Cleaning house: Cheered by NFL star Vernon Davis, US men curlers beat France for 1st win

American men’s curlers beat France for 1st win

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The U.S. men curlers have their first Olympic victory, beating France 4-3 after four straight losses.

Could a lineup switch and cheers from NFL star Vernon Davis have been the difference Friday? Regular skip John Shuster was benched for the match because of his poor shot-making. Alternate Chris Plys was promoted to the skip spot and vice skip Jason Smith threw last rock.

The U.S. foursome tied it with two in the ninth after France scored a deuce in the seventh for a 3-1 lead. Smith’s final throw gave the Americans three stones in the house, and France couldn’t get closest at the end.

Davis, a Pro Bowl tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, is the curling team’s honorary captain.