U.S. Junior Mens Squash Team

12th POSITION FOR TEAM USA

2010-08-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Team USA has finished their 2010 World Championship campaign in 12th position. We have been in Ecuador for nearly 3 weeks, players and coaches are both exhausted. There have been some standout performances in both the individual and team event and all players have represented their country in exemplary fashion.

The World Junior Championships is the pinnacle of junior squash, for most entrants it is their last junior competition. Achieving the goal of playing for your country is a huge undertaking and often is not done alone. Individual coaches, parents and schools all play a big part in supporting these players towards their dream. Team USA would like to thank everyone who has helped them achieve this goal. A special thanks to Harrow Sports for providing US team equipment. Everyone at the US squash office deserves a big thanks for their countless hours of preparation and financial support in sending a team to international competition.

Thank you to those who having been following this blog and supporting the US team from afar.

USA vs WALES

2010-08-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

The last match of the tournament for the US team is against Wales for the 11th position. Brandon McLaughlin has been struck with a stomach virus and is unable to play. Today our team is, Dylan Murray, Ash Egan and Chris Jung.
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MEXICO WIN

2010-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Chris Jung played solid squash in the first two games having some good chances but not quite able to convert. Luis Quintal, Mexican number 3 won the match 11-9, 13-11, 11-6.

Dylan Murray takes the court for the dead rubber.

Tomorrow we play either Australia or Wales.

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ZARAZUA TAKES 1st MATCH

2010-08-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

Brandon McLaughlin played Mexican #1Miled Zarazua in the first match of the day. McLaughlin had a stomach issue which made play uncomfortable. Brandon eventually lost 11-7, 11-3, 12-10

Chris Jung up next.
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USA vs MEXICO

2010-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

This morning we play Mexico the 6th seed for the team event. Our line up today is Brandon McLaughlin at 1, Chris Jung on court second playing number 3 and Dylan Murray on last in the number 2 spot.

A win this morning means we play for 9th-10th, a loss 11th-12th.

Match starts at 10am.
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MURRAY MAKES IT 2-0

2010-08-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dylan Murray has just finished an unbelievable match. Murray went 2-0 up against Alfonso Marroquin and looked to be in control. However in the third game the Colombian began to play error free squash making Murray work extremely hard. This continued into the 5th game with Murray down 9-6 and looking very tired. A bleeding wound on his hand and knee had to be bandaged giving Murray a much needed rest. Play restarted with both players being extremely cautious. Murray showed great discipline to eventually win the match;

11-8, 11-8, 4-11, 8-11, 13-11

This puts us in the 9-12 bracket.

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McLaughlin makes it 1-0

2010-08-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

Brandon McLaughlin won the first match against Juan Vargas Colombian #1 11-6, 11-1, 8-11,11-5.

Dylan Murray #2 is warming up now.

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MATCH BEGINS

2010-08-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

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USA vs COLUMBIA

2010-08-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Today we are matched up against Columbia playing for 9-16 position. Columbia have a solid team and will be a good test for our players. The order of play is 1-2-3, Brandon McLaughlin will be taking the court first.
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USA down 3-0

2010-08-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

Dylan Murray played the best of three dead rubber match against the French number 3. The atmosphere was not quite the same with France already having won the match. Murray played solid squash but eventually lost 2-1.

We are now playing Columbia tomorrow at 2pm.
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FRANCE WIN 2-0

2010-08-04T17:16:00.001-07:00

Lucas Serme the number 1 player for France defeated Brandon McLaughlin 3-0. Brandon was not his usual self in the first two games, however managed to force a tie breaker in the third.

USA move into the 9-16 group.
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1st MATCH TO FRANCE

2010-08-04T16:53:00.001-07:00

Ash Egan #3 for the US did not have enough gas in the tank. His smaller opponent was too quick and prolonged the rallies enough to force errors.

Next up we have Brandon McLaughin against French #1.
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MATCH TIME!

2010-08-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

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USA vs FRANCE

2010-08-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

US team warms up for the match against France. The glass court is situated in a shopping mall atrium with several levels of viewing for close to 700 people.

There will be updates throughout the match.
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USA vs FRANCE

2010-08-04T10:17:00.001-07:00

Today at 6:00pm we have 7th seeded France in the round of sixteen of the team event. We are playing on the glass court situated in a shopping mall. Yesterday New Zealand upset the 6th seed on the glass court, today it's our turn.
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MURRAY GETS 1 BACK

2010-08-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Dylan struck back against the Germans winning his match 3-0. Although we did not get the result hoped for, we are still optimistic about our match in the round of 16.

Tomorrow we are Drawn against France, a win will send us into the top 8.

2-0 GERMANY

2010-08-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

Chris Jung went 2-1 up in his match against German player Sven Lemmermann and looked to be in control. However the persistent German increased the pace to force a 5th game. The 5th game was tightly contested with Lemmerman winning 11-8.

Dylan Murray is warming up to contest the second spot.

1st STRIKE TO GERMANY

2010-08-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Brandon McLaughlin found himself playing German #1 who was also #4 see for the individual event. The German proved too strong for Brandon who fell in 3 games. Next up we have Chris Jung playing the third string.

USA vs GERMANY

2010-08-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

At 4pm we start our second match of the day against Germany. Win or lose we will progress to round of 16, however a win will secure a more favorable draw. This is a big match for team USA. The team submitted for this match is as follows

1.Brandon McLaughlin
2.Dylan Murray
3.Chris Jung

Below, the German team warming up.

MURRAY MAKES IT 3-0 FOR USA

2010-08-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

During the pool stages all 'dead rubbers' must be best of 5 in-case of a tie. Murray took the court with purpose and beat his opponent n 3 straight games.

EGAN SENDS USA TO ROUND OF 16

2010-08-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

No matter what happens now, win or lose against Germany, USA are guaranteed to advance to the round of 16. Ash made quick work of his opponent 11-4,11-3,11-1. Egan even managed to attract the attention of the local television network.

MCLAUGHLIN OFF TO A GOOD START

2010-08-03T08:28:00.002-07:00

Brandon McLaughlin has just finished his match against Cameron Stafford of Cayman Islands. Brandon made his larger opponent move and turn with his accurate short game winning in 3 straight games 11-8,11-4,11-7.

Ash Egan up next.

TEAM EVENT BEGINS

2010-08-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

In less than 1 hour team USA will be stepping on court against the Cayman Islands. This morning we have Brandon McLaughlin, Dylan Murray and Ash Egan playing. This afternoon we are scheduled to play Germany at 4pm.

Please check the blog frequently, I will update results throughout the day.

NEW TEAM SEEDING!

2010-07-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

Before the individual event team USA had a provisional seeding of 14 for the team event. However, due to the outstanding performances in the individual event, Martin Heath (Head coach) has been able to argue a case for a higher seeding. This morning team USA have been confirmed as the 8th seed for the team event.

The first round of the team event consists of three teams in a pool. The top two teams in each pool progress to the round of 16, and from there we play out for position. We have the Cayman Islands and Germany in our pool, both hard matches but we are definitely capable of finishing first.

INDIVIDUAL EVENT COMING TO AN END

2010-07-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ash Egan and Bryan Keating played their final matches in the World Junior Championships. Egan played BTIM V.DER PLUIJM of the Netherlands in a thrilling five game match. Egan went up 2-1 before losing a tight 4th 11-8 forcing him into a 5th game. The final game went back and forth with both players breathing hard after some grueling rallies, unfortunately Egan went down 13-11 in the 5th.

Bryan Keating played against Simon Martinez of Colombia in the second round of the consolation plate. Bryan played some of his best squash in patches, controlling the Columbian player with good length and clean volleys. However Martinez was able to play his attacking game and eventually won the match 3-1.

There have been many outstanding performances by team USA in the individual event. Dylan Ward is one of these in-form players. Yesterday (July 30th) Dylan played outstanding squash against BTIM V.DER PLUIJM of the Netherlands winning in 3 straight games 11-4,11-7,11-3. Dylan move forward to the semi-final of the plate draw against Brazilian #2 Josimar Silva. Dylan's attacking game was not quite as sharp as previous rounds and the Brazilian was able to punish any loose shots. Silva won 3-1 in a very tightly contested match.

ROUND OF 32

2010-07-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ash Egan took the court first this morning against South African #3 in the Plate draw. Ash won 3-0 and seems to be adjusting to the lack of oxygen which has hindered him so far.

Chris Jung in the round of 32 played 9/16 seed Australian #1. Chris played well and began to adjust his game to the high pace, however he was squeezed out in a tight 3-0.

Dylan Murray came up against experienced James Earles from England in the round of 32. Despite two great performances in the earlier rounds Dylan was unable to repeat a third time. Earles' accurate lob and drop game proved too exhausting for Murray who fell in 4 games.

Brandon McLaughlin was the last US player to play in the round of 32 against Englishman Charles Sharpes. McLaughlin was in great form during the first two rounds however was unable to repeat those performances this afternoon. The 'Tin' was a consistent factor in Brandon's last match in the individual competition. Although it must be said that the performances of three US players reaching the round of 32 (unseeded) will hopefully improve seeding for the team event. They have all exceeded expectations and made people look up and notice the USA badge on their shirts.

In the consolation event Bryan Keating won 3-0 against Guatemalan team member. Bryan seemed to be moving much better today and was never in any real danger of losing the match.

Photo Gallery

2010-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Click on picture below for full gallery of event so far.

OPENING CEREMONY

2010-07-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

The opening ceremony last night was a fun event. The US team were in high spirits after a successful first day on the courts.

3 PLAYERS MAKE TOP 32!

2010-07-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

Brandon McLaughlin won his second round match last night against Rory Birtwistle of Ireland 3-0. This is the third USA player to reach the last 32, a tremendous accomplishment that will hopefully help improve our seeding for the team event.

The round of 32 begins today. I will update as frequently as possible.

USA PLAYERS MAKE LAST 32!

2010-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Chris Jung dominated against an Ecuadorian player in his second round match winning 11-1,11-1,11-1. Chris is now through to the last 32 players in the world coming up against a strong Australian player in the next round.

Bryan Keating the #6 player for the US team has been plagued with injuries in his preparation for this event. Bryan had a hard first round draw against Canadian Tyler Osborne losing in three straight games. Bryan, in his second round match came up against Ecuadorian #1. The local player had too much experience of the conditions and eventually won 3-0.

Brandon Mclaughlin also won his first match today 3-0 against a German Team player. The US #1 looked focused, playing disciplined and creative squash to overcome the difficult left hander. Brandon moves on to the next round playing for a spot in the final 32.

Dylan Murray, the youngest player on the team played solid squash to overcome his French counterpart in three straight games. Dylan moves on to play James Earles of England in the round of 32. This is definitely a potential upset situation with Dylan playing well and James just squeezing through his las match in 5 games.

Dylan Ward of Philadelphia was drawn against Egyptian team member Sherbini in the first round. They played on an all glass court in the local shopping mall and despite getting close in all three games Dylan fell to the experienced Egyptian 3-0.

Another Philadelphian Ash Egan fell 3-0 to an extremely quick Ollie Holland of England. This was a difficult draw for Ash, however he is now preparing himself for his first match in the plate draw.

GOOD START FOR USA PLAYERS

2010-07-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Chris Jung had a tough first round match against German player Simon Vachlahovsky. After narrowly losing the first game Chris stormed back in the second game volleying his way to victory 3 games to 1.

Dylan Murray, USA #3 played Pedro Viega from Brazil. Despite the Brazilians incredible speed and accurate short game Dyan showed great composure and maturity beyond his years to win 11-4,11-5,11-7.

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION BEGINS

2010-07-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

The 2010 individual world championships begins today. There is a heavy schedule with all USA players scheduled for at least 2 matches. Chris Jung is first on this morning against a highly ranked German player.

Keep checking this site for further results. For more detailed results and draw information go to the tournament web-site below.

http://www.mundialjunior2010.ec/

USA vs New Zealand

2010-07-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today our top 4 players had a test match against New Zealand. Brandon McGlaughlin #1 and Dylan Murray #3 both won in convincing style showing that they are adapting nicely to the extreme conditions. Ash Egan at #2 fought hard but eventually fell to a strong #2 from New Zealand. Finally Chris Jung showed great determination to come through and win in 5 proving that his fitness training is already serving him well. Other USA team members were able to get some court time with the French team and showed that they can compete with some of the highest ranked players in the competition.

2010-07-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

The team have been training hard for the last few days, spending most of the time getting used to the different court conditions at altitude. Of course there is less oxygen and breathing is definitely more laboured, however there has been significant improvement over the last couple of days.

Yesterday we had a test match against the Canadian team who are one of the stronger teams in the event. We lost four matches but managed to push them hard especially at the number 3 and 4 positions.

2010-07-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Some of the team members after todays training sessions. Hydration! always important, especially at altitude.

July 21st 2010

The US Junior squash team have arrived in Quito in preparation for the 2010 Junior Mens World Championships. All 8 team members have been training hard throughout the summer with many of them preparing themselves in European competition. The World Championships consist of two events, individuals and teams. The individual event begins July 27th followed by the team event in which the top four players compete.

Our first day here has been spent finding our bearings, we managed to get two relatively light training sessions at the tournament venue. Quito is almost 10,000ft high, oxygen is limited and the ball travels extremely fast. Despite these new playing conditions everyone is reacting well and adapting quicker than expected.

U.S. JUNIOR MENS SQUASH TEAM ANNOUNCED

2010-05-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

World Championships Team and Individual Competitors

1. Brandon McLaughlin (Bryn Mawr,PA)
2. Ash Egan (Haverford,PA)
3. Dylan Murray (Bronxville,NY)
4. Christopher Jung (Mercer Island,WA)

World Championships Individual Competitors

5. Dylan Ward (Philadelphia,PA)
6. Bryan Keating (Chevy Chase,MD)
7. Devin McLaughlin (Bryn Mawr,PA)
8. Liam McClintock (Wellesley Hills,MA)

Head Coach - Martin Heath (Rochester, NY)
Assistant Coach - Adam Hamill (Philadelphia,PA)