Men’s Water Polo: Americans top Croatia, 9-5

PASADENA — Captain Tony Azevedo scored twice as the U.S. men’s national water polo team defeated Croatia, 9-5, in an exhibition match Friday before a capacity crowd at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center.

Former UC Irvine standouts Ryan Bailey and Tim Hutten each scored once for Team USA, as did former Corona del Mar High standout John Mann.

Team USA improved to 3-1 in four pre-Olympic showcase games over the past week against world powers Croatia and Hungary, including two matches last weekend at Newport Harbor High. Friday’s win was the United States’ first against Croatia since the 2008 Olympics.

Team USA now prepares to name its London Olympics team roster on Tuesday.

—From staff reports