Fukuoka, Japan - July 27 - France rallied from four goals down in the fourth quarter to force a shootout, eventually winning 18-16 to stun the USA Men's National Team in the 5th-8th place semifinal at the World Aquatics World Championships. Alex Bowen scored five goals to lead the Team USA attack, who were without Ben Hallock following a brutality penalty in their prior match against Hungary. Adrian Weinberg recorded nine saves in net. With the loss, Team USA drops back to the seventh place where they will meet Montenegro at 7:30pm pacific time on July 28. Live streaming coverage is available via Peacock TV (subscription required). Live stats are available via Total Water Polo by clicking here. 

Team USA got off to a hot start as Max Irving opened the scoring on the very first possession. Bowen would make it 2-0 and Ryder Dodd would tack on an eventual power play strike for a 3-1 lead after one. France battled back in the second quarter scoring two straight to level the match at 3-3. Team USA had answers, turning to Dodd, Johnny Hooper and Marko Vavic for a 6-3 lead with 1:39 to play in the half. France had the final word, connecting with just four second left to make it 6-4 in favor of the United States at the break.

After Bowen put Team USA ahead 7-4 with 6:38 to go in the third, Duje Zivkovic responded with consecutive scores to make it 7-6 with 4:42 to go in the period. The United States roared back with three in a row, including two from Hooper, for a 10-6 edge. The teams traded goals the rest of the quarter and Team USA took an 11-8 margin to the fourth. Penalty shots allowed the United States to maintain their lead as Bowen connected for a four goal lead early in the fourth. With 5:43 to play Irving got back in the scoring column on a penalty shot to again rebuild a four goal lead, this time at 13-9. From there France went on a run powered by Thomas Vernoux. As France went on a four-goal run, Vernoux scored three times. The final score occurred as Team USA was trying to run out the clock. An offensive foul was called, allowing Vernoux to gain possession and fire on cage for a tie match. 

In the shootout France was perfect hitting on all of their shots. France keeper Hugo Fontani came up with a huge save and captain Ugo Crousillat finished things off with the game clinching score. Team USA went 4/9 on power plays and 4/6 on penalties during regulation. France went 4/10 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties. 

Scoring - Stats
USA 16 (3, 3, 5, 2) (3) A. Bowen 5, J. Hooper 3, M. Irving 2, R. Dodd 2, M. Vavic 1
FRA 18 (1, 3, 4, 5) (5) U. Crousillat 3, T. Vernoux 3, D. Zivkovic 2, E. Bjorch 2, E. Khasz 1, M. Marzouki 1, P. Vanpeperstraete 1
Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 9 - FRA - H. Fontani 9
6x5 - USA - 4/9 - FRA - 4/10
Penalties - USA - 4/6 - FRA - 2/2