Peter Hudnut (Encino, Calif.) got things going offensively for the U.S. squad, scoring three minutes into the first quarter. Peter Varellas (Moraga, Calif.), Jeff Powers (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and John Mann (Newport Beach, Calif.) all netted their own first quarter goals, solidifying the U.S. Team’s dominance and tenacity early on.
By the final buzzer it was captain and two-time Olympian Tony Azevedo (Santa Ana, Calif.), with four goals, who led the U.S. in scoring. He also had two assists, a steal and a block. Azevedo was born in Rio and moved to the United States with his family as an infant. His father’s side of the family still lives in Brazil, and most were able to watch him play Sunday.
“Whenever you play in the country you’re born in, it’s a pretty exciting thing, especially when I get to see family members I haven’t seen in eight years,” Azevedo said. “They’ve never seen me play water polo before, so it’s very exciting. I got the jitters out, playing in front of the family for the first time, and I thought it was a good game for the team.”
In all, 10 U.S. players scored Sunday, and the team notched eight assists and four blocks. The U.S. shot 60 percent, compared to 10 percent from the Mexican Team. Goalkeeper Merill Moses (Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.) had 14 saves.
“I think overall we played pretty solid,” head coach Terry Schroeder said. “The defense is what we’ve been really stressing with the guys. We had a lot of movement and a lot of shot blocks, so I think it was a really solid effort tonight. Tony did a nice job offensively for us, but we had a number of players that did well. Some of the younger guys have been doing great bringing some energy off the bench.”
On Saturday, the U.S. team defeated host Brazil 12-6. The U.S. concludes round robin play Monday against Puerto Rico at 3 p.m., followed by the semi-finals on Wednesday and the finals, Thursday. The winner of the 2007 Pan Am Games earns a spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
About USA Water Polo: USA Water Polo, Inc. is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose to serve as the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information please visit www.usawaterpolo.com.
