USA Water Polo Takes Bronze at FINA Men’s Intercontinental Tournament

Photo Courtesy: Pac 12

NEWPORT BEACH – The USA Men’s Senior National Team earned the Bronze Medal at the FINA Men’s Intercontinental Tournament with a convincing 19-7 win over China at Corona del Mar High School.

Bret Bonanni (Huntington Beach, CA/Stanford/Stanford) scored four goals to lead a balanced USA attack while Drew Holland (Orinda, CA/Stanford/Stanford) posted nine saves in net. Australia won the gold medal with a 9-6 win over Brazil. In other action Japan downed Kazakhstan 15-12 for fifth place while Canada topped Argentina 18-5 for seventh place.

Team USA’s Luca Cupido (Newport Beach, CA/California/Newport) was named tournament MVP, Australia’s James Stanton-French was named top goalkeeper, and Brazil’s Felipe Perrone was the tourney’s top scorer with 18 goals. By finishing in the top four, Australia, Brazil, Team USA, and China all qualified for the FINA World League Super Final coming up in Italy this June. For complete tournament information including scoresheets, recaps, and more, click here to visit the tournament homepage.

Team USA came out ferociously against China starting the first possession with a goal from Cupido. Team USA was only interrupted once in the quarter by China’s Chen Jinghao, otherwise they went on a 7-1 run. Cupido, Bonanni, and Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) all scored two goals apiece to open the large lead.

The next quarter did not differ from the first, and Team USA was only interrupted once on a penalty shot by China’s Dong Tao. Team USA ended the half with an 11-2 advantage over China. John Mann (Newport Beach, CA/California/NYAC) scored twice in the quarter. He was aided by Ben Hallock (Studio City, CA/Harvard Westlake/Bruin) and Alex Bowen (Santee, CA/Stanford/NYAC) tacked on another goal each.

Team USA kept control in the third quarter and only gave up two goals to China. During the fifth minute, Team USA scored three goals. First, Josh Samuels (Villa Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC) scored on a power-play. Then Jesse Smith (Coronado, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) stole the ball on defense and then assisted Azevedo for the next goal 27 seconds later. Then there was another steal by Team USA on the next possession just a few seconds later. Janson Wigo (Fort Lauderdale, FL/Stanford/Olympic Club) was assisted by Azevedo for a goal. After two scores by Li and Chufeng, Hallock ended the quarter with a tally.

In the fourth quarter, China put up three goals (Chufeng, Li, Feihu). Bonnani, alone had two goals for Team USA towards the end. Wigo and Alex Obert (Loomis, CA/Pacific/Sac Polo) also added on goals for Team USA in the final quarter. China showed small glimmers of hope with six USA turnovers in the final quarter, but Team USA continued to score regardless and shutdown China. The final score was 19-7, Team USA.

Boxscore: United State vs. China

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at newsmaster@swimmingworl d .com.

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