The U.S. men's volleyball team came to McKale Center last Friday, offering a small taste of Olympic competition to the people of Tucson.

And a small taste it was, as it took the U.S. just 90 minutes to dispatch the Bulgarian National Team in the final tuneup before the start of the Games this Friday in Atlanta.

The American men, ranked fourth in the world, started fast and never looked back, defeating the Bulgarians in straight games 15-8, 15-7 and 15-6.

"We had a pretty steady performance. I'm happy with that," said U.S. head coach Fred Sturm. "We stayed in control throughout, and that's something we need to do at the Olympics."

The U.S. is a relatively young squad that is not expected to medal at the Olympics. But that suits 22-year-old opposite hitter Mike Lambert just fine.

"In a way, it's sort of the American dream because we're going in as underdogs," said Lambert, who was credited with 12 kills.

With the big names in volleyball, Karch Kiraly and Kent Steffes, competing in beach volleyball, the indoor team is sending a group of relative unknowns in the hopes of bringing home a medal.

Assisting the team is the home crowd and the knowledge they have beaten each of the favored teams in competition. Brazil, No. 1-ranked Italy, and the Netherlands are expected to medal.

"Every match is going to be a battle," Lambert said.

The U.S. team opens round-robin play Sunday against Poland.