NEWS

Evergreen met Remax in the final of the USPA Constitution Cup on March 18, at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in a final match that would play out in Evergreen’s favor 12-9.

In the featured Sunday match, the two teams arrived at the field prepared to play the 8-goal final on Field One in front of a crowd of spectators and family. Play was open in the first chukker as the teams traded two field goals apiece. By the end of the second, Remax had a one-goal advantage 4-3 thanks in part to Jared Sheldon’s* Penalty 2 conversion and goal from the field. The third chukker was much like the first as teams alternated goals; all three of Evergreen’s coming off the mallet of Shane Rice. At halftime the score was close as Remax held on to their early lead 7-6.

Evergreen reorganized for the second half and in the fourth chukker converted two penalties while shutting out their opponents throughout the remainder of the period. Back-to-back goals in the fifth from Rice were countered by a solitary goal from Evergreen’s Matthew Fonseca. Moving into the final chukker it was anyone’s game as Evergreen had a narrow two-goal advantage over Remax. Remax’s Gordon Ross struck first, bringing his team within sight of a tie, but Evergreen ultimately outscored their opponents with two additional goals. Evergreen finished the day on a high note taking home the USPA Constitution Cup win 12-9.

Most Valuable Player was awarded to Evergreen’s Shane Rice who scored an impressive nine goals on the day. Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Peace, owned and played by Remax’s Dayelle Fargey.

*Carlitos Galindo and Jared Sheldon are senior members of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

All photos ©Jim Bremner.