USA Men Win Silver At 2016 FINA World League Super Final

Huizhou, China – June 26 – The USA Men’s Senior National Team reached the podium at the FINA World League Super Final for the first time since 2008 claiming silver after a 10-6 loss to Serbia in the championship match. Six different scorers paced the USA attack on offense with Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/Pepperdine/NYAC) and McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/USC/Regency) splitting time in net to record 13 saves. Next up for Team USA will be a return home after 30 days on the road and continued training in Southern California. The 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Water Polo Team will be announced July 7 on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego, CA.

Serbia got off to a quick start going ahead 2-0 after the first period. They kept up the intensity in the second period posting three more goals to take a 5-1 lead at halftime. A strong third period put Serbia in position for victory as they outscored Team USA 3-0 to hold an 8-1 lead going into the final quarter. Team USA looked to stage a major rally in the final eight minutes as they tallied five goals but it wouldn’t be enough as Serbia countered with two more strikes on the way to the 10-6 win.

Team USA went 3/12 on power plays and 0/1 on penalty shots while Serbia was 5/7 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shots. The silver medal finish equals Team USA’s best finish at this event. In 2008 the United States also earned silver after losing to Serbia 7-3 in the title match.

Scoring
USA 6 (0, 1, 0, 5) A. Obert 1, L. Cupido 1, A. Bowen 1, B. Bonanni 1. B. Hallock 1, N. Vavic 1
SRB 10 (2, 3, 3, 2)
Saves – USA – M. Moses 7 – M. Baron 6
6×5 – USA – 3/12 – SRB – 5/7
Penalties – USA – 0/1 – SRB- 1/1