Posted on: Monday, July 12, 2004

SPORTSWIRE
United States, Poland play to exhibition tie in soccer

Carlos Bocanegra scored late to give the United States a 1-1 tie against Poland yesterday in an exhibition game at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Bocanegra headed Landon Donovan's corner kick in the 88th minute past goalkeeper Artur Boruc and forward Ireneusz Jelen.

Piotr Wlodarczyk scored in the 76th minute. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard blocked Marcin Burk-hardt's cross attempt, but allowed the rebound to roll to Wlodarcyk. After evading Howard, the Polish striker sent a slow shot that hooked inside the right post.

A crowd of more than 39,000 attended the U.S. team's first visit to Chicago in 11 years.

Hale'iwa's Brian Ching entered the game in the 65th minute to earn his second cap, an international appearance in a soccer game. Ching is a Kamehameha Schools and Gonzaga alum.

WATER POLO

Brooks helps U.S. stop Serbia and Montenegro

Goalkeeper Brandon Brooks, a Punahou School alum, had 14 saves, including two in a penalty shootout, as the United States defeated Serbia and Montenegro, 11-10, yesterday in the FINA World League regular-season finale at Los Angeles.

"I just know that every time, (Brooks) is going to get at least two of them (saves in the shootout)," said Layne Beaubien, who scored the winning goal. "When he gets up out of the water, he just covers so much of the cage."

The U.S. (5-7) will be the No. 3 seed at the six-team FINA World League super finals in Long Beach next weekend. Hungary (9-3) is the top seed.