Men’s Euro Cup: Trieste defeated away, Szolnok wins 16-14

An away defeat for Pallanuoto Trieste in their second match of the Men’s Euro Cup Group Stage. The team sponsored by Samer & Co. Shipping was beaten by Szolnok 16-14, a result that gives the Hungarians the provisional top spot in Group B with 6 points.

“We faced a really strong opponent,” analyzed coach Maurizio Mirarchi. “We gave it our all, created a lot, and at one point we even had the chance to level the game. The effort was definitely there.” “A good performance on a tough field,” added general manager Andrea Brazzatti. “We could’ve used a bit more composure and sharpness, but this setback doesn’t compromise our qualification hopes.”

Match summary. Kovacs opened the scoring within seconds (1-0), and Marziali replied with a fine turn from center (1-1). The home side went up by two thanks to Zeman’s left-handed shot (4-2), but Draskovic reduced the gap on the power play (4-3). The pace remained high in the second period. Manzi equalized (4-4), while Szolnok relied on the offensive flair of the ever-dangerous Kovacs, who led them to a 7-5 advantage at halftime.

The rhythm stayed the same in the third quarter. After the Hungarians moved ahead 8-6, Draskovic converted a penalty and Podgornik scored with a sharp move at the near post to make it 9-9. Bence Szabo, wearing the white cap, netted for 9-8; Kovacs was clinical from the penalty line (10-9), and Mezzarobba struck on the man-up to keep Trieste close — 10-9 with 8 minutes to go.

The game was decided early in the final quarter. Kakstedter made it 11-9 on the power play, Draskovic replied with another penalty (11-10), and Zeman extended the lead to 12-10. Trieste had a double man advantage to cut the gap but couldn’t capitalize, and on the counterattack Bence Szabo scored again for 13-10. Cagalj and Draskovic kept Trieste alive, and at 15-13 they pushed with seven field players — but were punished by a lob from goalkeeper Jozsa (16-13 with 23 seconds left). Marziali had the last word for the final 16-14.

Next match: Pallanuoto Trieste will play on Tuesday, November 4, in the postponed Serie A1 fixture away to Quinto Genova (9:00 p.m.).

SZOLNOK – PALLANUOTO TRIESTE 16-14 (4-3; 3-2; 3-4; 6-5)
SZOLNOK: Jozsa 1, Kakstedter 1, Zerinvary 1, Krasznai 1, Simon 1, Schmolcz, Vamosi, Kovacs 4, Boroczky 1, B. Szabo 2, Bedo 2, Teleki, G. Szabo, Zeman 2. Coach: Hangay
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE: Lazovic, Podgornik 1, Petronio, Fumo, P. Faraglia, Liprandi, Manzi 1, Mezzarobba 1, Razzi, Draskovic 6, Szabo, Cagalj 2, Oliva, Marziali 3. Coach: Mirarchi
Referees: Kourtifis (GRE), Matijasevic (MNE)