U.S. Recovers to Beat Russia, 10-7

Russia scored three goals in the first 3 1/2 minutes, while the U.S. water polo team was scoreless Friday night in the UPS International Cup.

“I was a little concerned, to say the least,” U.S. goalkeeper Dan Hackett said. “But I didn’t want to lose my head.”

He didn’t. Hackett, a two-time All-American at UCLA from Irvine, gave up only four goals the rest of the way, shutting out Russia in the third quarter, and his nine saves helped lead Team USA to 10-7 victory at Corona del Mar High.

The U.S. (3-0) plays Italy (1-1-1) today at 3:45 p.m. in the semifinals. Yugoslavia (3-0) and Russia (2-1) meet in the other semifinal at 5 p.m. The finals are Sunday.

Chris Humbert had three goals, and Tony Azevedo and Chi Kredell each had two for the U.S. Azevedo is a 17-year-old senior at Long Beach Wilson High and the youngest player to represent the U.S. senior national team.

In the previous match between two teams with their top players, the U.S. won in overtime in the 1997 Fila Cup.

Russia played this time without its top player, driver Alexander Eryshov, who broke his right hand in an exhibition game against Italy last weekend.

In other pool-play games Friday, Italy tied Australia, 6-6, and Yugoslavia defeated Puerto Rico, 16-4.