LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Bucknell University head coach John McBride helped the United States as an assistant coach as the Americans claimed the bronze medal on July 2 at the World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo World Cup at the University of Southern California with a 14-13 elongated defeat of Hungary.
Team USA, which previously defeated Serbia (10-9 W) and fell to Italy (15-12 L) earlier in the tournament, needed to play a full game plus nearly four and a half minutes as the final 4:24 was replayed due to an appeal.
Prior to the re-start, Hungary defeated Team USA in a penalty shootout 18-16. Following the initial conclusion of the match, an appeal was registered concerning a possession in the fourth quarter.
At 4:24 during the fourth quarter of the regulation period, Team USA drew an exclusion and a subsequent penalty shot. Hungary blocked the penalty shot and the player from the exclusion corner was waived in. The teams were then “even”, although there was :07 left for the player in the exclusion. USA appealed; it was deemed a “correctable error” and determined to be replayed from the spot of the error.
It was determined the match would be replayed following the conclusion of the gold medal match, which Spain won over Italy 10-4.
Max Irving restarted the game by cashing in on the re-do of a penalty shot to even the score at 13. Team USA goalie Adrian Weinberg had two saves on the next Hungary possession to preserve the tie.
The next two minutes were scoreless, but USA’s Ryder Dodd came away with a steal to set up an USA possession with 90 seconds remaining. After a power play went for naught, USA regained the ball for Ben Hallock to break free at center and power in the game-winner with :40 remaining.
Hungary then drew an exclusion to set up a power play opportunity with :20 remaining, but the shot was off the mark. USA was able to run out the clock with :11 left and seal the victory. A high-powered offensive first half saw the USA gain multiple two-goal leads, including right out the gate. Johnny Hooper won the opening sprint and Hannes Daube powered in a shot to start the scoring for Team USA. Two exclusions during USA’s second possession gave the squad a six-on-four opportunity and Irving made good on the power play.
Irving scored four goals and assisting on four more. Daube recorded a hat trick in the first half, while Denes Varga led Hungary’s scorers with three.
Information courtesy USA Water Polo
