VANCOUVER, British Columbia — U.S. skip John Shuster has been benched for the winless Americans' upcoming curling match with France.

USA Curling chief operating officer Rick Patzke tells The Associated Press the decision was made by coach Phill Drobnick in a team meeting Thursday night, and Patzke supports the decision. Shuster, a bronze medalist in Turin four years ago, has struggled with his shot-making all tournament. Alternate Chris Plys will skip the team, with vice skip Jason Smith throwing the last stone.