Flat Out to meet Barbarossa Leather in USPA North America Polo Cup Finals: Match Analysis
Flat Out displayed a fantastic game, emerging triumphant over Elangeni Ranch, in the opening fixture of the 2011 USPA (United States Polo Association) North American Polo Cup. The former team scored nine goals against the eight of its rivals, in the significant
match that took place at the Grand Champions Polo Club, in Wellington, on November 4.
Both the line-ups marched into the field with only the mission to take the other side down. However, it was Elangeni Ranch that established its first lead after seven and half minutes of play.
Elangeni Ranch received a handicap goal while Luis Escobar whacked a penalty shot to put his team ahead of Flat Out at the scoreboard, 2-0.
The second set of play was dominated by Flat Out as it obtained a single goal while holding Elangeni Ranch at bay.
Misha Rodzianko made a lengthy ride, making a powerful shot from the right flank and reducing Elangeni Ranch’s lead down to a single goal, 2-1.
In the third frame, Flat Out once more showed a brilliant performance, acquiring two goals while holding Elangeni Ranch only for a single goal.
Brandon Phillips and his teammate, Rodzianko, scored one goal each, establishing their first lead of the game, 3-2.
However, a well-coordinated shot by Martin Estrada levelled the score at three-all, at halftime.
Despite both the teams fighting brilliantly in the fourth set of play, only a single goal was scored during the seven and half minutes of play. Elangeni Ranch earned a small lead over Flat Out.
Diego Cossio managed to take the ball in front of the goal, volleying a powerful shot and taking the Elangeni Ranch’s lead up by one goal, 4-3.
The two foursomes exchanged two goals each in the second last chukka, with Elangeni Ranch upholding its one-goal advantage, 6-5.
Nic Roldan of Flat Out outshined everyone else in the action, scoring two back to back goals in the period.
From the other side, Luis Escobar notched two goals. One of those two was obtained on a penalty shot while other from the field.
The Flat Out’s players flexed their muscles in the final set of play, marking four goals against the two of their competitors.
Brandon Phillips and Nic Roldan accounted for two goals apiece while allowing the opponents only two goals. Escobar and Estrada scored one goal each but the goals were no good for Elangeni Ranch.
Flat Out won the match by 9-8, securing a berth in the finals of the USPA North America Polo Cup.
Earlier on, Barbarossa Leather won the Round-Robin play, confirming its spot in the title-claiming match of the tournament. Barbarossa Leather managed a draw against Piaget, while clobbering Audi by 8-2.
Joey Casey and Melissa Ganzi scored two and one goals, respectively for Piaget. From the other side, Leo Mandelbaum notched all the three goals, tying the score at three-all.
In the second fixture, Barbarossa Leather showed a wonderful game, scoring eight goals against the two of opponents, Audi.
With a large margin victory, Barbarossa Leather walked through the next stage and will face Flat Out in the finals.
The title-deciding match will be played at the Grand Champions Polo Club, in Wellington, on Sunday, November 6. The 20-goal weekend tournament will not only help the players in improving their games but also enthrall the onlookers.