Alexandroupoli, Greece - April 11 - The USA Men fell to Croatia today, 18-12, at the 2026 World Aquatics World Cup Division 1 Tournament. Team captain Max Irving scored four goals for the United States as goalkeepers Adrian Weinberg & Charlie Mills combined for nine saves. Team USA will conclude its tournament with a match against the Netherlands tomorrow morning at 4:00am et/1:00am pt with live streaming on World Aquatics and live statistics on Microplus Timing Services.
Croatia struck first in this contest on its opening possession but Hannes Daube had an early answer for the Americans. The Croatian side retook the lead immediately and added another via the extra man before Irving put home his first of the game from six meters. In the final minute of the quarter, Croatia scored to cement a 4-2 lead after one.
The second period began in much the same way with an extra man goal followed by a counter attack strike for Croatia. Luke Nelson got the United States back on the board before Ryder Dodd did the same. The Croatians scored on the next trip down the pool and then gave up a penalty shot to Ryder Dodd who did not miss. There was one more score for Croatia late in the half to give the Europeans an 8-5 edge at the break.
With the game still up for grabs to begin the third quarter, Croatia deemed it time to turn on the gas. They scored seven goals in the quarter whereas Marko Vavic, Nelson, and Ben Liechty netted three for Team USA who trailed 15-8 headed to the final frame.
Liechty opened the fourth period with a power play conversion and Irving notched three more goals for the Americans, who conceded three to Croatia for an 18-12 final score.
Team USA went 4/7 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties while Croatia went 4/11 on power plays and 0/1 on penalties.
Scoring - Stats
USA 12 (2, 3, 3, 4) M. Irving 4, R. Dodd 2, B. Liechty 2, L. Nelson 2, H. Daube 1, M. Vavic 1
CRO 18 (4, 4, 7, 3) M. Zuvela 5, T. Brubnjak 3, K. Kharkov 3, A. Jerkovic 2, L. Bukic 1, R. Buric 1, Z. Butic 1, V. Pavlic 1
Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 5, C. Mills 4 - CRO - M. Bijac 11
6x5 - USA - 4/7 - CRO - 4/11
Penalties - USA - 2/2 - CRO - 0/1
