Analysis: Why El Toro water polo beat Los Alamitos again
Analysis: Why El Toro water polo beat Los Alamitos again
OCVarsity.com's Dan Albano takes a closer look at the Division I semifinals
Instant analysis
El Toro's semifinal victory
Why the Chargers won: Defense. "We were just talking about defense," El Toro coach Don Stoll said afterward. "Defense, swim with your man, help back on (Joe) Ferretti, help back on (Forrest) Watkins." Behind goalie Tommy O'Connell, El Toro held Los Alamitos to one goal in the first half - a power shot by Ferretti from center.
Who stepped up: Nick Rascon. Tonight, the junior showed the potential to be a dominating senior. "That was his best game against one of the better teams," El Toro's Griffin White said.
A good sign for El Toro: El Toro used unselfish passing to build its commanding first-half lead.
Concerning sign for Los Al: Spread offense didn't seem effective in the first half, and the Griffins had three shots in the second period hit off posts.
History lesson: Most lopsided Division I semifinal since LB Wilson beat San Clemente, 14-7, in 1998.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
