Hosted by Patagones Polo Club and the Wellington Polo Tour (WPT), the Ylvisaker Cup came to a riveting conclusion at the National Polo Center- Wellington (NPC) between formidable opponents Iconica (Maureen Brennan, Mariano ‘Peke’ Gonzalez, Lucas ‘Luckitas’ Criado Jr., Santos Merlos) and Dundas (Sarah-Seigel Magness, Paco ‘Paquito’ de Narvaez, Tomas Panelo, Geronimo Obregon). Carrying an undefeated record (5-0) into the final, Dundas handed Iconica their only loss of the tournament in bracket play, 13-11. Prepared with horsepower and talent, the anticipated rematch featured a seven-goal performance from Iconica’s Criado Jr. combined with a commanding second half defense, to shut the door on Dundas and claim the Ylvisaker Cup 13-7.
Assembling on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, Iconica seized control of the match early with contributions from Criado Jr. and Gonzalez to take a three-goal lead. Answering in the second, a five-goal effort from Panelo managed to bring to Dundas’ deficit to just one at the half. Following a drive from Dundas’ de Narvaez to open the fourth, Iconica’s shutdown defense kicked into high gear. Finding space in the field, five goals from Criado Jr. complimented Iconica’s ability to keep Dundas off the scoreboard for the remainder of the match, successfully earning Iconica their second title of the season.
Previously winning the first qualifier of the Florida Circuit 18-Goal Super-Series Championship (Joe Barry Memorial), Iconica will automatically advance to the Championship final on Friday, April 7, at National Polo Center – Wellington.
Leading Iconica in scoring, Lucas ‘Luckitas’ Criado Jr. was named Most Valuable Player. “Incari Guadalupe,” played by Mariano ‘Peke’ Gonzalez and owned by Iconica was awarded both Best Playing Pony and Best Argentine Playing Pony.
Photo Credit:Agustina Fonda