Brazil Makes Strong Start in Chicago, Securing Second Place

A dominant victory over Canada propelled the South American team past Japan in the standings as the VNL 2025 Preliminary Phase continued.

Outside hitter Henrique Honorato was a key performer for Brazil against Canada.

Brazil kicked off the second week of the VNL 2025 Preliminary Phase in Chicago with a strong performance, moving up to second place in the standings.

Continuing their positive run from the first week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil achieved a comfortable 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-17) sweep against Canada at the NOW Arena, enhancing their prospects for reaching the Finals.

With this win, their fourth in five matches, Brazil accumulated 12 points, placing them second overall, just behind Poland (13 points). They climbed from third place at the start of the week, capitalizing on Japan`s 3-0 loss to Bulgaria in Burgas.

Opposite Alan Souza was Brazil`s top scorer with 15 points (nine kills, four blocks, two aces). Outside hitter Henrique Honorato also contributed significantly, adding 11 points (nine kills, two blocks).

“We really enjoyed playing today,” commented Honorato. “It`s a great start to the second week. I`m very proud of the team; we executed our strategy perfectly. We felt some initial anxiety, but we stayed patient and secured the victory.”

For Canada, outside hitter Brodie Hofer had another strong game, scoring 12 points (11 kills, one ace). The loss in Chicago caused Canada to fall from sixth to tenth place in the standings, currently holding eight points.

USA Edges China in Five-Set Thriller

Later, the host nation, the United States, played their first home match of the week, displaying resilience to overcome China in a hard-fought five-setter (25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-11).

Jordan Ewert led the USA effort with 18 points, including 16 kills and two blocks. Kyle Ensing added 12 points (ten kills, one block, one ace).

For China, middle blocker Li Yongzhen was outstanding with 14 points, highlighted by ten blocks. Outside hitter Ji Daoshuai also reached double figures with 13 points (12 kills, one block).

The U.S. team is now in ninth place with seven points (three wins, two losses). China dropped from sixth to twelfth place, also on seven points but with fewer wins (two).

Earlier in Chicago, Italy handed Poland their first defeat of the VNL 2025 season, winning a tight match 3-2 (25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-11). Poland remains first with 13 points, while Italy sits fourth with ten.

Chicago will host two more matches on Thursday: Brazil faces China at 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT), followed by the United States against Canada at 19:30 (00:30 GMT Friday).