After a close game at the temporary Water Polo Arena in London on Sunday, the USA Men’s water polo team defeated heavy-hitter Montenegro, putting the Americans on track to win their first gold medal in more than 100 years.

The USA Men’s team—which features mostly Southern California players, including two Long Beach locals now playing in their fourth Olympics—won the match 8-7, putting them at 1-0 in Group B standings. 

This is only the second time since 2008 that Team USA has beat Montenegro, who came in first place in the Olympic Games Qualification Tournament this year. The last time was an 11-10 shootout victory at the 2011 FINA World League Super Final. Montenegro defeated Team USA 11-9 in a shootout at the 2010 FINA World League Super Final and 10-6 at the 2009 FINA World League Super Final. 

Locals Tony Azevedo, Ryan Bailey and Adam Wright each scored one goal each during the game, with Azevedo’s occurring in the final minute of play. 

The Men’s team meets Romania in their next match on Tuesday, July 31 at 7:40pm local time (2:40PM EST/11:40AM PST).