Men’s Water Polo: Team USA falls to Australia in shootout

The United States men’s senior national water polo team lost to Australia in a shootout, 17-16, in a FINA Intercontinental Tournament semifinal game Friday night at Corona del Mar High.

Team USA will play China for third place in the tournament at noon Saturday at CdM. Brazil will play Australia for the championship at 1:30 p.m.

The Americans got two goals from Newport Harbor High alumnus Luca Cupido in regulation, which ended in a 13-13 tie. Australia had a 13-10 lead with less than three minutes to go, but Alex Bowen, Josh Samuels and Bret Bonanni each scored for Team USA to force the shootout.

Bonanni, Cupido and Bowen each scored in the shootout for Team USA, which still trailed after the fourth round. U.S. goalie McQuin Baron blocked Billy Miller’s shot to keep Team USA alive, but Australian goalie James Stanton-French then blocked Corona del Mar High graduate John Mann’s shot to end the game.

Mann drew three kickouts in regulation for Team USA. Samuels and Bowen each scored three goals in regulation to lead the Americans.

Tickets for Saturday’s action are available at https://www.usawaterpolo.org.

— Matt Szabo