Alexandroupoli, Greece - April 8 - The USA Men were defeated by Spain, 15-8, to close out group play at the 2026 World Aquatics World Cup Division 1 Tournament. Nicolas Saveljic notched three goals for the Americans as goalkeepers Adrian Weinberg and Charlie Mills combined for eight saves. Team USA now moves into the second round to determine 5th-8th place against Serbia, Croatia, and the Netherlands. There is plenty still left to play for with the top five teams from World Cup Division 1 slated to advance to the World Cup Final in Sydney, Australia later this year. The United States meets Serbia tomorrow morning at 6:30am et/3:30am pt with live streaming on World Aquatics and live statistics on Microplus Timing Services.
This game got started with a Spanish goal to which Ryder Dodd had a response for the United States from six meters. Then, Spain went back in front before Saveljic and Hannes Daube gave Team USA a 3-2 lead with the final two goals of the quarter.
Spain scored on back-to-back trips early in the second to retake the lead. Midway through the period, the Europeans added another before Dominic Brown cut the deficit in half for the Americans. Two more Spanish scores followed prior to Peter Castillo getting free on the counter attack for a goal to set the score at 7-5 going into halftime.
It was in the third quarter when Spain broke the game open with six goals scored opposite one goal from Daube for Team USA to cement a 13-6 advantage.
The two sides traded goals in the final frame with Saveljic converting on counter attack and penalty shot opportunities for the United States. Spain also scored twice to confirm 15-8 win.
Team USA went 0/5 on power plays and 3/3 on penalties while Spain went 7/11 on power plays and 1/2 on penalties.
Scoring - Stats
USA 8 (3, 2, 1, 2) N. Saveljic 3, H. Daube 2, D. Brown 1, P. Castillo 1, R. Dodd 1
ESP 15 (2, 5, 6, 2) B. Sanahuja 3, A. Granados 2, F. Valera 2, M. Valls 2, U. Biel 1, S. Cabanas 1, P. Daura 1, B. Gomila 1, M. Larumbe 1, M. Rodriguez 1
Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 6, C. Mills 2 - ESP - E. Lorrio 14
6x5 - USA - 0/5 - ESP - 7/11
Penalties - USA - 3/3 - ESP - 1/2
