NEWS

Story courtesy of the International Polo Club Palm Beach

The featured Ylvisaker Cup game on Sunday, January 31, put the pressure on Aspen (Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini*, Ignacio Arbelbide, Lucas James, Stewart Armstrong) who needed a victory to advance straight to the semis or face elimination from the tournament. The game coming down to the final seconds, Tamera (Hope Arellano*, Lucas Escobar*, Diego Cavanagh, Luis Escobar) narrowly defeated Aspen 11-10 thanks to the seven-goal performance from Cavanagh to secure their spot in the semifinal at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (International Polo Club Palm Beach) in Wellington, Florida.

The game created opportunities for both Aspen and Tamera, but despite shooting just 40% from the field, Tamera captured the win. Aspen shot an accurate 62% from the field, displaying a more effective attack, yet foul trouble proved to be a deciding factor in the match. Entering the game averaging 4.5 goals per game, Tamera held Aspen’s Magrini scoreless leaving James to lead the Aspen offense with seven goals. However it was not enough to overcome the strong performance from Tamera, who held off the late attack to emerge victorious.

Aspen claimed the lead behind two goals from James, including one from the penalty line, to hold the early advantage. Tamera had their chances to match Aspen but missed two penalty conversions to trail 3-1. Lucas Escobar scored the first goal in the second chukker, but Tamera was unable to take the lead as defense changed the pace of the game. Limited to just one goal over the second and third chukkers, Aspen saw their lead evaporate due to Cavanagh’s performance. Accounting for all three goals in the third chukker, Cavanagh’s impressive stretch gave Tamera their first lead of the game 5-4 heading into halftime.

Tamera was not able to keep their momentum going into the fourth chukker with Aspen bringing the game even 6-all after James’ goal and assist to Armstrong tied the score. Aspen continued to work hard in the fifth chukker, but Tamera’s offense and defense proved to be effective, allowing them to regain the lead. After Cavanagh and James traded penalty goals, Tamera finished the fifth chukker strong to hold a two-goal advantage. Two quick goals from James increased the tension on the field with the scoreboard equalized 9-all and Aspen’s fate in the tournament hanging in the balance. Cavanagh’s sixth goal was quickly matched by James as the clock ticked down and the teams remained tied, but it was Tamera that found themselves on the penalty line to capture the victory. Under immense pressure, Lucas Escobar converted the Penalty 3 to seal the 11-10 victory and secure a spot in the semifinal.

Lucas James was awarded Most Valuable Player. Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Zebra, played by James and owned by Pilot Polo.

Tamera will challenge Beverly Polo in the Ylvisaker Cup Semifinal on Wednesday, February 3 at 3:00pm ET. The winner of this game will meet Palm Beach Equine in the highly-anticipated Ylvisaker Cup Final. The Ylvisaker Cup Semifinal and Final will be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV.

*Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini, Hope Arellano and Lucas Escobar are Active Team USPA Members. 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.