USA Water Polo National League: Mission (UCLA) Wins 2025 Championship
The 2025 USA Water Polo Men’s National League Championships wrapped up with a dramatic day of finals action at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. UCLA captured the National League crown in thrilling fashion over The Olympic Club, while the Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC) secured third place with an impressive win over the New York Athletic Club (NYAC).
Third Place Match: LAAC Tops NYAC
In the battle for third place, LAAC outgunned NYAC ,19–16. LAAC’s offense was led by Max Casabella, who erupted for six goals, while Olympian Filip Filipovic added another score to power LAAC’s attack.
LAAC built a steady lead through the first three quarters, never letting NYAC find consistent momentum. LAAC’s defense, anchored by solid team rotations, weathered several late surges by NYAC to secure the victory.
Final Score:
LAAC 19, NYAC 16
Key Stats:
Championship Game: UCLA Survives Olympic Club in Shootout
The Championship Final between UCLA (playing as “Mission”) and The Olympic Club was an instant classic. UCLA held a 14–10 advantage early in the fourth quarter, but Olympic Club stormed back with five straight goals to tie the game at 15–15 at the end of regulation.
In the decisive penalty shootout, UCLA goalkeeper Nathan Tauscher stepped up with two critical saves, while Ryder Dodd led the offense, helping UCLA clinch the championship 4–2 in penalties.
Final Score:
UCLA 15, Olympic Club 15 (UCLA wins 4–2 in shootout)
Quarter-by-Quarter:
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1st Quarter: UCLA 4, Olympic Club 4
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2nd Quarter: UCLA 8, Olympic Club 6
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3rd Quarter: UCLA 12, Olympic Club 9
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4th Quarter: Tied 15–15
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Shootout: UCLA wins 4–2
Key Stats:
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Ryder Dodd (UCLA): 8 goals
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Paul Reynolds (Olympic Club): 4 goals, including a hat trick in the fourth quarter
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Nathan Tauscher (UCLA): 2 saves in the penalty shootout
Honors and Awards
Individual Honors:
MVP (Player of the Tournament): Ryder Dodd (UCLA)
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Top Scorer (Overall Tournament): Ryan Ohl (USA Pipeline)
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Top Goalkeeper: Brendon Gyapjas (Channel Cats)
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Coach of the Tournament: Eric Carnohan (LAAC)
Closing Thoughts
UCLA’s run to the title was fueled by Ryder Dodd’s scoring explosion and clutch goaltending from Nathan Tauscher. LAAC’s strong showing, anchored by Casabella and Filipovic, proved they were among the league’s elite. With rising stars and Olympic veterans making headlines all weekend, the 2025 National League sets the stage for an exciting summer of water polo.
Stats and Results:
For full match results, visit usawaterpolo.org
