GENOVA, Italy, June 17. THE USA Men's Senior National Team fell to Italy 15-14 in a shootout on the first day of the FINA World League Super Final in Genova, Italy. Team USA held a one goal lead at 10-9 when Italy scored with just twenty seconds remaining to force the shootout. Each team hit on their first four penalty shots before Team USA was halted on the fifth try and Italy connected on their chance to take the game.
Italy started off early with the lead taking a 3-2 advantage after the first, but Team USA responded with a four goal second quarter to build a 6-4 lead at intermission. In the third Italy fought back inching to within a goal at 7-6 as play moved to the fourth quarter. In the fourth Team USA built up the one goal lead before Italy struck late to force the extra session. Adam Wright led the USA offense with three goals while Rick Merlo, Peter Varellas, Ryan Bailey, Jesse Smith, and Tim Hutten all scored twice.
"This was a tough game to lose, we led most of the game and should have put them away. We have more to work on and games like this continue to help us grow as a team," said USA Head Coach Terry Schroeder. Next up will be a match against China on Tuesday at 8:40am PST. These two teams will also meet to open competition at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Special thanks to USA Water Polo for contributing this report.