WATER POLO / ALAMO CUP : U.S. Comes Back Strong Against Cuba, 8-5

Apparently solving its defensive problems of the night before, the U.S. national water polo team defeated Cuba, 8-5, in Alamo Cup ’93 play Saturday at Corona del Mar High.

There was none of the foul trouble that shackled two-meter defenders Doug Kimbell and Kyle Kopp in the 9-6 loss to Greece on Friday. Instead, the Americans held the Cubans more than six goals below their tournament average.

“Everybody recognizes that we can’t depend on two guys,” U.S. goalkeeper Chris Duplanty said. “I think the team came ready to play a little better team defense.”

Duplanty, who was backup to Craig Wilson in the last two Olympics, made 10 saves--including one from point-blank range--and several steals.

Cuba did make a run in the third quarter, scoring two consecutive man-up goals to cut the U.S. lead to 6-4. But Robert Lynn scored his third goal of the quarter with 41 seconds left.

The United States (2-1) still has a chance to successfully defend the Alamo Cup title--if Cuba beats Greece and the United States beats Russia today--but that is almost beside the point. U.S. Coach Rich Corso said he is happy with the progress the team is making.

“It’s not going to happen overnight,” Corso said. “It’s a long process, and I’m glad we have 36 months before the Olympics.”

Greece and Russia, the tournament’s only undefeated teams, played to an 8-8 tie earlier Saturday.

The tournament winds up today at the Lawrence Family Jewish Center in La Jolla. The U.S. plays Russia in the last game at 4:45.