NEWS

Team USA remained undefeated with a hardfought 9-7 victory over Brazil in the sixth annual USPA International Cup Saturday, November 25, at Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. In front of a packed house and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, team USA’s Grant Ganzi (2), Carlitos Gracida (4), Julio Arellano (8) and Mike Azzaro (6), led from start-to-finish to turn back the upset-minded Brazilian team of Flavio Castilho (5), Gustavo Toledo (5), Guilherme Lins (5) and Calao Mello (4).

The game was action-packed from the opening chukker. Closing the first 3-all, the U.S. took control, outscoring Brazil 2-0 in the second chukker. After a scoreless third chukker, the U.S. led 5-3 at the half, 8-5 in the fourth and never relinquished its lead going into the fifth. The U.S. added another goal for a 9-5 lead early in the sixth before Brazil tried to rally, but fell short. It was the U.S. team's sixth consecutive victory in the international game and closest margin of victory in a regulation game. Since 2012, the U.S. has defeated England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa and Uruguay. Brazil was playing together for the first time in its U.S. debut.

Nicaraguan-born Julio Arellano, rated at 8-goals, has now been a member of three winning lineups for Team USA including in 2016 against Uruguay and 2015 against South Africa. One of America's top-rated polo players, Arellano won his third consecutive Most Valuable Player award and scored a game-high five goals. "This was a great win," Arellano said. "Brazil played really well and it was a great game right to the end. We stayed disciplined and this U.S. team was a lot of fun. I am always honored to represent the U.S., that's something that we are all very proud of. When Marc Ganzi asks me to participate it's always an easy 'yes.'”

Legendary Hall of Famer and former 10-goaler Mike Azzaro, made his International Cup debut and scored two goals. It was the first time he represented the U.S. since the Westchester Cup four years ago. "Those guys were tough, they came to win for themselves and Brazil," Azzaro said. "They are all very good with the ball and strong, physical players. We controlled the game pretty comfortably throughout the entire game and did what we needed to do to win." The youngest members of the team, Gracida, 26, making his third appearance in the International Cup, and Ganzi, 19, making his second, each added one goal. "It was a good win and I am happy for the U.S.," Ganzi said. "These guys are the face of American polo. To play with three guys like this is as American as it gets."

Two Santa Rita Polo Farm-owned horses were named American Polo Horse Association (APHA) Best Playing Pony for Brazil and the U.S.; Poker Face, a 9-year-old mare ridden by Lins, and Girl Power, a 7-year-old mare ridden by Ganzi. Girl Power's groom, Horacio Godoy, and Poker Face's groom, Augustin Mauhum, were each awarded $250 by American Polo Horse Association executive director Tiana Smicklas. The APHA was created in 2006 by the legendary Sunny Hale to recognize polo ponies in America and encourages events that showcase them and dedicated, hard-working grooms.

All photos courtesy of ©Sheryel Aschfort.