U.S. Falls to Italy in Semifinals

The U.S. national water polo team expected to be in the finals of the UPS International Cup today.

Instead, Team USA will be playing for third place in the eight-team tournament after a 6-5 loss to Italy in the semifinals Saturday at Corona del Mar High.

Russia, which lost to the United States on Friday, dealt Yugoslavia its first loss, 7-5, in the other semifinal, and will meet Italy for the title today at 3:30 p.m. The U.S.-Yugoslavia game is at 2.

“It’s disappointing because you want to do well at home,” said U.S. team captain Chris Oeding. “But Italy is a good team. They won the ’92 Olympics, and they’re always tough. Let’s just hope we take this as a learning experience.”

Italy, fifth in the 1998 FINA World Championships, turned in a strong defensive effort, shutting out Chris Humbert, who had scored 12 goals in three previous U.S. victories.

Humbert, who had three goals against Russia, had only three shots against Italy.

“I just didn’t get the ball much,” he said. “They took me out of the game. But it seemed like the whole game was in slow motion. There weren’t many counter-attacks by either team.”

The U.S. trailed, 3-1, at halftime, but tied the score, 5-5, in the third quarter. Italy’s Antonio Vittorioso scored the winning goal early in the fourth. Kyle Kopp had two goals for the U.S.

Other Games

Russia 7, Yugoslavia 5--Sergei Yevstigneyev scored two goals to lead a balanced Russian attack. Nenad Vukanic had two goals for Yugoslavia.

Brazil 12, Puerto Rico 4--Brazil scored three goals in each quarter. George Chaia, Richard Perrone and Henry Rabello had two goals apiece.

Australia 22, Mexico 0--Daniel Marsden scored five goals, four on power plays.