Fukuoka, Japan - July 25 - The USA Men's National Team staged a massive rally in the fourth quarter, but came up just short, falling to Hungary 13-12 in the quarterfinal round at the World Championships.
Alex Bowen scored four goals to pace the offense with
Adrian Weinberg recording nine saves. Team USA now falls back to the 5-8 semifinals where they'll meet France on July 26 at 11:30pm pt. Live streaming coverage is available via
Peacock TV (subscription required). Live stats are available via Total Water Polo by
clicking here.
The first quarter saw the two teams trading goals as Hungary opened up with a 2-1 edge with 5:08 to play in the period.
Hannes Daube came back with two straight scores to give the United States a 3-2 lead. Hungary tied the match moments later only to see
Johnny Hooper score the first of his three on the day for a 4-3 USA lead. Hungary had the final word tying the match at 4-4 at the end of one.
A pivotal moment occurred with 2:55 to play in the quarter.
Ben Hallock drew an exclusion, but before Team USA could begin their power play a VAR video review was initiated. Following the review, the exclusion was rescinded and it was determined Hallock was given a brutality foul and excluded from the match. Hungary was awarded a penalty shot and a four-minute man advantage. They took advantage, scoring on the penalty and then adding two more goals to go in front 7-4 late in the half.
Chase Dodd got one back for Team USA with time winding down to trim the deficit to 7-5 at the intermission.
Team USA suffered no further damage from the extended Hungarian power play and returned to even strength early in the third. Bowen scored early in the period to make it 7-6 and then
Dylan Woodhead connected on a big power play strike after the four-minute period had passed, knotting the match at 7-7 with 6:34 to go in the quarter. Hungary went on another run after that as Gergo Zalanki scored three straight, part of six on the night, as Hungary took a 10-7 lead going to the fourth.
Hungary looked to put the match away twice in the fourth quarter building four goal leads, but Team USA wouldn't quit.
Alex Bowen hit on a penalty, the first make for Team USA after three misses, to draw back within three at 12-9. Bowen followed with a power play and it was quickly a two-goal game. Hungary went back ahead by three but Hooper returned fire with two straight to make it 13-12 with 1:29 left. Team USA had one more look on a power play with less than a minute to play but couldn't convert. A final possession was to no avail as Team USA couldn't get a shot off and Hungary held on for the win.
Team USA went 5/7 on power plays but just 1/4 on penalties while Hungary was 4/9 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties.
Scoring -
Stats
USA 12 (4, 1, 2, 5) A. Bowen 4, J. Hooper 3, H. Daube 2, M. Irving 1, C. Dodd 1, D. Woodhead 1
HUN 13 (4, 3, 3, 3) G. Zalanki 6, K. Manhercz 3, T. Nemet 1, D. Varga 1, E. Molnar 1
Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 9 HUN - S. Vogel 7
6x5 - USA - 5/7 - HUN - 4/9
Penalties - USA - 1/4 - HUN - 1/1
