NEWS

Reaching their third 8-goal final with two trophies under their belt, Empire confidently challenged Evergreen once again for the Pacific Coast Circuit George S. Patton Jr. Final on Sunday, February 23, at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Relying on their strong team system and chemistry, Empire led throughout the game to seal another tournament victory 9-6.

Starting off the scoring with an early field goal by Robert Payne II, Empire conceded a Penalty 2 opportunity which Evergreen easily converted. Carrying the ball nearly the length of the field to end the first chukker, Rob Scapa gave Empire back the narrow advantage 2-1. Neither team able to break past defenders in the second, the scoreboard remained unchanged in a relatively low-scoring first half. Finding an opportunity to make his move in the third, Russell Stimmel put another goal on the board, leaving Evergreen scoreless for the second consecutive chukker. Empire maintained their lead 3-1 heading into halftime.

Entering the second half refreshed and ready to execute a refined strategy, Empire unleashed an effective offensive drive as every player contributed to the board by the end of the fourth. Adding three consecutive goals to their tally, Empire fired on goal and Carlitos Galindo* responded to break Evergreen’s silence. Each side adding one last goal, Empire extended their lead 7-3 approaching the fifth. Stimmel opened the chukker with a Penalty 2 conversion, but Carlitos Galindo responded with a quick goal of his own. An action-packed second half, Empire moved into the final chukker with a comfortable 9-4 lead. Fighting to get back in the game, Carlitos Galindo hammered his third goal between the posts and Tom Sprung added the final tally. Although unable to get a goal on the board in the sixth, Empire created enough of a gap early in the match to claim the trophy 9-6, defeating Evergreen in back-to-back finals.

Empire’s Rob Scapa was named Most Valuable Player. “Winning our third final was exceptional especially considering the caliber of teams, horses and players we are competing against,” Scapa said. “I am fortunate enough to be playing with three excellent horsemen who always put the team first. We talk, plan, listen, strategize and work together to get the results. Robert Payne II brings a wealth of experience to the field with Robert Payne III and Russell Stimmel there to help make plays happen.” “Our team’s success was definitely due to Rob Scapa who was named a much deserved MVP,” Stimmel added.

Kahuna, a 13-year-old homebred played by Carlitos Galindo in the fifth chukker, received Best Playing Pony honors. “Kahuna has been with Carlitos since he was a 2-years-old,” Carlos Galindo said. “He is out of our best broodmare of all time, Vegas, and his sire is one of our old playing stallions, San Diego. At 16.2 hands he is naturally very fast, but also really handy.”

Competing for the 4-goal trophy, Zahedi Chogan met the Grande Prairie Buffaloes. Starting off with a half goal on handicap, Zahedi Chogan’s excellent defense prevented their opponents from scoring in three out of five chukkers, claiming the win 10.5-5.

Striking two goals to Garrett Smith’s one, Zahedi Chogan’s domination of the game began in the first half as they quickly extended their initial lead. Opening the second with a Penalty 2 conversion, Francisco Guiñazu and Sy Zahedi each added a goal apiece as all Grande Prairie Buffaloes’ attempts evaded the goal. Entering the third 5.5-1 in favor of Zahedi Chogan, Guiñazu started off a series of three unanswered goals by his team, creating a substantial deficit by the end of the half 8.5-1.

Although their opponents had two consecutive scoreless chukkers, Zahedi Chogan continued to play strong, offensive polo in the fourth with Meghan Gracida and Guiñazu both adding to their tally. Pushing to break the silence in the second half, Grande Prairie Buffaloes were unable to hit their mark until the fifth chukker. Coming to the field determined to break past Zahedi Chogan’s offense, the team in green played their strongest chukker of the game unleashing four unanswered goals to end on a high note. Although shutting down Zahedi Chogan for the first time, Grande Prairie Buffaloes ran out of time to close the gap and conceded victory 10.5-5.

Zahedi Chogan’s Meghan Gracida was named Most Valuable Player. “Our team did exactly what Memo [Gracida] told us to do, which was to play team polo!” Gracida said. “He asked us to pass the ball and use each player on the team. We played open polo, hitting backhands and marking the man. Also, the horses played exceptionally well and certainly allowed each of us to excel on the field.”

Rosita, a 9-year-old American Thoroughbred mare played by Francisco Guiñazu in the second chukker, won Best Playing Pony honors. “She is super handy and powerful, a beast on the field,” Guiñazu said.

*Russell Stimmel and Carlitos Galindo are Team USPA alumni. The mission of Team USPA is to improve the sport of polo in the United States by developing the talent/skills of young American players through mentored training and playing opportunities, ultimately leading to a pool of higher rated American players.

All photos courtesy of ©Jim Bremner.