Yokohama, Japan – May 10 – The USA Men’s National Team kicked off play at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament in Japan with an 8-6 win over Australia. Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) and Josh Samuels (Villa Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC) scored two goals each while Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) and McQuin Baron(North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) split time in net recording nine saves to secure the win. Team USA returns to play on Wednesday against Japan at 6am et/3am pt. Webcasting is expected to be available and can be accessed by clicking here.
Defense was the focus early on as the game was scoreless after the opening eight minutes on the first day of action. Team USA broke through in the second quarter with two goals to take a 2-1 lead at halftime. They looked to pull away in the third outscoring Australia 3-1 to hold a 5-2 advantage headed to the fourth. Australia’s offense found a groove in the fourth as they delivered four goals but the United States kept pace with three goals of their own to secure an 8-6 win.
Team USA went 3/8 on power plays while Australia was 4/12 with neither side attempting a penalty shot.
Scoring
USA 8 (0, 2, 3, 3) T. Azevedo 2, J. Samuels 2, L. Cupido 1, A. Obert 1, A. Roelse 1, J. Mann 1
AUS 6 (0, 1, 1, 4)
Saves – USA – M. Moses – 5, M. Baron 4
6×5 – USA – 3/8 – AUS 4/12
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – AUS -0/0
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.