The USA men’s water polo team increased the odds of crashing out of the Rio Olympics after a chippy loss to Spain on Monday. Bret Bonanni and Alex Bowen paced the American with seven goals between them in the 10-7 defeat. The loss left the team fifth out of six teams in Group B.
France, also 0-2, trails the USA in the group by goal differential. The top four teams in Groups A and B will advance to the knock-out phase of the Olympic tournament.
The risk of going 0-2 appears to have affected both sides with tensions running hot for most of the match. John Mann and Luca Cupido, plus two Spanish athletes, received game exclusions for behavior.
Spain went three for three on extra-man situations and converted both of their penalty throws. Team USA struggled from the field going one for six in the front court and counterattack.
The will look for redemption against France on Wednesday and attempt to preserve a chance of entering the top eight teams.
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