Mon 15th Feb 2021La Indiana Secure 2020 USPA Gold CupCovid-delayed tournament concludes
The 2020 USPA Gold Cup was postponed on 17 March 2020 due to the pandemic, but nearly a year later, La Indiana and Daily Racing Form took their places in the Final at International Polo Club Palm Beach. La Indiana narrowly defeated the 2019 Gauntlet of Polo champions, Pilot, in the Semi Final, setting their sights on the 2020 USPA Gold Cup title, therefore it was little surprise that they dominated the first half, conceding just one goal and keeping Daily Racing Form in their own half. Daily Racing Form received a one goal handicap advantage to start, but by half-time La Indiana had raced ahead and led 9-2. After the half-time break, Daily Racing Form had a sense of urgency about them as they tried to narrow the gap and managed to turn a seven goal difference into just three as they altered the momentum of the final. Yet, with time to spare in the fifth chukka La Indiana replied with strong teamwork and with a goal for each player, they pushed themselves firmly back into the lead. As the clock wound down, La Indiana focused on shutting down offensive runs to goal and secured the 2020 USPA Gold Cup with a final score of 14-9. Jeff Hall was named Most Valuable Player and Machitos Pangea, played by Polito Pieres, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. 2020 USPA Gold Cup Final Teams: La Indiana (22): Juan Cruz Marcos (2), Jeff Hall (6), Polito Pieres (10) & Nico Escobar (4) Daily Racing Form (22): Costi Caset (5), Agustin Obregon (6), Tommy Collingwood (5) & Jared Zenni (6) Photograph: La Indiana, winners of the 2020 USPA Gold Cup. By ©Alex Pacheco |