Farmers and Merchants Bank wins USPA Nespresso America Cup

The beautiful Santa Barbara weather brought in the crowds on Sunday. The stands were filled with spectators, laughter and a great energy. Guests enjoyed complimentary wine tastings, Nespresso beverages, a half-time divot stomp and lunch at the Polo Grille. The Posh Polo Lounge was filled with spectators dressed to the nines, ready for an afternoon of competitive polo.

Dan Walker and Lucas Criado stole the show on Sunday and dominated the Klentner Ranch team in the USPA Nespresso America Cup Final.

Farmers and Merchants Bank (FMB) started off the game putting the first three goals on the board, two by Geronimo Obregon and the third by Lucas Criado. Klentner Ranch raced to catch up and overcome FMB’s early lead. Mike Azzaro and Steve Krueger each added a goal for the Klentner Ranch team. 1st chukker: 3-2

Klentner Ranch tied the score in the beginning of the second chukker after Azzaro sank a penalty four through the goal posts. Farmers and Merchants Bank quickly answered back as Dan Walker began his scoring streak, putting the first of his six goals in the match on the board for FMB. 2nd chukker: 4-3

Criado’s mastery of the short game proved to be a stumbling block for the Klentner Ranch team. Criado was able to create space for himself and release numerous long passes to his number one, Dan Walker. Walker and Criado each scored in the third chukker to put FMB ahead 6-3. Krueger tapped a fourth goal through for the Klentner Ranch team in the final minute of the half. 3rd chukker: 6-4

The defensive war between the FMB young guns, Geronimo Obregon and Remy Muller, and Klentner Ranch’s Jesse Bray and Justin Klentner kept the scoring relatively low for the first half of play. Klentner Ranch ended the first half down by only two goals, but FMB had the offensive momentum playing in their favor as they entered the fourth chukker.

Walker scored the only two goals of the fourth chukker widening the gap between FMB and Klentner Ranch to four goals. 4th chukker: 8-4

Another goal by Walker and a goal by Criado pushed FMB well ahead 10-4 early in the fifth chukker. Azzaro managed to put two goals on the board for Klentner Ranch – one on a penalty and a second goal from the field. 5th chukker: 10-6

Klentner Ranch gained a little momentum in the sixth chukker scoring three quick goals, but were unable to gain enough of an advantage. Walker and Criado each scored another goal in the final chukker of play to end the game up 12-9.

With a total of six goals, Dan Walker was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.

“Gypsy Girl” owned and played by Mike Azzaro won Best Playing Pony.

Photo credits: David Lominska Polographics.com