Huizhou, China – June 23 – The USA Men’s National Team fell to Serbia 10-8 earlier today to close out pool play at the FINA World League Super Final. Alex Bowen (Santana, CA/Stanford/NYAC) and Ben Hallock (Studio City, CA/Harvard Westlake/LA Premier) each scored twice in the win with Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) and McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) teaming up for eight saves in net. Team USA now prepares to meet Australia in the quarterfinal round on Friday at 1:20am pt. The winner will move on to the semifinals scheduled to be streamed on beIN Sports 8.
Serbia opened up with the lead early claiming a 4-2 advantage after the first quarter. They added three more goals in the second quarter to expand the lead to 7-4. Team USA kept pace in the third quarter as the two sides tallied two goals each in the period leaving Serbia up 9-6 going into the final eight minutes. The United States looked to rally outscoring Serbia 2-1 in the fourth quarter but could get no closer losing 10-8.
Team USA struggled mightily on the power play going 1/11 while Serbia was 2/4 with neither side attempting a penalty shot.
Scoring
USA 8 (2, 2, 2, 2) A. Bowen 2, B. Hallock 2, T. Dunstan 1, A. Obert 1, L. Cupido 1, T. Azevedo 1
SRB 10 (4, 3, 2, 1)
Saves – USA – M. Moses 6, M. Baron 2
6×5 – USA – 1/11 – SRB – 2/4
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – SRB – 0/0
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.