Humbert Still After Medal

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) qualified for the semifinals with the victory, keeping the team on track in its final tune-up before the Pan American Games in Canada later this month. Winning the Pan-Am Games tournament would automatically qualify the U.S. for the Sydney Olympics next year.

“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 Barcelona when 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.”

Humbert 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.

The U.S. led, 6-0, at halftime and Brazil could only close to within four.

Gavin Arroyo (Villa Park High) scored two goals and Tony Azevedo (Long Beach Wilson High), who at 17 is the youngest player to ever represent the U.S. on the national team, scored once.

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

In another Group A game:

Russia 24, Mexico 2--Marat Zakirov scored five goals for Russia (2-0).

In Group B:

Yugoslavia 6, Italy 5--Vladimir Vujasinovic scored two second-half goals for Yugoslavia (2-0).

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

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Richard Corso, who coached the U.S. water polo team during the 1996 Olympics, responded to criticism from current national team member Robert Lynn.

After the U.S. defeated Mexico in the opening round of the UPS Cup Wednesday, Lynn, who was cut from the ’96 team, said he didn’t believe Corso was the right choice for the job.

“I think it’s unfortunate that Robert has those feelings and the only thing that I can wish for him and for the national team is the best of luck at the Pan Am Games and the Olympics,” said Corso, who did not attend Wednesday’s game.

“At that point in time I didn’t think that Robert was an Olympian, and as a former coach of the U.S., I hope he can help the ball club and fulfill any Olympic dreams that he has or the team may have in 2000.”

Staff writer Dan Arritt contributed to this story.