Bergeson Helps U.S. Edge Italy in Water Polo

James Bergeson, former Newport Harbor High School star, scored two goals Sunday to help the U.S. national water polo team defeat the Italian national team, 10-8, in an exhibition game played in front of 800 fans at Newport Harbor.

Mike Evans also scored twice for the United States, which last met Italy in the semifinals of this summer’s world championships in Madrid. Italy won that game, 10-9, but lost in the championship game to Yugoslavia.

Italy’s Antonello Steardo scored the first goal Sunday, but the U.S. team came back with four straight goals--by Bergeson, Evans, Alan Mouchawar and Terry Schroeder--to take a 4-1 lead with 4:54 remaining in the second period.

The United States maintained its four-point lead until the final quarter, when Italy’s Sandro Campagna, who led all scorers with three goals, scored on a rebound shot and added a penalty shot to make it 9-7 with 4:27 to play.

Italy had two chances to cut the lead to one in the final four minutes, but Steardo’s shot was blocked by U.S. goalie Craig Wilson, and Greg Boyer made a steal before Campagna could get a shot off on a fast break.