Kuwait City, Kuwait - December 12 - The Men's Junior National Team fell 18-11 to Italy to start play at the 2019 FINA Junior World Championships in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Marko Vavic and Hannes Daube powered Team USA's offense with three goals each. Adrian Weinberg started and played three quarters while notching five saves and Kent Emden played the final quarter and recorded one save. Next up Team USA takes on Iran on December 13 at 5:10 am pt. Click here to watch.

Italy got off to a quick start as they outscored Team USA 5-3 to take a two goal lead at the end of the first quarter. Italy's offense continued to roll in the second quarter as they struck for five more goals while Team USA grabbed two goals as Italy took a commanding 10-5 advantage at halftime. The Italians continued to hold down Team USA as they struck for three more in the third quarter to take a 13-6 lead. Team USA fought back in the fourth quarter as they scored five goals, but Italy also scored five as the Italians went on win 18-11.

Team USA went 2/9 on power plays while Italy went 10/13 on power plays white neither team attempted a penalty.
 
Scoring
USA 11 (3, 2, 1, 5) M. Vavic 3, H. Daube 3, J. Erhardt 2, G. Zaan 1, Q. Woodhead 1, A. Molthen 1
ITA 18 (5, 5, 3, 5) 
6x5 - USA - 2/9 - ITA - 10/13
Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 5 - K. Emden 1 - ITA - Di Donna 5