World Aquatics Championships 2025: Team USA's rally comes up just short against Spain in water polo bronze medal match

The U.S. Women's National Team fell just short against Spain, 13-12, in the bronze medal match at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Wednesday.

Emma Lineback starred for the U.S. with five goals, while Amanda Longan made eight saves. It was Team USA's first fourth-place finish at the World Championships since 2001. En route to the bronze medal match, Team USA beat China, Netherlands, Argentina and Japan.

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"It was a great comeback," Lineback said after the match. "I think the effort that this team has shown throughout the tournament has been super consistent. We can never question each other's effort and the energy and attitude that we're bringing. The result obviously wasn't what we wanted, we wanted to be on that podium, but still super proud of the group."

After a mostly even start to the game, Spain began to pull away for a 7-4 lead at the half. But three third-quarter goals from Emily Ausmus kept Team USA in it, and then Lineback added a few of her own late in the comeback attempt that ultimately fell short.

Team USA went 9-for-17 on power plays and 0-for-1 on penalties; Spain went 4-for-10 on power plays and 2-for-2 on penalties.