IRVINE, Calif. — Some of the greatest centers in recent UC Santa Barbara Men's Water Polo history are set to face off in a two-game series, with Sam Nangle representing Australia, and Dash McFarland and Dom Brown representing the United States. The former Gauchos will match up on January 10 in Irvine, followed by a match on January 11 in Walnut.
 
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Nangle arrived at UC Santa Barbara in 2018, where he was a force for the Gauchos throughout all his four seasons. He led the Gauchos in goals in 2021 and 2022, while also earning three All-America and All-Golden Coast Conference nods throughout his collegiate career.
 
Nangle and the Aussie Sharks will match up against a U.S. squad that includes his former teammate, Dash McFarland. The 2023 Big West Player of the Year, McFarland will be making his senior national team debut. Dom Brown, a 2024 All-Big West Second Team and All-Freshman team selection, was also named to the USA roster. Brown debuted with the senior national team at the World Aquatics Men's World Cup in 2025.
 
After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Nangle made his Australian senior national team debut in 2023 and began his professional career in Europe. In July 2025, Nangle headed to Singapore for his first World Championships with the Australian senior team.
 
The U.S. vs. Australia two-game series is set to begin at 6 p.m. on January 10 at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine, followed by the second match at 1 p.m. on January 11 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.
 
Fans can stream the matches live on overnght.com and the Overnght app or follow along with live stats available at 6-8sports.com.