The USA men's team won a 6th consecutive Pan American Games gold medal after beating Brazil in the final of the 2015 edition in Toronto 11-9 on Wednesday. Following the semifinal win over rivals Canada, and the qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the US men could conclude their successful week in Canada by clinching yet another Pan Ams gold. The difference in the match-up with Brazil was already made in the first half by the Dejan Udovicic coached side. In the second period Brazil got back to 2-2 from being 2-0 down but the following 3 goals were scored by USA as they grabbed a lead than would be maintained until the end despite Brazil hanging on in trailing 2 goals. In the final quarter it was Josh Samuels who scored from extra man but saw Bernardo Gomes quick to respond on the other end for the 11-9 score. And with still 5.37 to go, the Brazilians looked to have plenty of time in their attempts of forcing a comeback. However sloppy play and an excelling USA goalie Merill Moses prevented Brazil from scoring in the remainder as USA held on to win and claiming their 6th straight gold medal.
Canada took the bronze medal by dominating Argentina in the second half to win 16-8. Mexico finished 5th thanks to a 11-14 victory over Venezuela while Cuba took over in the second half of their match-up with Ecuador to triumph 13-6 and finish in 7th place. The Pan Ams top 3 will now shift their focus to Kazan, Russia where on July 26 the water polo tournament of the 2015 World Championships will get underway. Canada and Brazil will meet already in the preliminary round as both were drawn in group A.
USA WaterPolo Team
Day 8 results
Wednesday, 15 July
MEN
Cuba vs. Ecuador 13-6 (2-1, 1-3, 5-2, 5-0) - 7th-8th place classification
Venezuela vs. Mexico 11-14 (3-3, 2-4, 3-2, 3-5) - 5th-6th place classification
Canada vs. Argentina 16-8 (3-2, 5-3, 4-2, 4-1) - bronze medal
USA vs. Brazil 11-9 (1-0, 6-5, 3-3, 1-1) - gold medal
USA men's team qualifies for 2016 Olympic Games.
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