Zagreb, Croatia - August 3 - The USA Cadet Men opened play today at the World Aquatics U16 World Championships with a 12-2 win over Peru. The United States spread it around as four different players scored two goals while goalkeepers John Burns and Alistair Sterrett combined for five saves. Team USA will meet Germany early tomorrow morning at 1am pt. The match will stream live on the World Aquatics YouTube channel with live statistics on Microplus Timing Services.

For over three minutes, no goals were scored as both teams adjusted to the World Championship stage. Midway through the first quarter, Peru took the first lead on a power play shot from its captain. Owen Marks responded on the ensuing possession and the score stayed level at 1-1 after one.

Team USA clamped down on defense in the middle two periods to exert control over this contest. Grayson Taylor gave the Americans the lead before Ronan Keane and Cortez Chavez added to the tally for a 4-1 halftime edge.

In the third quarter, the United States stretched the lead again. Taylor, Marks, Liam Zarcu, and team captain Aden Shin each found the back of the net while Peru failed to do so again for an 8-1 score headed to the final frame.

Channing Wigo put away the opening goal of the fourth period before Peru earned a penalty and converted from five meters to break its scoring drought. Wigo, Zarcu, and Harry Siafaris wrapped things up with three American goals to cement the 12-2 victory.

Team USA went 4/5 on power plays and 2/3 on penalties while Peru went 1/1 on power plays and 1/2 on penalties.

Scoring - Stats
USA 12 (1, 3, 4, 4) O. Marks 2, G. Taylor 2, C. Wigo 2, L. Zarcu 2, A. Shin 1, C. Chavez 1, R. Keane 1, H. Siafaris 1
PER 2 (1, 0, 0, 1) S. Castillo 1, L. Llanos 1
Saves - USA - J. Burns 3, A. Sterrett 2 - PER - D. O'Neill 1
6x5 - USA - 4/5 - PER - 1/1
Penalties - USA - 2/3 - PER - 1/2