The United States defeated Canada 6-5 today ©FINA

Canada came close to bringing the United States' 100 per cent record to a close at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) women's Water Polo Intercontinental Tournament, but were denied in the dying stages.

The two teams were level at 5-5 with just 21 seconds to go in the Schaal Aquatic Center at the University of California, Davis before Melissa Seidemann slammed home the winner for the Rio 2016 Olympic champions.

Canada started strongly and raced into an early lead with Joelle Bekhazi’s goal in the first minute of the game.

Their North American rivals were soon level when 18-year-old Aria Fischer scored for the US with two minutes to go in the first period.

Elyse Lemay and Shae Fournier’s strikes in the second quarter ensured the Canadians were 3-1 ahead at half time.

But, early in the third quarter, Fischer and Paige Hauschild added two points for the Americans to restore parity.

In the fourth quarter, Canada pulled ahead once more after Bekhazi fired into the top corner. 

However, 16 seconds later, Ryann Neushul popped up to bring the US level at 4-4.

Canadian goalkeeper Georgia Phillips made a pair of sensational saves soon after, but was unable to keep out Jewel Roemer’s shot which steered the Americans in front at 5-4. 

With 21 seconds to go it appeared the match would be going to a shootout when Gurpreet Sohi scored for Canada to tie the game.

However, in the final seconds, Seidemann fired home to snatch a 6-5 win for the US.

Australia maintained their perfect record as they defeated Japan 8-3 today ©FINA
Australia maintained their perfect record as they defeated Japan 8-3 today ©FINA

“I actually had no idea the ball was coming to me," Seidemann said after the match.

"Then it appeared in my hand, and I shot it.

"I think it’s just a testament to coaching and Adam drilling into our heads: always being prepared for the ball, already being prepared for the next play.

"So I kept my legs ready, saw an opening, and took a shot.”

Australia also continued their unbeaten start to the tournament as they defeated Japan 8-3 today.

Elle Armit, Rowie Webster and Ashleigh Roberts all scored twice while Keesja Gofers and Isobel Bishop were also on target.

Yumi Arima scored a hat-trick for Japan.

Either Australia or the US are set to see their unbeaten records fall tomorrow when they meet in the final day of round-robin play.

In today's third match, Kazakhstan defeated China 9-7.

Anastassia Mirshina scored five for the Kazakhs while Kamila Zakizova got two goals.

Solo strikes from Darya Roga and Darya Muravyeva completed the scoring.