U.S. Men’s National Team Earns Crucial 3-1 Victory Over Argentina to Stay Alive in 2025 VNL Finals Race…see more..
CHIBA, Japan (July 18, 2025) — With their backs against the wall, the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team responded with poise and determination, defeating Argentina 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23) in a pivotal 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) matchup Friday in Chiba, Japan.
The victory improves the United States to a 6-4 record and keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the VNL Finals. A loss would have officially eliminated the Americans from contention, but strong performances from Cooper Robinson, Kyle Ensing, and Merrick McHenry helped the team dig deep and respond with urgency.
“We needed to win this one. If we had lost, we would have been out of contention, so it was a huge win,” said Robinson, who led all scorers with 20 points on 18 kills, one block, and one ace. “It was super fun. We had great energy on the court. It was really great to play with Andrew [Rowan] and Merrick [McHenry] again. I had a blast.”
Robinson’s all-around performance also included six digs and six successful receptions. He proved to be a stabilizing force throughout, especially in the clutch moments of the third and fourth sets, where he added a combined 10 kills to guide the U.S. through tense stretches.
Despite Argentina having narrow advantages in kills (59-55) and blocks (8-6), it was the Americans’ superior serving and discipline that made the difference. The U.S. outserved Argentina 6-3 in aces and committed just 21 errors compared to Argentina’s 28 — 10 of which came in the fourth set alone.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for that team, their coach and their coaching staff,” U.S. head coach Karch Kiraly said post-match. “That is a really good team. They gave Japan everything they could handle, and Japan is always fierce on their home court. Credit to Argentina for bringing it after a 20-hour turnaround. They fought hard.”
Merrick McHenry made his presence felt after returning to the court, tallying 13 points on 11 kills and two aces, while Ensing added 13 points of his own on 10 kills, one block, and two aces. Ensing was particularly effective in the opening set, scoring eight points and jumpstarting the U.S. with two early aces in a crucial 6-0 run.
The U.S. found themselves trailing 10-8 in that first set, but Ensing’s serving run helped flip the momentum. The Americans pushed ahead 20-19 after Gabi Garcia entered to serve and disrupted Argentina’s reception, leading to a smart tip from Ensing. Video review confirmed a controversial line call on Ensing’s final attack to close out the set 25-23.
Argentina responded with purpose in the second set, grabbing a 12-9 lead and never relinquishing it. They extended the margin to 20-15 with a block, and even Robinson’s and McHenry’s combined eight points weren’t enough to rally the U.S., who dropped the set 25-20.
But the third set showcased the Americans’ resolve. Ensing delivered a block for a 4-1 lead, and Robinson’s steady scoring helped maintain a comfortable margin. After Argentina closed the gap to 22-19, Robinson produced back-to-back clutch plays — a kill and an ace — to help the U.S. secure the set 25-20.
“We brought more service pressure as the match went on to create, and then we took advantage of those transition chances,” Kiraly added. “We’re really pleased with how both groups performed. Andrew Rowan running the show with Ensing and Robinson really clicked.”
Rowan was instrumental in organizing the offense, setting up teammates while also contributing three blocks. He effectively utilized the chemistry he’s built with fellow UCLA alumni McHenry and Robinson to spread the attack and keep Argentina’s block guessing.
Libero Mason Briggs once again provided outstanding backcourt support, leading the team with nine digs and adding four successful receptions. His stability on serve receive and defense enabled the setters to operate with confidence and pace.
Middle blocker Jeff Jendryk added nine points (eight kills, one ace) with five digs, while outside hitter Jordan Ewert also scored nine points, including eight kills and a block. Ewert led the team in receptions with 11, further strengthening the U.S. backcourt.
The final set began with a bang as the U.S. raced out to a 3-0 lead behind a McHenry ace and Ewert kill. McHenry would add another ace to push the advantage to 11-7, and a determined Ensing kept the lead intact with a key kill that extended the margin to five points.
Robinson and McHenry continued their offensive onslaught, combining for five straight points to make it 16-10. Although Argentina fought back to close the gap to two points late, Robinson iced the match with his fifth kill of the set, sealing a vital 25-23 win.
With the win, the U.S. sets up a must-win matchup against Germany (4-6) on Saturday, July 19 at 3:30 a.m. PT. A victory there would keep the team in the hunt for a VNL Finals berth ahead of their final preliminary round match against host nation Japan on July 20.
“Everybody did a really nice job today,” Kiraly said. “The fight, the energy — we’re still in this.”
USA’s Remaining Week 3 Schedule (PDT):
— July 19 vs. Germany (3:30 a.m.)
— July 20 vs. Japan (3:20 a.m.)
Week 3 Results So Far:
— July 15: USA def. Türkiye 3-0
— July 17: USA def. Argentina 3-1
VNL Record: 6-4
With two matches remaining in the third week of play, the U.S. will need to maintain this momentum and capitalize on every oppor
tunity to punch their ticket to the VNL Finals.
