Persistent Humbert Keys U.S. Rout

Chris Humbert continues to chase an Olympic medal and that’s why the two-time Olympian is still leading the U.S. men’s water polo team, which defeated Brazil, 8-4, in the UPS International Cup Thursday at Corona del Mar High.

The U.S. (2-0) advanced to the semifinals in its final tune-up for the Pan American Games in Canada later this month. A victory there would automatically qualify the U.S. for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

“I know we have some great talent here,” Humbert said. “I really want that Olympic medal. That’s why I’m 29, don’t have a job, and have put my life on hold.”

Humbert, a former three-time All-American at California and NCAA player of the year, played on the U.S. team that was eliminated by eventual gold medalist Spain, 5-4, in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. He also played in 1992 Barcelona Games, where the U.S. also did not receive a medal after winning silver in 1984 and ’88.

“Essentially, we lost one game and that put us out of the tournament [in ‘96],” Humbert said. “A couple of different bounces or a goal and it could have been different. But it was just one game.”

Thursday, Humbert seemed intent on taking it one game at a time. He put the U.S. in front, 1-0, on a backhander from two meters 3 1/2 minutes into the game, then scored twice in a 51-second span to increase the U.S. lead to 5-0 in the second quarter.

“Trying to blend in five guys who have been playing internationally has been tough,” U.S. Coach John Vargas said. “Sure, we have to iron some stuff out. But they were focused.”

The U.S. plays Russia tonight at 7:45 p.m. The semifinals are Saturday at 3:30 and 4:45 p.m. with the championship game Sunday at 3:30 p.m. All games are at Corona del Mar.

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In another Group A game:

Russia 24, Mexico 2--Marat Zakirov scored five goals for Russia (2-0), which also secured a semifinal berth.

In Group B:

Yugoslavia 6, Italy 5--Vladimir Vujasinovic scored two second-half goals to help Yugoslavia (2-0) clinch a semifinal berth.

Australia 10, Puerto Rico 2--Daniel Marsden scored four fourth-quarter goals to help Australia (1-1) break it open after leading, 3-2, through three quarters. Australia plays Italy at 4 p.m. today.