U.S. Men’s Water Polo Falls to Italy in Shoot-Out at World League Super Final

alex-bowen-water-polo
Photo Courtesy: Joao Marc Bosch

The USA Men’s National Team began play at the FINA World League Super Final today with a 9-7 shootout loss to Italy. Alex Bowen (Santee, CA/Stanford/NYAC) scored two goals in regulation and McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) added 11 saves in net. Team USA returns to action on Wednesday against Kazakhstan at 9am et/6am pt. Live streaming is expected to be available for the final two days of action this Saturday and Sunday on beIN Sports 7 (cable login required).

The United States got off to a great start opening up a 1-0 lead after the first quarter and a 3-0 lead at halftime. Italy battled back in the third outscoring Team USA 3-2 to draw within two at 5-3 after three. In the fourth the Italian defense was on point holding the United States scoreless while Italy’s offense added two more goals to force the 5-5 tie and a shootout.

In the shootout only Bowen and Max Irving (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/LA Water Polo) would connect for Team USA while Italy made their first four shots sealing the victory. In regulation the United States went 1/2 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shots while Italy was 1/3 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty shot.

Scoring
USA 7 (1, 2, 2, 0) (2) A. Bowen 2 (1), M. Irving 1 (1), C. Ramirez 1, J. Hooper 1
ITA 9 (0, 0, 3, 2) (4)
Saves – USA – M. Baron 11
6×5 – USA – 1/2 – ITA 1/3
Penalties – USA – 1/1 – ITA 0/0

Press release courtesy of USA Water Polo.

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Swimming Pool Lovers
6 years ago

Hey, thanks for publishing! :

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