Valiente retains USPA Polo Gold Cup

Anarrow 12-11 win helped Valients to retain USPA Gold Cup and set them on course for the Triple Crown prize. Valiente rode for a second consecutive USA win in the 2018 USPA Gold Cup Final against Flexjet last weekend 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 capitalize on Valiente’s mistakes.

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 is the U.S. Open that galloped off with fanfare Wednesday in Florida.

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)