NEWS

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Carpinteria Foothills and Pacific Ocean, 90210 (Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gonzalo Ferrari, Geronimo Obregon*, Roberto Zedda Jr.) and Klentner Ranch (Jake Klentner*, Ignacio “Nachi” Viana, Jesse Bray*, Justin Klentner) met on Sunday, August 11, in an adrenaline-fueled clash of horsepower and physicality for the Whittier Trust Silver Cup.

Hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (SBPRC) in Carpinteria, California, 90210 made a statement throughout the competition, maintaining an undefeated record to earn their place in the prestigious final. Meanwhile, Santa Barbara veterans Klentner Ranch set their sights on their first Silver Cup victory since 2021. Reuniting Klentner Ranch’s championship roster of Jake Klentner, Bray and Justin Klentner, the addition of Viana proved potent. After narrowly falling to Antelope (Grant Palmer, Leon Schwencke, Felipe “Pipe” Vercellino, Lucas Escobar*) 12-11 in the first final of the 16-goal season, the USPA-sanctioned Robert Skene Trophy, Klentner Ranch’s determination shifted to the Silver Cup.

Led by the precision of 6-goaler Viana, Klentner Ranch worked both sides of the ball with confidence and skill. Taking advantage of several opportunities at the penalty line while creating space on the field, the team in white assembled a notable lead for the majority of the first half. Rebounding in the fourth chukker, 90210 outscored their opponents for the first time in the match. An emotional battle in the final two chukkers, Klentner Ranch maintained their composure while relying on the consistency of Viana to close out their second Silver Cup title.

Awarding 90210 one goal on handicap, the opening chukker provided both teams ample opportunities to set the tone, with Obregon adding his name to the scoreboard first to put 90210 ahead 2-0. Entering the final with a tournament leading 23 goals, Viana capped off the first chukker with a Penalty 2 to kick-start Klentner Ranch’s dynamic offense. Seemingly unstoppable in the second, back-to-back goals from Viana combined with an automatic goal Penalty 1 placed Klentner Ranch ahead with a 4-2 edge. Viana continued to apply pressure, including a booming shot from distance to goal to widen the spread 6-2. A crucial Penalty 1 for 90210 provided respite from Klentner Ranch’s onslaught. Finding their footing in the later stages of the third chukker, two consecutive drives from Ferrari brought 90210 back within two. Finishing the first half shooting a collective 50% with an impressive six goals from Viana, Klentner Ranch held a 7-5 lead at the break.

Leaning on the momentum established before the half, 90210 was back on the attack adding two goals from Ferrari and Zedda Jr. to tie the match 7-all. Answering with a powerful four-goal response, Klentner Ranch entered the final period carrying a solid 11-8 lead. Determined and fighting their way back into contention, 90210 countered a surging Klentner Ranch once more, scoring back-to-back goals including a nail-biting Penalty 2 from Obregon to equalize the score 11-all.

Battling down to the wire, suspenseful back-and-forth action in the final moments of play was ultimately decided on one last penalty opportunity for Viana. Remaining focused amongst a wave of pressure, Viana stepped up to send his sixth conversion sending it high and down the middle to deliver an exhilarating 12-11 victory.

Klentner Ranch will quickly set their sights on the NetJets Pacific Coast Open, scheduled to begin Sunday, August 18. Establishing their place as a frontrunner in SBPRC’s premier high-goal event, the organization will attempt to earn the towering trophy for a second time since their sweep of the 2021 season. The semifinals and final of the NetJets Pacific Coast Open will be livestreamed on the USPA Polo Network.

The Whittier Trust Silver Cup final is available On-Demand. Guest commentator Patrick Uretz* joins the broadcast in the second half alongside USPA Polo Network’s Toby Wayman and Cody Offen, providing in-depth knowledge of the sport and unique insights into finding success in Santa Barbara.

*Lucas Escobar is an Active Member of Team USPA. Geronimo Obregon, Jake Klentner, Jesse Bray and Patrick Uretz are Team USPA alumni. 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.

All photos courtesy of ©David Lominska.