STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Wagner men's water polo team closed the first game of the home slate in a spirited offensive showcase, ultimately falling to nationally ranked No. 5 Fordham, 20–15, at the Spiro Sports Center.

The Seahawks came out firing in the first quarter, with freshman Landon Castillo finding the back of the net earlier and later during the first frame to put Wagner ahead 2–5 after one.

Fordham responded in the second quarter, using a string of exclusions to have multiple shots opportunities. Despite a hat trick during this frame by the freshman Nadav Carmon, another two goals from Castillo and a goal from sophomore Smith Connors, the Rams took an 9–8 advantage into halftime.

In the third quarter, Wagner continued to fight behind steady play from sophomore goalkeeper Filip Petrovic and a pair of scores from senior captain Laszlo Strasser, and another recorded goal from Connors. Both teams traded goals throughout the frame, but Fordham's transition offense helped them extend the margin to 14–12.

The Seahawks closed strong in the fourth, with Strasser and Connors completing their hat trick, sophomore Matan Friedenberg first goal of the game and Carmon adding his fourth goal of the day. However, Fordham's experience proved the difference as the visitors secured the 20–15 win.

Goals: Castillo (4), Carmon (4), Connors (3), Strasser (3), Friedenberg

Up Next:
Wagner will continue to play this weekend at home. Tomorrow Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10:30 a.m. against Mount St. Mary's and at 4 p.m. against Bucknell in Spiro Sports Center.