The USA Men’s National Team advanced to the semifinals of the FINA Intercontinental Tournament with a 10-8 victory over Japan. The win also assured Team USA of clinching a berth in the upcoming FINA World League Super Final set for next month in Dubai. Michael Rosenthal (Miami, FL/USC/NYAC) scored three goals to pace the offense while McQuin Baron (North Tustin, CA/Mater Dei HS/United) notched 10 saves in goal. Team USA returns to action on Saturday in the semifinals when they take on China at 5:40pm local time/2:40am pacific time.
The United States started off strong building a 3-1 lead after the first period. Japan battled back with a 4-2 advantage in the second period to even the game at 5-5 at halftime. Team USA rebounded strong in the third period blanking Japan 3-0 to grab an 8-5 lead headed to the fourth. In the final quarter Japan outscored the United States 3-2 but it was not enough to complete a come back as Team USA took the win by two goals.
The USA Men went 3/6 on power plays and and 2/2 on penalty shots while Japan was 4/13 on power plays and did not attempt 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 10 (3, 2, 3, 2) M. Rosenthal 3, J. Samuels 2, B. Bonanni 2, A. Bowen 2, J. Mann 1
JPN 8 (1, 4, 0, 3)
Saves – USA – M. Baron – 10
6×5 – USA – 3/6 – JPN 4/13
Penalties – USA – 2/2 – JPN 0/0
Swimming news is courtesy of USA Water Polo.
