Croatia Tops USA Men 9-7 At FINA Water Polo World Cup

ORADEA, Romania, July 30. THE USA Men's National Team lost to Croatia 9-7 on day three of the FINA World Cup. The team finishes group play at 1-2 and will take on Romania on Friday in the crossover matches. Thomas Hopkins (Coronado, CA/Olympic Club) and Ryan Bailey (Long Beach, CA/Newport WPF) each scored two goals while Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/NYAC) had 12 saves in the goal.

The United States struck first in this one on a score from Tim Hutten (Seal Beach, CA/Newport WPF) but the lead was short lived as Croatia went up 2-1 after the first quarter and 4-2 at halftime. In the third quarter it was more of the same as Croatia was able to keep the Americans at bay with three more scores to go up 7-3 going to the fourth. In the final quarter Team USA looked to rally posting four goals but that was answered by two scores from Croatia and they came away with the win at 9-7.

Team USA went 4/10 on power plays while Croatia was just 4/15. The United States made 2/3 on penalty shots.

USA 7 (1, 1, 1, 4) R. Bailey 2, T. Hopkins 2, T. Hutten 1, T. Azevedo 1, P. Varellas 1
CRO 9 (2, 2, 3, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Moses 12
6×5 – USA – 4 of 10
5×6 – USA – Stopped 11 of 15
Penalties – USA – 2 of 3

"Definitely played with a lot more heart today than yesterday. Our 5 man was on today. Still struggling with our 6 on 5, but we are playing better."
– Terry Schroeder, USA Head Coach

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