Apr 28, 2017
Spectators packed into the Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, Florida, for the highly-anticipated USA debut in the XI Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship Zone “A” Playoffs. Fans were ready to watch a well prepared USA team after three weeks of extensive training in Australia, take on Guatemala. The second playoff match of the tournament, Guatemala represented by Sebastian Aycinena (2 goals), José Miguel Aguilar (3 goals), Fernando Beltranena (3 goals) and José Ignacio Beltranena (2 goals) faced off against USA formed by Remy Du Celliee Muller (3 goals), Geronimo Obregon (4 goals), Felipe Viana (5 goals) and Herndon Radcliff (3 goals) in an FIP customary five-chukker match.
Not to be underestimated having suffered a narrow half-goal loss to Mexico 10-9.5, Guatemala received 3.5 goals at the onset of the match. Demonstrating excellent teamwork and anticipation, the USA quickly rallied to narrow the deficit with a penalty 2 conversion and two field goals; one from Obregon off a well-placed backshot from Radcliff, the other by Muller off an assist from Obregon. Guatemala’s Fernando Beltranena led his team, converting a penalty 3 and scoring from the field to widen their lead 5.5-3 at the end of the first.
Team USA continued their forward momentum into the second and third, scoring three unanswered goals, taking the lead for the first time 6-5.5. It was too close for comfort however, as both teams struggled from the penalty 4 line.
Team captain Viana took control in the fourth, scoring two skillful field goals to widen USA’s lead 8-5.5 moving into the final chukker. Both teams capitalized on penalty 2 conversions in the fifth to maintain the gap. A final goal from Obregon would cement the win for USA 10-6.5 despite a valiant Guatemala effort.
The XI FIP World Polo Championship Zone “A” Playoff Final between USA and Mexico will be this winter season’s last featured 3:00pm ET Sunday match at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. Tickets can be purchased at www.internationalpoloclub.com or watch live on the USPA Polo Network on uspolo.org.
All Photos Courtesy of © David Lominska/www.polographics.com
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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