Huizhou, China – June 21 – The USA Men’s National Team opened up play at the FINA World League Super Final in strong fashion defeating China 12-6 earlier today in China. Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) and Josh Samuels (Villa Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC) each scored four goals in the victory while Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) and McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) combined for 11 saves in net. Team USA returns to action on Wednesday when they meet Brazil at 2:40am pt. Live streaming is expected for the semifinals and finals through beIN Sports. More information will be shared on streaming access prior to the semifinal round.
Team USA took on local club team Guangdong, who is representing China in this event as the team did not qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. Shaking off the jetlag from several weeks of training in Europe the United States opened up a 3-1 lead after the first quarter and a 6-2 advantage at halftime. China was able to keep pace in the third quarter with each side scoring two goals apiece to leave the United States up 8-4 going to the fourth quarter. The United States pulled away in the fourth quarter outscoring China 4-2 to take the match 12-6.
The United States went 3/4 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties while China went 1/7 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty. Ben Hallock (Studio City, CA/Harvard Westlake HS/LA Premier) added two goals in the victory.
“We came from Europe just two days ago and my players are still jet lagged,” said USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic. “We were slow in adjusting to the time, weather, swimming pool, atmosphere and everything here. We did not expect so many people here tonight and it was very nice. This is the first game of the Super Final and the more important game is coming. We are going to be ready for the game.”
Scoring
USA 12 (3, 3, 2, 4) T. Azevedo 4, J. Samuels 4, B. Hallock 2, A. Bowen 1, A. Obert 1
CHN 6 (1, 1, 2, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Moses – 6 M. Baron – 5
6×5 – USA – 3/4 – CHN – 1/7
Penalties – USA – 1/1 – CHN 0/0
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.