U.S. Leads at Halftime of Water Polo Semis

The United States, which has not won an Olympic medal in men's water polo since 1988, holds a 5-4 lead over Serbia at halftime of a semifinal match at Yingdong Natatorium.

Layne Beaubien scored twice for the Amercians, who were tied with Serbia 3-3 after one period. Serbia took a 4-3 lead on a goal by captain Vladimir Vujasinovic early in the second quarter, but the Americans came back with goals by Beaubien and Ryan Bailey to take the lead at the half.

The winner will face Hungary, the 2004 gold medalists, in Saturday's championship match. Hungary beat Montenegro 11-9 in the first semifinal. In 2004 and Athens, Serbia and Montenegro played together, winning the silver medal.

The U.S. men have never finished with better than silver at the Olympics. A victory tonight would assure at least that finish.

By Barry Svrluga  |  August 22, 2008; 8:08 AM ET  | Category:  Water Polo
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