La Herradura Turns Back Orchard Hill 12-11 in Opening Game
Of 26-Goal USPA Piaget Gold Cup at International Polo Club Palm Beach
WELLINGTON, FL (March 6, 2007) – Kris Kampsen scored six goals as La Herradura withstood a late rally en route to a 12-11 victory over Orchard Hill in the opening game of the 26-goal USPA Piaget Gold Cup Tuesday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
It was Hall of Famer Memo Gracida’s first game of the season in a USPA-sanctioned tournament after serving a 60-day suspension.
“I felt great and the kids played great,” said the 50-year-old Gracida, referring to his teammates – his 19-year-old son Julio, 23-year-old Fred Mannix Jr. and 25-year-old Kampsen. “It’s important to win the first game.”
La Herradura jumped out to a 10-5 halftime lead as Kampsen made all five of his penalty shots.
“When you’re up by a lot, naturally you just slack off,” said Kampsen.
Orchard Hill cut into the lead, trailing 12-11 on Lucas Criado’s breakaway with 1:06 remaining. But Orchard Hill could not get off a shot to tie the game.
Jeff Hall led Orchard Hill, runners-up in the 2006 Stanford U.S. Open, with seven goals while Criado finished with two goals (both in the final chukker) and Hector Galindo added one goal. Patron Steve Van Andel did not score.
Orchard Hill made just 5-of-11 penalty shots, missing a pair of 30-yarders, three from 60 yards and a safety from 60 yards. La Herradura went 5-for-5 in penalty shots.
Fourteen teams, led by 12-time champion White Birch, entered the 26-goal USPA Piaget Gold Cup, the second of the Big Three tournaments at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The USPA Piaget Gold Cup, which began in 1974, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the United States and is in first season at International Polo Club.
The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, March 21 and the final is set for Sunday, March 25 at 3 p.m. on Stanford Field at International Polo Club.
Current 10-goaler Mariano Aguerre of White Birch has won the USPA Piaget Gold Cup eight times, more than any other professional player, all while playing for White Birch. The legendary Gonzalo Pieres has won the USPA Piaget Gold Cup seven times, also all with White Birch, and Alfonso Pieres has won it five times.
The polo matches at International Polo Club are open to the public. General admission for the Sunday games at International Polo Club Palm Beach is $10 for adults. Children under 12 enter for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game or in advance at the stadium box office.
International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For information, directions or ticket purchases, please call the club at (561) 204-5687 or visit the website at www.internationalpoloclub.com.
Tuesday’s result
La Herradura 12, Orchard Hill 11
Wednesday’s schedule
Bendabout vs. Black Watch, 10 a.m.
Las Monjitas vs. Crab Orchard, noon
Lechuza Caracas vs. San Saba, 3 p.m.
Thursday’s schedule
Jedi vs. Skeeterville, 3 p.m.
Laurence-Wallace/ Paladin Rally vs. Pony Express, 4 p.m.
Friday’s schedule
White Birch vs. Orchard Hill, 3 p.m.