Tuesday was homecoming day for the U.S. national men’s water polo team at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament at Corona del Mar.
It also was bounce-back day.
Former Register player of the year and CdM alum John Mann scored three second-half goals to help Team USA even its record at 1-1 with a 10-6 victory against Japan.
The Americans also got two goals from Josh Samuels (Villa Park) and Bret Bonanni (Mater Dei) and nine saves from McQuin Baron (Mater Dei). Four-time Olympian Tony Azevedo also had two assists for the second consecutive game.
Team USA bounced back from a tournament-opening 10-9 loss against Canada on Monday night. Mann’s production at center helped spark the turnaround. The former Cal standout and 2012 Olympian scored three goals on nine shots after going scoreless against Canada.
The U.S. team also improved its power-play, going 3 for 8 (38 percent) after recording a 2 for 11 (18 percent) against Canada.
Team USA closes out play in Group A on Wednesday night against Argentina (0-2) at 8 p.m.
