The following is a press release courtesy of USA Water Polo:
Shanghai, China – May 29 – The USA Men’s Senior National Team completed group play at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament undefeated after an 11-10 victory over Brazil. Bret Bonanni (Huntington Beach, CA/Stanford/Stanford) scored three goals to pace the offense and McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/Mater Dei HS/United) stopped five shots in goal. Team USA now moves on to the quarterfinal round where they will take on Japan at 7pm local time/4am pacific time.
Team USA got off to a strong start in this match posting a 3-1 lead after the first. Brazil respond with a 3-1 advantage in the second period to tie the game at 4-4 at halftime. Brazil scored four more goals in the third quarter and held a 8-7 lead going to the fourth. Team USA was able to rebound, outscoring Brazil 4-2, to take the match by one goal.
In an exclusion heavy match, Team USA went 9/18 on power plays while Brazil was 5/12. Neither team attempted a penalty shot.
At the conclusion of the tournament, Team USA will head to Northern California where they will host Serbia in a four game exhibition series from June 4-8. Tickets for all four matches are currently on sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
Scoring
USA 11 (3, 1, 3, 4) B. Bonanni 3, A. Bowen 2, J. Samuels 2, M. Rosenthal 2, A. Daboub 1, A. Obert 1
BRA 10 (1, 3, 4, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Baron – 5
6×5 – USA – 9/18 – BRA – 5/12
Penalties – USA 0/0 – BRA – 0/0