Tokyo, Japan – December 12 – The USA Men’s National Team returned to action for the first time since the 2015 FINA World Championship earning a 7-6 win over Japan in Tokyo on Friday evening. Bret Bonanni (Huntington Beach, CA/Stanford/Stanford) scored three goals in the win while McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) picked up the victory in net recording 15 saves. The match was played in front of a capacity crowd. The USA Men’s National Team had the opportunity to meet the US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy during the match festivities.
Japan got off to a strong start going ahead 2-1 after the first eight minutes. Team USA rallied in the second period outscoring Japan 3-0 to go ahead 4-2 at halftime. The United States added two more goals in the third period building a 6-4 advantage headed to the final period. In the fourth Japan looked to rally outscoring Team USA 2-1 but could get no closer as they would fall 7-6.
Both teams struggled on the power play with Team USA going 1/5 and Japan going 1/8.
Scoring
USA 7 (1, 3, 2, 1) B. Bonanni 3, A. Obert 1, J. Mann 1, A. Bowen 1, N. Vavic 1
JPN 6 (2, 0, 2, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Baron -1 5
6×5 – USA – 1/5 – JPN – 1/8
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.