United States Defeats Costa Rica in Straight Sets

MORELOS, Mexico, August 9, 2026.- The United States earned its first victory at the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup after defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14) in Pool A action at Polideportivo 2 de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).

USA set the pace from the first set, relying heavily on its blocking to build a lead that Costa Rica was unable to close, taking the set 25-15.

The second set was the most closely contested of the match. Costa Rica improved its reception and serving and built a four-point lead at 19-15. USA responded to tie the score at 19, and from there the teams engaged in a tight battle, eventually reaching a 24-24 tie. The Americans won the next two points, with Parker Tomkinson sealing the set 26-24 with a block.

After overcoming the tight second set, the United States regained control in the third. The Americans gradually pulled away and once again used their blocking as one of their main strengths to close out the match 25-14.

The United States held a 38-20 advantage in kills and a commanding 16-3 margin in blocks, while also leading Costa Rica 3-0 in aces. The Americans, however, committed 30 unforced errors compared to Costa Rica’s 19.

Parker Tomkinson led all scorers with 15 points, including a match-high eight blocks. Sean Kelly contributed 11 points and Cameron Thorne finished with 10. Ignacio Morales led Costa Rica with eight points.

On the second day of competition, USA will have a rest day, while Costa Rica will face Trinidad and Tobago.

Tread Rosenthal, Captain of the United States: “I think throughout the entire match we need to keep the pressure on. In the second set, we dropped our intensity a little and allowed things to get complicated, so we need to maintain that pressure throughout the entire match. They started playing really well and serving well. We relaxed a little in our setting and also when we were attacking out of system. Then Patrick Rogers came in, gave us some energy, and we were able to get back to our game.”

Ignacio Morales, Captain of Costa Rica: “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy match. In the second set, we had good reception and that helped us be more effective in attack, and we also maintained our serving. We’re going to rest and then give it everything against Trinidad and Tobago as we look for our first win.”