The USA men were forced into penalties for the second straight day and for the third time in their last four matches in the Super Final knockout round at the FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final on Saturday. This time, unlike last year’s bronze medal match against Brazil, the US found the edge on penalties and despite needing to go six rounds held off Greece to lock up their first medal since 2008. The US had opened the match strong with a 5-2 lead after the first quarter but Greece had cut it to 6-5 at the half and evened it at 10-10 going to the fourth quarter. A defensive fourth saw each team score one goal and the 11-11 score sent the game to penalties. The US needed more than five rounds for the second straight day but pulled it out 6-5. Luca Cupido led the US with four goals while Tony Azevedo had two more. Once again Merrill Moses and McQuin Baron split time in goal with Moses recording nine saves to Baron’s one this time.

Serbia held off Italy 7-4 in the other semifinal so they will now rematch the US for gold after defeating the Americans 10-8 in the group stage. Serbia and Italy’s 11 combined goals made it the lowest scoring game of this tournament. Serbia is the three time defending champions while the US is trying to win their first ever gold.

USA Schedule:
Tuesday – Group B – USA 12-6 China
Wednesday – Group B – USA 10-7 Brazil
Thursday – Group B – USA 8-10 Serbia
Friday – Quarterfinals – USA 8(8)-8(7) Australia
Saturday – Semifinals – USA 11(6)-11(5) Greece
Sunday – Final – USA vs. Serbia

Previous FINA Men’s Water Polo World League Super Final Coverage:
Preview
China Recap
Brazil Recap
Serbia Recap
Australia Recap