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Zagreb, Croatia – August 8 – The USA Cadet Men fell to Spain 17-16 after penalties today in the semifinals at the World Aquatics U16 World Championships. Aden Shin and Hunter Coleman scored three goals each before the shootout while goalkeeper Alistair Sterrett recorded five saves. Team USA will play in the bronze medal match against Serbia tomorrow at 10:00am pt. The match will stream live on the World Aquatics YouTube channel with live statistics on Microplus Timing Services.

The captain Shin scored on the game’s opening possession to give the United States an early advantage. Spain answered quickly before Coleman responded to retake the lead. A pair of Spanish goals followed to set the score at 3-2 after one.

In the second quarter, Shin scored an equalizer on a counterattack and then Coleman took on multiple defenders in set with ease for his second. Spain knotted things back up on a power play opportunity before Coleman earned a penalty foul and converted on the attempt for a first half hat trick. Another Spanish penalty foul allowed Shin to match Coleman with a five meter conversion and first half hat trick of his own. Spain got one back on a counterattack strike as the Americans held a 6-5 lead at the break.

Spain regained the lead early in the second half with a pair of goals before Harry Siafaris and Owen Marks got involved for the United States who kept an 8-7 advantage headed into the final frame.

Dominic Palandrani stuck first in the fourth to extend the American edge. Midway through the quarter, each side earned a power play but only Spain converted to pull within one. Then, Ronan Keane answered with a cross cage goal before Spain responded with its own score. A late ill-advised pass led to a Spanish counterattack and equalizer with 0:10 left. The United States missed on its final shot attempt and regular time ended with the score knotted at 10-10.

Spain began the shootout with a goal before Coleman answered. Another Spanish conversion preceded a Hunter Loo goal. Spain and Shin traded scores again before a fourth straight goal from Spain and the United States courtesy of Keane. A fifth Spanish conversion meant the Americans had to score and Channing Wigo obliged. Spain started the extra rounds with another goal and Coleman matched again. Spain continued to put the pressure on with a seventh score and came up with a stop to seal the 17-16 win after penalties.

Team USA went 3/6 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties before the shootout while Spain went 4/6 on power plays with no penalties attempted before the shootout.

Scoring – Stats

USA 16 (2, 4, 2, 2, 6) A. Shin 3, H. Coleman 3, R. Keane 1, O. Marks 1, D. Palandrani 1, H. Siafaris 1

ESP 17 (3, 2, 2, 3, 7) A. Lopez 4, S. Diaz 2, J. Shinske Marin 2, P. Lopez 1, M. Luengo Osuna 1

Saves – USA – A. Sterrett 5 – ESP – A. Vilar Torrent 5, P. Martinez Enjuanes 1

6×5 – USA – 3/6 – ESP – 4/6

Penalties – USA – 2/2 – ESP – 0/0