Tue 3rd Apr 2018Valiente Retain USPA Gold CupNarrow 12-11 win for the powerhouse team
With their eyes on the Triple Crown prize, Valiente rode for a second consecutive USA win in the 2018 USPA Gold Cup Final against Flexjet on Sunday 1 April at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach, Florida, USA. Facundo Pieres began the match with fervour as he scored two immediate goals following the first throw-in. As the first half progressed, both teams traded goals with Flexjet taking every opportunity to intercept the ball and capitalise on Valiente’s mistakes. Adolfo Cambiaso matched his teammate’s skill, scoring the third goal for Valiente at the beginning of the second chukka. From there, Valiente’s world famous teamwork secured another two goals, keeping them ahead at the end of the chukka. Missing several attempts on goal, Flexjet couldn’t match Valiente’s pace and accuracy, thus allowing Cambiaso to break away yet again to goal, doubling the scoreboard. As Pieres looked like he was on a goal-roll again, Rodrigo de Andrade managed to steal the ball and move it downfield, but even with this goal, the first half ended 6-3 in Valiente’s favour. De Andrade took advantage of an initial throw-in win as the second half began to secure a fast goal with the help of teammate Nico Pieres. As the play became more open, the speed and the goals began to increase. Leading 11-9 as the final chukka began, Cambiaso scored his fifth goal of the match, determined to halt Flexjet in their tracks. De Andrade responded with a further two goals, bringing his team to within one of their rivals, but with the final bell ringing out, it just wasn’t enough. Valiente took home the USPA Gold Cup title with a 12-11 final score. Responsible for seven out of the 11 goals scored for Flexjet, Nico Pieres was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Macerna, owned by Mariano Gonzalez and played by Adolfo Cambiaso in the third chukka, was presented with the Best Playing Pony Rug. The final leg of the USA Triple Crown series will be the U.S. Open which will begin on Wednesday 4 April at 12pm. The USPA Gold Cup Final Teams: Valiente (26): Bob Jornayvaz (2), Tommy Beresford (4), Adolfo Cambiaso (10) & Facundo Pieres (10) Flexjet (26): Melissa Ganzi (0), Rodrigo de Andrade (9), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Nico Pieres (8) Photograph: Valiente secured their second consecutive USA Triple Crown win, securing the USPA Gold Cup title. By David Lominska/United States Polo Association | | Other top stories Tue 23rd Apr 2024 Second 2024 WPL Win for Park Place The WPL Triple Crown of Polo
Mon 22nd Apr 2024 La Dolfina Win US Open Polo Championship 10-7 win against Valiente in Final
Fri 19th Apr 2024 La Dolfina & Valiente Reach US Open Final Cambiasos will do battle once again
Wed 17th Apr 2024 Polo Times April Issue Out Now This issue packed with insights, reports & features
Mon 15th Apr 2024 US Open Polo Championship Semi Finalists Last spot being decided today
Thu 11th Apr 2024 Synergy Clothing Lift Thai Autumn Cup Narrow 8-7 win in Final
Wed 10th Apr 2024 Free Pony Changes During Extreme Heat UK Rule Change
Tue 9th Apr 2024 2024 English High Goal Teams 22 teams will take part in this season
Mon 8th Apr 2024 US Open Polo Championship Update Today’s action between Dutta Corp vs Valiente
Wed 3rd Apr 2024 Milly Hine & Mia Cambiaso Reach 9 Goals in US U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship winner & finalist recognised
Tue 2nd Apr 2024 WPL Palm Beach Open Finalists Travieso vs Casablanca on Sunday 7 April
Mon 1st Apr 2024 US Open Polo Championship Sunday Results Wins for La Dolfina & Dutta Corp
Tue 26th Mar 2024 The U.S. Open Polo Championship Fixture & Teams Tournament begins on Wednesday 27 March
Mon 25th Mar 2024 The USPA Gold Cup Final La Dolfina/ Tonkawa lift trophy in Cambiaso playoff
|