The USA Men’s National Team defeated Spain with a 10-9 win on Friday night at the Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley. Luca Cupido led the charge with a hat trick, supported by Adrian Weinberg’s stellar performance of 17 saves. The series between the two countries concludes on Sunday afternoon at Sacred Heart Prep.
Spain took an early lead as Alvaro Granados scored first, but Max Irving equalized for Team USA almost immediately. Alberto Munarriz and Luca Cupido goals help to keep the score even midway through the first quarter. Bernat Sanahuja and Hannes Daube capitalized on power plays for Spain and the USA, respectively, leaving the teams tied 3-3 after the first period.
Team USA tightened their defense, with Weinberg making six crucial saves in the second quarter. Johnny Hooper converted a penalty shot to give the USA the lead, followed by Ryder Dodd scoring twice to end the half with a 6-3 lead.
Hannes Daube extended Team USA’s lead, but Spain responded strongly with five consecutive goals in the third period, including a hat trick by Blai Mallarach, to lead 8-7 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was intense, with Team USA and Spain battling back and forth. Luca Cupido assisted Chase Dodd on a man advantage to tie the game, then scored himself to put the USA ahead. Adrian Weinberg’s critical save on a penalty shot preserved the lead, and Cupido’s third goal sealed the 10-9 victory with 12 seconds remaining.
Team USA capitalized on 4 out of 11 power plays and successfully defended a penalty, while Spain managed 1 out of 7 power plays and missed their only penalty attempt.
