The U.S. men?s water polo team dropped its final pool play of the London Olympics, falling 11-6 to Hungary on Monday.
The Americans finished 3-2 and in fourth place in Group B. They?ll play?Croatia, the champion of Group A, in the quarterfinals.
“The tournament starts now, with the quarterfinals,? said U.S. coach and San Marcos alum Terry Schroeder. ?I believe in these boys and they believe in themselves.”
Schroeder felt his team started well against the Hungarians, ?but offensively we didn?t get it. We have to regroup, pick ourselves up and find our hearts.?
Hungary scored the only goal in the first period before erupting for three straight in a little over two minutes in the second period to take 4-0 lead. The Hungarians built their lead to 7-2 in the third period.
“Hungary played well, pressing all over. We made a lot of mistakes on defense,” said U.S. captain Tony Azevedo.
Now it?s on to the knockout round.
“It’s do or die now, so we have to give it our best shot,” said Jesse Smith.
The U.S. and Croatia met most recently at the semifinals of the 2012 FINA World League Super Final, which ended in an 11-10 win for Croatia.
Kami Craig and the U.S. women?s team plays Australia in the semifinals on Tuesday. The two teams have met in either a semifinal or medal round match in every Olympic Games to offer women’s water polo dating back to 2000.
In track and field on Monday, Duane Solomon won his first-round heat in the 800 meters. The Cabrillo High grad was timed in 1:46.05
