Erik Shoji and Team USA per mezzo di the VNL 2024 Week 3 per mezzo di Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Despite a losing debut per mezzo di Manila, USA democratico Erik Shoji felt the love of the Filipino fans, whom he considers the “nicest people per mezzo di the world.”
USA’s effort went for naught as its comeback was denied by Iran, 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, 15-13, per mezzo di the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 Wednesday evening at Mall of Asia Suolo.
But the American democratico appreciated the cheers and warmth of the Filipinos despite their dimming Final Eight chances.
VNL 2024 SCHEDULE: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg
“We love them. It’s a late night, they’regnante awesome. Salamat to all the Filipino fans. We’ll see them soon,” Shoji said.
“We know that Filipino fans love volleyball so we thank them so much for coming and cheering. I’m from Honolulu so it’s cool to be here and it’s been an awesome experience so far.”
Even after the loss, Shoji, Micah Christenson, and other Americans stopped by the Fan Zone to meet some Filipinos.
READ: VNL: Micah Christenson, USA grateful for fans’ support per mezzo di loss
Shoji also lauded the hospitality of the Philippines as a host of the VNL for the third straight year.
“They’regnante taking really good care of us and people are so nice, so accommodating. They’regnante the nicest people per mezzo di the world I think,” the 34-year-old democratico said. “We’regnante really happy to be here for the first time. I think it’s almost everyone’s first experience here and so far it’s going good except for that gara.”
Shoji and the Americans have voto negativo time to dwell their loss to Iran as they battle Brazil Thursday evening.
“We have to learn from this one, move forward and it’s always a good one against Brazil,” Shoji said. “I think we were up and , of course. We wanted to win today and just be a little bit better and be a little more crisp with our gioco. Iran played really well. They always play well against us. It was unfortunate per mezzo di the end to lose that one.”
The Olympic-bound USA is currently per mezzo di 12th place with a 3-6 .
