Waves Score Early, Dominate Indiana

The Waves shut out Indiana, 1-0, Wednesday night at the Santa Ana Bowl for their second A-League victory in a row.

The goal came only three minutes into the game when forward Steve Patterson scored his second goal of the season off a cross from midfielder Jason Boyce.

The Waves (2-1) outshot Indiana, 10-3, and had several chances to increase their lead after the Blast, playing its opener, was forced to play a man down in the second half when defender Jon Pickup received a red card for a dangerous tackle.

The Waves travel to San Diego Friday for the first game of a home-and-away series, returning to Santa Ana to play the Flash at 7:05 p.m. Saturday.

BASEBALL

Bobby Crosby, a Long Beach State infielder; USC pitcher Mark Prior and UCLA pitcher Josh Karp were among the 20 players invited to try out for the U.S. national baseball team.

Crosby, who play at La Quinta High School, is batting .365 with six home runs and 19 runs batter in for the 49ers this season.

The trials are June 16-21 in Tucson. Another 15 to 20 players are expected to be invited in May. USC Coach Mike Gillespie will coach the national team.

WATER POLO

The U.S. women’s water polo team, anchored by three county standouts, is in Italy this week with one last chance to earn a spot in the Sydney Olympics.

Two-meter defender Robin Beauregard (Marina High), goalkeeper Bernice Orwig (Savanna/Cypress College) and driver Julie Swail (Valencia High)--the new UC Irvine women’s water polo coach--are key players for the U.S.

The final Olympic qualifying tournament begins Saturday in Palermo. A total of 13 nations are vying for the three remaining berths. Australia, Canada and the Netherlands have already qualified to make the trip to Sydney in September.