NEWS

Emerging undefeated from a field of six teams, La Herradura and Evergreen cruised to the final of the Champions Cup to compete for a $60,000 pot on Sunday, April 1, at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The added money incentive sparked a lively and competitive game, but La Herradura powered through 14-10 to earn the Champions Cup title and $45,000 of the winnings.

Evergreen's Shane Rice picked up an easy Penalty 2 conversion to start the game but was countered by three powerful La Herradura field goals in the chukker one. Pushing for an early lead, La Herradura’s aggressive tactics in the first half provided Evergreen the opportunity to close the gap from the penalty line. Showcasing his accuracy, Carlos Galindo Jr.* added two Penalty 3 conversions to the tally, but Evergreen was still behind headed into the third 4-3. Launching their strongest offensive attack, Evergreen repositioned themselves into the lead for the first time after collecting three consecutive goals to put them up by a point, 6-5 at halftime.

Unfazed by Evergreen’s comeback, La Herradura dominated in the second half, retaliating with their own defensive strategy which completely shut out the opposing team in the fourth. Capturing a back-to-back field goal and Penalty 2, Carlos Hernandez Perez was backed up by another quick goal from Santi Torres* (filling in for Memo Gracida), his fourth of the day to regain the lead 8-6. The fifth was a struggle for control, but La Herradura remained steady, answering Evergreen’s goals. Entering the sixth chukker up by two, La Herradura utilized the last period to solidify their win, thanks to the mallet of their highest-rated player, Torres. Closing in after two precise shots from Rice, Evergreen’s potential upset loomed dangerously close, putting pressure on La Herradura in the final minutes. As defenders responded to open up the field, Torres made some smart plays happen and fortunately launched the ball over the goal mouth three times to secure the win 14-10.

Scoring five out of La Herradura’s 14 goals, Carlos Hernandez Perez was named Most Valuable Player. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Midget, owned and played by Evergreen’s Shane Rice.

*Santi Torres is a member of Team USPA and Carlos Galindo Jr. is a senior member 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.