NEWS

In a crucial game for both teams, Santa Clara (Keko Magrini*, Lucas Escobar*, Luis Escobar, Matias Magrini) pulled off an emphatic victory on Wednesday, January 13, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (International Polo Club Palm Beach) in Wellington, Florida, defeating Palm Beach Equine (Costi Caset*, Robbie Bilbao, Gringo Colombres, Scott Swerdlin) to claim a spot in the Joe Barry Memorial Final. The combined offensive skills of Santa Clara’s Lucas Escobar and Matias Magrini helped secure the impressive 14-11 win.

Coming off a thrilling 11-10 overtime victory against Beverly Polo on Sunday, January 10, Santa Clara, led by standout player Lucas Escobar, took control of the game to score five goals in the fourth chukker. Despite the strong start from Palm Beach Equine, Santa Clara produced nearly twice as many shots at goal while also shooting an accurate 67% to outplay their opponents in the second half. Holding Palm Beach Equine to just two field goals over the final four chukkers, Santa Clara’s defense held off the late charge from their opponents to capture the victory.

Keko Magrini converted an early goal for Santa Clara to open the scoring in the first chukker, but they were unable to take advantage of their one-goal handicap after Palm Beach Equine’s Caset and Colombres scored one goal each to end the first chukker 2-all. Dominating the second chukker, Colombres and Caset added four goals to the tally, Caset accurately shooting from the penalty line. Lucas Escobar answered back, but the momentum remained with Palm Beach Equine who held the 6-3 lead. Santa Clara bounced back at the end of the third, thanks to a balanced attack which resulted in three successful goals. Palm Beach Equine held a narrow 7-6 lead at halftime.

Determined to overtake the lead, Santa Clara entered the second half with strong and coordinated team play, dismantling Palm Beach Equine’s solid defense with the skill of Lucas Escobar. Scoring all five of Santa Clara’s goals in the fourth chukker, three coming from the penalty line, Lucas Escobar quickly gave his team the 11-7 lead in a chukker to remember. Continuing to apply pressure in the fifth chukker, Santa Clara found themselves in foul trouble, giving Palm Beach Equine the opportunity to convert two penalty goals. Conceding three goals, Santa Clara’s lead was cut to one, setting the stage for an exciting finish. As the rain started to come down, creating tough playing conditions, Lucas Escobar capped off an exceptional performance with his eighth and ninth goals to secure the 14-11 victory for Santa Clara.

Santa Clara will face Beverly Polo for the second time in Joe Barry Memorial Final on Sunday, January 17. Played on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1, the final will be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV at 3:00pm ET.

*Kristos “Keko” Magrini and Lucas Escobar are Active Team USPA Members. Costi Caset is a Graduating Team USPA Member. 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.