WATER POLO / ALAMO CUP : Greece Hands U.S. First Loss, 9-6

By neutralizing the strong inside game of the United States, Greece defeated the U.S. water polo team, 9-6, Friday in an Alamo Cup ’93 game at El Toro High School.

The United States’ dominant big men--6-foot-8 Kyle Kopp and 6-9 Doug Kimbell--were hampered by foul trouble.

Kimbell, a veteran of two Olympic teams who is considered one of the world’s best defenders, sat out most of the second and third quarters and fouled out with 4 minutes 36 seconds left in the game. In Kimbell’s absence, Kopp was ejected twice. A third ejection would have disqualified him also.

It was the first loss for the United States in two years of Alamo Cup play. The United States is 1-1 with games remaining against Cuba today and Russia on Sunday. Greece has won both its games.

Russia is 2-0 with a 13-9 victory over Canada on Friday.

The round-robin tournament continues today at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach.