Men’s Water Polo: Mann leads Team USA over Japan at CdM

Former Corona del Mar High standout John Mann scored three goals as the U.S. men’s senior national water polo team beat Japan, 10-6, in its second group play game of the FINA Intercontinental Tournament on Tuesday at Corona del Mar High.

Newport Harbor High product Luca Cupido, who now plays at Mann’s alma mater of Cal, had an assist for Team USA. The Americans won every quarter and earned a 4-2 halftime lead. Josh Samuels and Bret Bonanni each scored twice for Team USA.

Team USA was edged by Canada, 10-9, in its first group play game Monday night at CdM. Cupido had a team-high three goals, while Tony Azevedo and Alex Bowen each scored twice. Team USA rallied from a 7-3 halftime deficit to take a 9-7 lead, but couldn’t hold it.

The United States plays against Argentina in its final group play game Wednesday at 8 p.m. at CdM. Tickets are available online at https://www.usawaterpolo.org.

Playoff games for the eight-team FINA Intercontinental Tournament begin Thursday, with the semifinals scheduled for Friday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. The tournament championship game is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Team USA needs a top-four finish at the tournament to qualify for the FINA World League Super Final, to be held June 23-28 in Bergamo, Italy.

— Matt Szabo