Jul 29, 2016 9:23 PM
Despite a five goal difference in handicap, the young team of Miller & Miller/Don Ercole (M&M/DE) held their own against defending champions Cedar Croft Farm (CCF). In the first chukker CCF took an impressive lead with seven goals, all but one from the field, contributed by each of the players. A penalty two conversion from Juan Martin Zubia put M&M/DE on the board. Great defense from the M&M/DE team limited CCF to only two goals in the second chukker, ending the first half with CCF in the lead, 9-1.
M&M/DE came alive in the second half, outscoring the CCF team in both chukkers. Four goals from Torito Ruiz and one from Santino Magrini began to close the gap for M&M/DE. However, CCF maintained their lead, with two goals from Felipe Viana and a penalty two conversion from Kris Kampsen. The third chukker ended 12-6 in favor of CCF. M&M/DE showed great teamwork in the last chukker with four combined goals, including a two-pointer from Zubia. Unfortunately, two goals were conceded to CCF on penalty shots and CCF prevailed, 14-10, advancing to the finals of the U.S. Open Arena Championship.
Evenly matched, NYC Polo and Equuleus provided a close and exciting game for spectators. Tied 2-all after the first chukker, NYC Polo dominated in the second. Three goals from Team USPA member, Jared Sheldon combined with a goal from Matias Magrini put NYC Polo in the lead 6-3 at the half. The third chukker showcased excellent scoring on both sides. Four combined goals from Tommy Biddle and Magoo LaPrida rivaled, but could not surpass the five goals of NYC Polo. Despite only two goals for NYC Polo in the last chukker, Equuleus’ four goals (including a penalty one) could not make up for their second chukker deficit. NYC Polo triumphed 13-11 and advance to the finals of the U.S. Open Arena Championship.
On Saturday, July 30, at 5pm ET NYC Polo will match-up against defending champions Cedar Croft Farms at Country Farms Polo Club. In the 3pm ET match Miller & Miller/Don Ercole and Equuleus will face off in the U.S. Open Arena Handicap.
If Cedar Croft wins the U.S. Open Arena Championship this will be the first time in the history of the tournament that the same team, made up of the same players, has won four consecutive titles.
Photos courtesy of Debra Napp
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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