanish Grand Prix Carlos Sainz

(From L) Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, Haas F1’s Danish driver Kevin Magnussen and Kick Sauber’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas attend a press conference at the Circuit de Catalunya on June 20, 2024 in Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona, ahead of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

With Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin so far unable to reproduce their fine 2023 season, the home fans will likely place their faith in Sainz. He is trying to claim his second race of the season after winning the Australian GP in March, when an engine fire knocked Verstappen out.

Sainz is the best driver who does not have a seat guaranteed for next season, after seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton agreed to switch Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. So Sainz is in need of strong performances, especially ahead of teammate Leclerc, to showcase his talent.

Montmeló’s future

This is the first race in Barcelona since it was announced that Madrid will be getting a new F1 event for Spain’s capital in 2026. That sparked questions about the future of the Spanish GP that has been held at Montmeló since 1991.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali has said that the race in Catalonia could stay on the calendar beyond 2026, when its current contract expires. Even so, the Catalan regional government, which holds an 83% stake in the Barcelona track, has moved to spruce up the permanent track.

Some 50 million euros have been invested to upgrade areas both for teams and for fans, including changes to the control tower and pitlane, as well as hospitality and the installation of solar panels.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

“We are not worried about Madrid, our competition is the entire world,” Roger Torrent, the leading government official in charge of the track, told The Associated Press.

EJ Obiena’s Olympics stint ‘just a bonus’ for dad Emerson

On: By: admin


FILE–Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

MANILA, Philippines—Amid all his son EJ’s achievements so far, Emerson Obiena feels like a second stint in the Olympics feels like “just a bonus.”

Emerson, who was in attendance during the Philippine Airlines’ special dinner for the country’s Paris-bound athletes for the 2024 Olympics at Century Park Hotel on Wednesday, said he is already immensely proud of his son even before the Paris Summer Games where his EJ gets another shot at a historic medal.

“Well, to tell you the truth, this is just a bonus,” said Emerson in Filipino. “My dream when I started teaching pole vaulting was to develop world-class athletes. I’m already very proud of the achievements he’s made.”

READ: EJ Obiena nabs gold in Poland tilt as Paris Olympics looms

Emerson wasn’t just a father to EJ in his early years of training to become a world class pole vaulter.

After achieving triumph during his heyday as a pole vaulter himself, even winning a medal in the 1993 Southeast Asian Games, Emerson turned to training EJ to become where he is now as the world No. 2

From his humble beginnings at University of Santo Tomas to the world stage, Emerson has been behind EJ all the way.

But even Emerson acknowledged the up-and-down season that EJ’s been having this year with just a few weeks to go before the Paris Olympics late in July.

READ: EJ Obiena embraces responsibility as Asia’s top track and field athlete

If he had anything to say about it, having a rocky stint is normal for an athlete, especially considering EJ’s equipment mishaps in the past.

“In his past competitions, his problem was his equipment,” explained Emerson.

“Maybe somewhere along the way, they had a mishandling or an accident with the equipment so he wasn’t ready for those. His falls were dangerous,” he added.

Emerson also revealed that EJ’s hips were stretched during the season but it was nothing serious.

READ: The difference between EJ Obiena and Mondo Duplantis

It seems like EJ is still fairing well with the competition despite his hardships, winning gold in the Irena Szewinska Memorial on Friday with his highest jump of the year at 5.97 meters.

While the season has been rocky for EJ, Paris will be a different beast and Emerson acknowledged one of the athletes that EJ will be facing in France in a few weeks.

And Emerson knows all eyes will be on world No. 1 Mondo Duplantis.

“Anything can happen when it comes to game time. Until it’s over, you have to have hope. Mondo is one of the greatest. His caliber is far from the usual pole vaulters.”

“However, as you know, people make mistakes. Sometimes they have ups or downs so we can’t say what can happen there [in Paris]. I’m just hoping. Whatever color the medal is, it’s okay with me and I’ll be happy.”



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Before Paris, EJ will compete in Poznan, Poland on Sunday, Manila time.

Japan bounces back with sweep of Netherlands

On: By: admin


Japan’s Yuji Nishida in a VNL 2024 Week 3 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa brought Japan back to its winning ways torching the Netherlands, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on Friday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

After losing to Canada in the Manila leg opener and missing Ran Takahashi, who was ruled out of the crucial week, Nishida stepped up when it mattered most with 16 points.

He led the Japanese’s comeback in the third set, where they trailed the Netherlands, 6-10.

READ: Japan star Ran Takahashi out for remainder of VNL 2024

“It’s very important, this win. Last game, the Japanese team lost and that’s on me. The mentality was down, but we tried to push the mentality, the passion, the important things this game,” said Nishida, who finished with 10 kills, three aces, and three blocks.

“I’m happy. It’s a very good win. Now, we have the next two matches and it’s very important to win. Now, there’s no recovery [time].”

The Japanese found their groove in the third set with Nishida’s back-to-back aces and massive back row kill put them ahead 16-12 and never looked back to improve their record to 7-3 in sixth place.

Nishida scored 10 points in the final set as Japan seeks to solidify its spot in the Final Eight when it wraps up its third consecutive stint in Manila against France on Saturday before battling the USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

READ: VNL 2024: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

Ishikawa backstopped Nishida with 15 points off 12 kills, two aces, and a block, while Tatsunori Otsuka stepped up with eight points to fill in the void left by Takahashi.

“We have to think of our volleyball always even if he isn’t here. Today was an important match for us because we lost against Canada. And we should focus on our [team]. We won 3-0, so it’s important for us,” he said.

Japan's Kentaro Takahashi and Yuji Nishida

Japan’s Kentaro Takahashi and Yuji Nishida. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The hard-hitting Japanese pair also accommodated their fans–majority of them went to the fan zone even before the game started.

“It’s so incredible. I gave in to the energy so I’m so happy. Every fan is good today, so thank you so much,” Ishikawa said. 

“I’m so happy because the crowd is always full, and cheers a lot, so it’s amazing to [play] out here,” added Nishida.

Nimir Abdel-Aziz, who scored 38 and 37 points in the first two games, was limited to just seven points, as Maarten Van Garderen was the lone bright spot with 10 points.

The Netherlands slid to 13th place with a 3-8 record, hoping to end its Manila stint against Canada on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Japan’s Ran Takahashi leaves Manila to treat knee injury

On: By: admin


FILE–Japan’s Ran Takahashi during a VNL 2024 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Japan star Ran Takahashi has already departed Manila to treat his nagging knee injury especially the Paris Olympics just a little over a month away, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation Tats Suzara.

Takahashi on Friday was shut down for the remainder of the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and was replaced by Shoma Tomita in the lineup. The Japan Volleyball Association didn’t announce the reason for the switch.

Despite his absence, Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa carried Japan to a 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 win over the Netherlands Friday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Japan star Ran Takahashi out for remainder of VNL 2024

The two players respectfully refused to give more details about Takahashi’s injury but Ishikawa lauded Tatsunori Otsuka, who stepped up with eight points to fill in the void left by their teammate.

Team Japan's Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the VNL Week 3 in Manila

Team Japan’s Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the VNL Week 3 in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I cannot say for the team but we have to play without him. And Otsuka was playing well, so we are so happy, and when someone [has an] injury, we have to play always. So we have a single body,” said Ishikawa, who dropped 15 points off 12 kills, two aces, and a block.

Nishida, who led the Japanese with 16 points, wished Takahashi well.

“This happened, so I hoped that he would come back but it is the situation and it’s more important to have that mentality. Maybe, we were a little bit nervous, I think the guys are keeping the motivation and energy,” Nishida said.

READ: VNL: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

“I hope that [Ran] will come back much better at his game and join the team. So, it’s not so long before the Olympics, so, [he’s not in a hurry]. But keep improving step-by-step, for the important games. “

Japan, which improved to a 7-3 record, wraps up its campaign against France on Saturday before battling USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

“[We have] two more different games coming. But I think we’re at a point where we’re like enjoying [playing] volleyball. So for us to win, [the goal] isn’t like this anymore but it’s more important to enjoy the game. So I keep this mindset like this [for the weekend],” Nishida said.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

With Final 8 chances slim, Team USA turns focus to Olympics

On: By: admin


Team USA’s Micah Christenson in the VNL Week 3 in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — USA skipper Micah Christenson has accepted they won’t make it to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Final Eight despite the slim chance, but he looks to make the most of their Manila experience to entertain Filipinos and prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Christenson had a playmaking masterpiece of 41 excellent sets to treat the Filipino fans with USA’s 25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9 win over Brazil on Thursday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

The veteran setter, who is averaging 30.7 excellent sets per game in the VNL, gave his best effort to greet and sign autographs of their supporters at the fan zone after their game.

READ: VNL 2024: Team USA overcomes Brazil for first win in Manila

“Back in the United States, we play in certain areas where other teams’ fans fill the gym a little bit more. So, this feels like a pretty true home game for us and we’re very grateful for that,” said Christenson, whose teammates also felt at home with the hospitality and energy of the Filipinos.

“I can’t say enough about the support. We felt it a lot, even being here in the Philippines. So now we’re finally here, and we get to feel it in the stadium, it’s something really really special and we can’t say enough about it. We can’t thank the fans enough for being here and supporting us.”

USA, the runner-up of last year’s VNL, still has a chance to the Final Eight with a 4-6 record in 11th place but Christenson is already shifting their focus to the Olympics.

READ: Team USA has ‘mountain to climb’ as VNL unfolds in Manila

“We’re probably not gonna make the VNL Finals so what we’re gonna do is try to build and work our way towards the Olympic Games and getting ready. Tonight was just the first step, the first building block,” said Christenson. “Hopefully, for these next two games, we continue to get just a little bit better.”

“We can do a little bit more in certain phases of the game but we’re having that mindset of just getting a little bit better and trusting the process with the building blocks that we can build,” he added. 

USA wraps up its VNL campaign against Germany on Saturday at 11 a.m., before facing fellow crowd-favorite Japan on Sunday at 7 p.m.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

“I think we’ve shown over the years that we are a very resilient team. We know how to respond to a lot of difficult situations so, we’re gonna fix a few things, but at the same time, we’re gonna trust our process,” Christenson said. “I think, like I said before, it’s a step in the right direction. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.”