(Report via FINA.org)
Bret Bonanni of USA, and Kazakhstan danger man Rustam Ukumanov, scored seven of the eight first-quarter goals in a sharp-shooting start to the day’s second clash. Bonanni netted four times, and Ukumanov a hat-trick, in the opening exchanges.
Ukumanov also netted the Kazakhs’ only goal of the second period, during which the Americans pulled 9-4 clear on the way to maintaining their flawless start with a 19-7 win.
Bonanni eventually won their personal shootout, bagging nine goals — the tournament’s best single haul so far — to Ukumanov’s four.
Brazil lie in wait for USA, and coach Dejan Udovicic highlighted defensive improvement and better focus, compared withWednesday’s too-close-for-comfort 17-14 win over Japan.
“I think we made a little progress but we need to continue to improve our game because we want to raise the bar as high as possible. We’re trying to build the level of our game to the point where we can compete against anyone,” he said.
Team USA went 8/15 on power plays while Kazakhstan went 6/12 with neither team attempting a penalty shot.
Scoring
USA 19 (5, 4, 3, 7) B. Bonanni 9, J. Mann 3, A. Roelse 3, J. Samuels 2, L. Cupido 2, T. Azevedo
KAZ 7 (3, 1, 1, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Baron 5, M. Moses 3
6×5 – USA – 8/15 – KAZ – 6/12
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – KAZ – 0/0
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.