Sunday’s doubleheader in the USPA Gold Cup at the National Polo Center-Wellington (NPC) began with a contest between Dazos (David Farache, Dylan Rossiter, Nicolas ‘Nico’ Pieres, Santiago ‘Santi’ Torres) and Pilot (Curtis Pilot, Matias ‘Colo’ Gonzalez, Matias Torres Zavaleta, Facundo Pieres), followed by Shack Attack 2 (Martin ‘Facha’ Valent, Mackenzie Weisz, Kris Kampsen, Ignacio ‘Cubi’ Toccalino) versus Park Place (Andrey Borodin, Juan Britos, Hilario Ulloa, Jason Wates) on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One.
Establishing an early lead, reigning USPA Gold Cup champions Pilot earned an early 4-1 advantage on contributions from Pieres and Zavaleta. Despite three goals in the half from Dazos’ Pieres, Pilot’s ability to double Dazos’ shot attempts gave them a 7-4 lead at the break. Regrouping in the half, Dazos put together a successful fourth chukker with goals from Pieres and Farache to tie the match 8-all. Responding from the field, Pieres and Gonzalez re-established Pilot’s lead, as a final field goal from Gonzalez ended the match in favor of Pilot 12-10.
In the Featured Match of the Week, the two teams began by trading goals in the first chukker. Kick-staring their offensive efforts, all four of Park Place’s teammates found the scoreboard to unite for an unanswered six-goal run and an 8-2 lead at the half. Unable to score since the opening chukker, Shack Attack 2 emerged from the tent to outscore Park Place for the first time in the match. Cutting their deficit to four, Shack Attack 2 continued to make a comeback push with contributions from Toccalino, Kampsen and Valent, but a four-goal sixth chukker on the efforts of Ulloa and Britos sealed Park Place’s 15-8 victory.
Upcoming Schedule:
Monday, March 6
Dutta Corp/Show+ (0-1) vs Valiente (0-0) at 11:00am ET
Photo Credit: David Lominska