The USA Men’s National Team dropped a 10-8 match to Hungary in FINA Men’s World Cup quarterfinal action on Friday.
Luca Cupido (Santa Margherita, Italy/California/Olympic Club), Johnny Hooper (Los Angeles, CA/California/LA Premier) and Ben Hallock (Westlake Village, CA/Stanford/LA Premier) each scored two goals in the loss with McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/NYAC) making 11 saves in net. Team USA returns to play tomorrow in the 5th-8th place bracket when they meet Japan at 8:00am et/5:00am pt. All matches stream live and are available on-demand on FINA TV by visiting FINATV.LIVE (
Hungary took control of the match early building a 5-2 lead in the first quarter. Team USA was able to keep things level in the second quarter as each side mustered just one goal for a 6-3 game at halftime. In the third quarter Team USA made their charge and drew to within a goal at 7-6 with 1:29 to play in the quarter following a Hooper penalty shot score. Hungary responded immediately with two straight goals to lead 9-6 going to the fourth.
In the fourth quarter Hungary lead 10-8 as Team USA tried to rally but attempts in the final minutes of the match were off the mark. Team USA went 6/18 on power plays and 1/2 on penalties while Hungary was 4/18 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty.
Scoring
USA – 8 (2, 1, 3, 2) L. Cupido 2, B. Hallock 2, J. Hooper 2, A. Obert 1, M. Irving 1
HUN – 10 (5, 1, 3, 1)
Saves – USA – M. Baron 11
6×5 – USA – 6/18 – HUN – 4/18
Penalties – USA – 1/2 – HUN – 0/0
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