USA Men's Water Polo Team Has Strong Showing

The KT Tape-sponsored USA Men’s National Water Polo Team  recently took fifth place at the FINA World League Super Final defeating Spain 7-6. Here's the latest report from the FINA website: Behind two goals each from Tim Hutten (Seal Beach, CA/Newport WPF) and Jesse Smith (Coronado, CA/NYAC) the United States rallied from an early deficit to pull out the victory. Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/NYAC) went the distance in the cage stopping nine shots. Spain got off to the hot start opening up a 3-1 lead after the first quarter. In the second period the United States defense buckled down pitching a shutout while adding two goals to tie the match at 3-3 going into halftime. The third quarter saw Team USA on the offensive tallying three goals in the third period to just one from Spain to grab a 6-4 lead going into the fourth quarter. In the final frame the Spanish looked to rally scoring two goals but the United States had one more tally up their sleeve to take the win 7-6.??The United States was 2/7 on power plays while holding Spain to 3/11. Other scores for the United States included Michael Sharf (Orinda, CA/Olympic Club), Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/NYAC), and Ryan Bailey (Long Beach, CA/Newport WPF).
Next up for Team USA is the FINA World Cup in Oradea, Romania. The United States will open action against China on July 27. For complete coverage of the event go to the USA Water Polo or FINA websites.