Rio Maior, Portugal - July 2 - The USA Men's Youth National Team defeated Hungary 12-11 today in the quarterfinal round at the World Aquatics Youth World Championships. Team captain Kai Kaneko scored five goals for the United States while goalkeeper Rafael Suarez-Abraham notched eight saves in the cage. Team USA advances to the semifinal round for the first time ever at the Youth level for a match against Montenegro tomorrow at 1:00pm et/10:00am pt. Live streaming of all matches is available via the World Aquatics YouTube channel. Follow live stats on Microplus Timing Services.

It was a tough beginning for Team USA in this contest as Hungary scored the game's first three goals out the gate. Wyatt Williamson broke the Hungarian run with the Americans' first goal late in the quarter but Hungary added one more with seconds left for a 4-1 lead after one. In the second period, Hungary scored early to go up by four before the United States began its comeback. First, it was Tyler Anderson who scored on a man-advantage before Dexter Black and Jett Taylor added goals from six meters. Jett Taylor put away another goal with just over one minute left in the half, this time on a power play to level the score at 5-5 at the break.

The third quarter was a continuation of the second as Team USA kept its foot on the gas. Kaneko got involved with back-to-back goals to begin before Jett Taylor widened the lead to three. From there, nearly five minutes of scoreless action ensued. The drought was eventually broken when Kaneko scored his third of the quarter. Hungary got one back late to set the score at 9-6 after three. In the final frame, Jackson Shaw had the first word before a pair of Hungarian goals halved the deficit. Just over midway through the period, Kaneko connected on a penalty shot to reestablish a three-goal lead. Back-to-back strikes from Hungary brought them within one but Kaneko scored again with two minutes remaining. From there, Hungary could just muster one more goal and the United States claimed the 12-11 victory.

Team USA went 3/7 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties while Hungary went 5/14 on power plays with no penalties attempted.

Scoring - Stats
USA 12 (1, 4, 4, 3) K. Kaneko 5, J. Taylor 3, T. Anderson 1, D. Black 1, J. Shaw 1, W. Williamson 1
HUN 11 (4, 1, 1, 5) Z. Hidasi 3, D. Divjak 2, C. Jambor 1, Z. Kondor 1, M. Moldisz 1, B. Rabb 1, N. Pinter 1, L. Stogicza 1
Saves - USA - R. Suarez-Abraham 8 - HUN - A.Szilagyi 4
6x5 - USA - 3/7 - HUN - 5/14
Penalties - USA - 2/2 - HUN - 0/0