Alexandroupolis, Greece - January 16 - In a challenging match at the World Cup Division 1 tournament, the USA Women's Water Polo team faced a tough 20-7 defeat against Greece. Chrissy Flynn was the standout player for Team USA, scoring twice, while goalkeeper Amanda Longan made four saves. The team is set for a quick turnaround, facing Italy tomorrow at 10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT, with the match available for live streaming on Recast PPV and live statistics provided by World Aquatics.
The game began with U.S. Olympian Jovana Sekulic scoring the opening goal on a power play. Greece quickly responded with two consecutive goals, but Flynn leveled the score with a penalty shot. However, Greece managed to score twice more, closing the first quarter with a 4-2 lead. In the second quarter, Greece continued their momentum by adding two additional goals. Tara Prentice reduced the margin by scoring on a player advantage, but Greece maintained their lead by scoring twice more. Flynn’s successful power play left Team USA trailing 8-4 at halftime.
The third quarter proved decisive as Greece surged ahead, scoring seven goals while the U.S. managed just one goal, courtesy of Maryn Dempsey. This extended Greece's lead to 15-5. In the final quarter, Malia Allen and Lucy Haaland-Ford each found the net once, but Greece closed the match with five more goals, sealing a dominant 20-7 victory at home.
Team USA made 4 out of 8 power plays and successfully converted their sole penalty, while Greece completed 3 of 5 power plays and was perfect on penalties, converting all five attempts.
Scoring Summary
USA 7 (2, 2, 1, 2): C. Flynn 2, T. Prentice 1, J. Sekulic 1, M. Allen 1, M. Dempsey 1, L. Haaland-Ford 1
GRE 20 (4, 4, 7, 5): S. Santa 3, E. Plevritou 2, F. Tricha 2, E. Elliniadi 2, E. Ninou 2, C. Siouti 2, V. Plevritou 2, M. Myriokefalitaki 2, M. Patra 1, M. Bitsakou 1, F. Angelidi 1
Saves: USA - A. Longan 4, I. Williams 3 | GRE - I. Stamatopoulou 3
Extra-man Opportunities: USA - 4/8 | GRE - 3/5
Penalties: USA - 1/1 | GRE - 5/5