Bergamo, Italy – June 28 – The USA Men’s Senior National Team appeared well on their way to a bronze medal at the 2015 FINA World League Super Final only to see Brazil rally for a shootout win 24-23. Team USA held a three goal lead in the fourth quarter before Brazil charged back with five goals in the fourth period to force the extra sessions. Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) scored four goals to lead the USA attack while Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) turned in a solid performance in net.
The United States built a 3-1 lead after the first period and a 6-2 advantage at halftime. Brazil came back with three goals in the third but Team USA posted two of their own to stay in front 8-5 headed to the fourth. The final eight minutes saw a furious rally from Brazil with the game tying goal coming with seven seconds left.
It appeared the game would end early as Moses came up with a big save early in the shootout, only to see Brazil do likewise. The match advanced to an attempt from Azevedo which missed, followed by a make from Brazil’s Jonas Crivello to win the match for Brazil.
Serbia topped Croatia 9-6 to win gold at the FINA World League Super Final and earn a berth to the 2016 Olympic Games.
Scoring
USA 23 (3, 3, 2, 2) (13) T. Azevedo 4, A. Obert 2, B. Bonanni 2, L. Cupido 1, A. Bowen 1
BRA 24 (1, 1, 3, 5) (14)
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.