U.S. Men’s Water Polo Fall to Spain Despite 4 Goals from Nicolas Saveljic
Nicolas Saveljic scored four goals on Friday, but the U.S. men’s water polo team fell to a consistent effort from Spain, 16-9, in a match in Barcelona.
The game is the first of two for the U.S. in Spain as part of its Christmas Cup. The teams will play again Sunday in Terrassa.
Spain led 4-1 after one quarter and 8-3 at half. The reigning World Champion Spanish scored four goals in each quarter, led by four from Alvaro Granados. Unai Aguirre kept the U.S. offense quiet, as Spain prepares for the European Championships.
Bernat Sanahuja, Sergi Cabanas, Fran Valera and Unai Biel scored twice each for Spain. Goals by Cabanas and Sanahuja in the final minute of the first quarter turned a 2-1 lead quickly into 4-1. It would be a five-goal run bridging the quarters to put Spain in control at 7-1.
Saveljic was the only American with multiple goals. He scored twice in the third quarter, but that only got the Americans within 12-5. Spain kept Max Irving off the board entirely in a stellar defensive performance.