Bronx, N.Y. – Despite the team having the week off from competition, Fordham associate head water polo coach Ilija Duretic was still busy, leading Team USA to the gold medal at the U19 PanAm Games in Bauru, Brazil.
 
The Games ran from September 28 through October 4, 2026 and brought together the continent's top junior teams.
 
Team USA lost only one match during the tournament, that coming in group play, a 20-19 loss to Brazil on penalties. But the Americans made up for that loss by beating the host team in the championship game, 19-13.
 
Here are the scores for Team USA:
 
Group play
Peru – Won 26-4
Canada – Won 28-9
Brazil – Lost 20-19 on penalties
Argentina – Won 18-7
Mexico – Won 35-7
 
Medal Round
Canada (semifinals) – Won 23-6
Brazil (finals) – Won 19-13
 
Duretic and the Fordham water polo squad returns to action with four home matches this weekend, starting with a visit from Wagner College on Friday at 6:00 p.m.