London Olympics: U.S. men’s water polo cruises against Britain

LONDON -- A little bit tired and definitely tested the last week, the U.S. men’s water polo team needed a break and found a reasonable host.

The U.S. beat Britain 13-7 Thursday in a preliminary match of the Olympics, taking a 7-0 lead and never facing a serious challenge after that.

A first-ever gold medal for the program is still a ways from being decided, but the U.S. improved to 3-0 and moved atop Group B at the Olympic Park water polo arena.

The U.S. needed a break after tight victories over Montenegro, 8-7, and Romania, 10-8.

Tony Azevedo certainly helped things in the first quarter, scoring three of his four goals.

Ryan Bailey had three goals and Shea Buckner added two for the U.S.

The U.S. dominance wasn’t that surprising. In fact, it could have been worse. Winless Britain had been outscored in its first two matches, 34-11, including a 21-7 loss to Serbia.

Rob Parker had three goals for Britain.

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