Remaining the only team to capture the prestigious Gauntlet of Polo (2019), Pilot’s recent 22-goal dominance includes multiple titles in the C.V. Whitney Cup (2019), USPA Gold Cup (2019, 2022) and U.S. Open Polo Championship (2019, 2022).
Entering the 2023 edition of the U.S. Open Polo Championship with a 7-3 record, Pilot (Curtis Pilot, Matias ‘Colo’ Gonzalez, Matias Torres Zavaleta, Facundo Pieres) have currently played more games (10) anyone else in the Florida high-goal season, reaching the finals of both the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup. Averaging 16 shots and 11 goals per game, Pilot’s ability to generate separation in the field and drive to goal is complimented by an impressive eighty-one shooting percentage at the penalty line. Disciplined defensive efforts from Curtis Pilot and Matias ‘Colo’ Gonzalez have allowed Pilot to average just 8 fouls per game and set the table for their signature offensive explosiveness.
Leading Pilot in the number four position, captain and 10-goaler Facundo Pieres consistently ranks as one of the top players in the competition. Currently leading the Gauntlet in goals per game with 77, Pieres has seamlessly racked up 41 goals in the field and 36 goals at the penalty line. Pieres and Hilario Ulloa (Park Place) remain the only two players in Gauntlet history to surpass the elusive 100-goal mark- a remarkable effort that Pieres is well on his way to repeating in 2023. Converting eighty percent of his penalty attempts, Pieres’ reliance as a sharpshooter is complimented by his elite play-making skills winning 55 total throw-ins.
Playing the in number three position, Matias Torres Zavaleta enters the U.S. Open Polo Championship with 22 field goals, shooting 63% inside 60 yards. Frequently relying on each other to drive to goal, both Pieres and Zavaleta have combined for 30 assists. With balance on both sides of the ball and the statistics to match, Pilot remains one of the heavy favorites to reach the final of the U.S. Open Polo Championship once again.
Photo Credit: David Lominska