First men’s water polo game

Team USA’s Jesse Smith (blue cap) battles Montenegro’s Boris Zlokovic for position. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

July 29, 2012 5:52 PM PT

The U.S. men’s water polo team won its first match of the games, defeating Montenegro 8-7.

The U.S. and Montenegro battle in a water polo match during a preliminary round Sunday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA defenders try to block the shot of Montenegro’s Aleksandar Radovic. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA’s Tim Hutten (blue cap) battles Montenegro’s Boris Zlokovic for the ball. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA’s Adam Wright battles a Montenegro player. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

U.S. goalie Merrill Moses (red cap) and teammate Peter Hudnut can’t make a save against Montenegro. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Jesse Smith battles Montenegro’s Boris Zlokovic for the ball. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA celebrates a goal in a close match with Montenegro. The U.S.goes up against Romania next. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)