The USA Men’s National Team defeated Russia 8-6 to advance to the semifinals of the FINA World League Super Final. Three different players scored two goals each for Team USA while McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) recorded 11 saves in net. The United States returns to action on Saturday against Serbia at 1pm et/10am pt. The match will stream live on beIN Sports 7/8 and can be accessed by clicking here. (Cable login required).
Team USA went ahead 2-1 after the first quarter and then added four more goals in the second quarter for a 6-3 lead at halftime. They kept up the advantage in the third quarter tacking on two more goals to lead 8-4 after the third. In the fourth Russia rallied scoring twice and keeping Team USA off the board, but the United States was able to hang on for the two goal victory.
The United States went 2/6 on power plays and 2/2 on penalty shots while Russia went 1/6 on power plays without attempting any penalty shots. This marks the second straight year that Team USA will reach the medal round at the Super Final, they took silver in 2016.
Scoring
USA 8 (2, 4, 2, 0) J. Hooper 2, M. Vavic 2, C. Ramirez 2, A. Bowen 1, N. Carniglia 1
RUS 6 (1, 2, 1, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Baron 11
6×5 – USA – 2/6 – RUS – 1/6
Penalties – USA – 2/2 – RUS 0/0
Press Release courtesy of USA Water Polo.