MORGAN CREEK DEFEATS VILLA DEL LAGO TO WIN USPA CECIL SMITH CUP –
By Karen Martino
Morgan Creek has proven to be the team to beat this summer at the Chicago International Polo Club, making it to the finals of every tournament played so far.
On Friday evening, August 25, Morgan Creek defeated Villa del Lago 12-8 to win the USPA Cecil Smith Cup (12-goal). The match was played at the Morgan Creek Field.
Vale Aguilar led the scoring for Morgan Creek with six goals, while teammate Julian Aguilar put five on the scoreboard. Dean Kleronomos added one.
The 10-goal Villa del Lago team started with two on handicap, and Mariano Obregon Jr. scored in the opening chukker to take a 3-0 lead. Morgan Creek’s Vale Aguilar and Julian Aguilar put three on the board in the second chukker to tie the score at 3-all. Mariano Obregon and the Aguilars traded goals in the third period, for a 5-5 tie at the half.
Early in the fourth, Vale Aguilar added his fourth goal to the scoreboard, but it was quickly answered by Rafael Obregon, on a nice pass from Jim Zenni, to again tie the score. Back-to-back goals by Vale Aguilar put Morgan Creek up 8-6 at chukker’s end. Agustin Obregon narrowed the gap for Villa del Lago in the fifth, but Julian Aguilar carried the ball from goal to goal for a 10-7 lead.
Goals by Kleronomos and Julian Aguilar gave Morgan Creek a comfortable 12-7 lead in the final chukker. A foul by Morgan Creek gave Agustin Obregon the opportunity to score before the bell sounded, for a final score of 12-8.
Julian Aguilar’s excellent play earned him the Most Valuable Player award, while his horse, Beyu, was chosen Best Playing Pony.
Morgan Creek – Dean Kleronomos (2), Julian Aguilar (4), Vale Aguilar (6), Freddy Castro (0)/Darren Watts (0). Villa del Lago – James Zenni (0), Agustin Obregon (2), Mariano Obregon Jr. (5), Rafael Obregon (3). Pinecroft – Jim Drury (1)/Juan Martin Obregon (1), Gonzalo Teves (3), Antonio Galvan (6), John Ryan (2). Harlan Farms (withdrew) – David Smith (0), J.P. Uihlein (1), Guillermo Uzandegaza (6), Joe Barry (4)/Anthony Garcia (5).