Courtesy: USA Water Polo
Bucharest, Romania – June 17 – The USA Men’s Junior National Team finished off a history making run in Romania today, claiming the program’s first ever medal at a Junior World Championship, as they downed Greece 11-6 to win bronze. Ben Liechty led the offense with three goals while West Temkin continued stellar play in net, recording 12 saves. Team USA took control of the match early on their way to the win, click here to watch a full replay of the game.
Chase and Ryder Dodd teamed up for two goals early before Greece broke through with their first score. Team USA battled back with two straight as Gray Carson finished off the first period with a goal for a 4-1 edge. Greece scored first in the second quarter but Team USA responded with two straight, the last coming from Liechty for a 6-2 lead at intermission. After Team USA went in front 7-2 in the third, Greece battle back to within three goals at 7-4 going to the fourth. Ryder Dodd and Peter Castillo halted any thoughts of a Greece rally, scoring the first two in the fourth to make it 9-4 in favor of the United States. Team USA tacked on two more goals from Liechty and Grant Watson to secure the 11-6 victory and a trip to the podium.
Scoring
USA 11 (4, 2, 1, 4) B. Liechty 3, R. Dodd 2, W. Mundelius 1, P. Castillo 1, G. Carson 1, G. Watson 1, C. Dodd 1, C. McFarland 1
GRE 6 (1, 1, 2, 2) A. Geogaras 2, S. Spachits 2, C. Bitsakos 1, A. Almyras 1
Saves – USA – W. Temkin 12 – GRE – N. Iliopoulos 6
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