NEWS

Story courtesy of International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Team USPA Member Lucas Escobar* joins Santa Clara for the 2021 18-goal season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida. A 3-goal player, Escobar scored five goals in his Joe Barry Memorial debut against Beverly Polo on Sunday, January 10. At the young age of 17, Escobar made his debut at the 22-goal level, joining the Pieres brothers, Facundo and Gonzalito, in Pilot’s starting lineup in the 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO®. Escobar has seen his handicap steadily increase over the past three years with his consistent play, rising from a 0-goal handicap in 2017. Slated to be raised to a 4-goal handicap in June of 2021, Escobar will compete alongside his father Luis Escobar in the Joe Barry Memorial and Ylvisaker Cup, making him a player to watch for the remainder of the 18-goal season.

Escobar enters 2021 after a strong 2020 season that began with valuable experience at the 22-goal level. Averaging 0.9 goals per game, Escobar contributed at the front of the game while working well off the ball in his seven GAUNTLET OF POLO® games to provide space for his 10-goal teammates. Building on his early success, Escobar excelled in the summer season at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California), capturing the 2020 America Cup with Santa Clara. With the victory, Escobar added to an impressive resume that also includes the 2019 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open, as well as the 2017 National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Championship®, playing for the Florida Region. However among his most notable tournament victories is the 2019 Westchester Cup held at IPC. Escobar was named Most Valuable Player, scoring four of USA’s six goals in the victory over England.

One year older and holding one more goal on handicap, Escobar entered the opening game of the 2021 season on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1, displaying an impressive performance that was crucial in Santa Clara’s thrilling 11-10 overtime victory. As part of a dynamic duo alongside fellow Team USPA Member Keko Magrini*, Escobar shot a perfect four out of four from the field while adding an assist. Escobar’s steady improvement year after year demonstrates his progression into high-goal play and will prove to be a significant factor for Santa Clara throughout the rest of the 2021 Joe Barry Memorial.

*Kristos “Keko” Magrini and Lucas Escobar are Active Team USPA Members. 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.