Newland knows water polo

John Vargas is Ted Newland’s friend. Vargas, the head coach of the

top-ranked Stanford men’s water polo team, used to live at Newland’s

house. Vargas, the former Corona del Mar High coach, played at UC

Irvine under Newland in the early ‘80s.

However, when Irvine faced the Cardinal in the championship match

of the Southern California Tournament Sunday, friendship was hardly

on Newland’s mind.

“I’m a very competitive human being,” Newland said. “It’s harder

because we both like each other a lot. But, in college polo, I’m

going to try to kick his (backside). I expect him to try real hard,

too. I enjoy coaching against people I don’t like, that makes it

easier. So, it’s hard to play against (Vargas). I compete real hard.

I don’t really like to lose. John is exactly the same way. He’s

competitive in everything he does. He wrote me a real nice e-mail

message after the game.”

Stanford defeated UCI, 10-6, Sunday, as the Cardinal displayed why

they are No. 1 in the nation. Yet, the Anteaters discovered they are

one of the best teams in the nation, and they are capable of beating

Stanford.

“They’re a beatable team,” Newland said of the Cardinal. “Anybody

is. Whatever you do with the ball, there is a lot of luck involved.

If you coach for a long time, you know this is true. To win the NCAA

championship, you have to be hot. In 1989 I didn’t think we were the

best team but we won (the NCAA title). We were hot. Everything we did

was right. Those were nice nights.”

Newland is hoping the Anteaters can find that rhythm this year.

They are on the right track. Irvine’s two-meter men Jeff Powers and

Dreason Barry rank 1-2 in scoring in the latest Mountain Pacific

Sports Federation statistics.

Powers, a senior, leads the MPSF with 15 goals through five games,

while Barry, a sophomore, is tied with Stanford’s Tony Azevedo for

second, each netting 14 goals.

Newland said he has also been impressed with the defensive efforts

of junior Garrett Gentry, a Corona del Mar High product, and senior

goalie Doug Finfrock, who recorded 24 saves in the USC Tournament

(averaging six saves per game). Newland also noted sophomore Rick

Merlo’s recent efforts.

*

In UCI men’s soccer news: Freshman forward Kyle Close has been

named Big West Player of the Week after scoring the decisive goal in

a 1-0 win over San Francisco and netting another goal in a 3-2

victory over Sacramento State.

Close scored the lone goal against San Francisco in the 59th

minute off a cross from Scott Bowman. Sophomore goalkeeper Cameron

Rossi and the Anteaters defense figured largely in the win.

The Dons outshot Irvine, 12-5. Goalie Rossi recorded his third

shutout of the season with five saves.

Coach George Kuntz’s Anteaters (4-1-1) are ranked eighth in the

National Soccer Coaches Association of America Far West Region poll.

UCI Irvine will host San Jose State (2-3-0) Sunday afternoon at 2.

UCI sophomore Dardo Acuna leads the Anteaters with five points this

season and is tied for the team lead with two goals.