Team USA beats Russia, but doesn’t advance at FINA Worlds

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Newport Harbor High graduate Luca Cupido scored four goals for the U.S. men’s senior national water polo team Friday in a 14-11 win over Russia at the FINA World Championships.

It was a strong close to group play for the U.S. It wasn’t enough, however, to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Team USA needed at least an eight-goal victory over Russia, or a win over Russia and a Japan victory over Croatia, to finish in the top three of Group D and advance at the FINA Worlds. However, Croatia beat Japan, 16-6, following the USA win.

Team USA is relegated to the 13th-16th place bracket, and will meet South Africa in the 13th-16th semifinal on Sunday at 3 a.m. Pacific time.

Alex Bowen also scored four goals for the Americans against Russia, and McQuin Baron made 15 saves.

Johnny Hooper and Thomas Dunstan each scored twice for Team USA, which jumped to a 6-1 lead over Russia after the first quarter.

Friday’s win was the first of the tournament for the U.S. men, who lost to Croatia, 12-7, and Japan, 15-7, in the first two group games.

matthew.szabo@latimes.com

Twitter: @mjszabo