SOOS ARCHITECTS WINS MERCEDES-BENZ CUP AT OAK BROOK
By Karen Martino
In a match that appeared much higher than its 6-goal handicap, Soos Architects defeated Tec Air 12-9 to win the Mercedes-Benz Cup at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds on Sunday, September 7. The tournament was hosted by the Chicago International Polo Club.
The Soos Architects team of John Yavari, Tim Greene, Maco Llambias and Robert Soos came on strong in the first three chukkers, leading 9-3 at the half. In the third chukker, Greene scored early, followed by three beautiful back-to-back goals, to add to his game total of eight goals. Teammate Llambias found the mark four times.
Tec Air regrouped at half-time and came out fired up in the fourth period. Anthony Garcia, who had the hot stick for Tec Air, took the ball up and down the field to score three goals in the fourth, followed by another goal early in the fifth, while holding Soos Architects scoreless. (Soos Architects’ Robert Soos was injured early in the fifth chukker and didn’t finish the game.) Garcia scored eight of Tec Air’s nine goals, while Bob McMurtry scored the remaining goal – a nice foreshot from 30 yards out. Whitney Vogt and David Wolf rounded out the Tec Air team.
Trophies were presented by Audrey Allison and Cathy Kurinsky of the Chicago Chapter of Clipped Wings, an organization of retired and present United Airlines flight attendants. The group was hosting its annual fundraiser for The Deicke Home in Lombard and the Chicago Special Olympics.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Hinsdale-Oak Brook Sunrise hosted their “Polo Partners for Charity” event in the Main Tent.
Also, a large group from the “Just Say Nay” 4H Club in DuPage County enjoyed the afternoon, many seeing a polo match for the first time. More than 60 kids and adults from 4H were in attendance.
The Chicagoland Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America hosted the annual Mercedes-Benz Concours d’Elegance at the Polo Grounds, with 40+ cars on display. Judging in eight categories took place, and awards were presented following the polo trophy presentation.
Mercedes-Benz Cup
Soos Architects – John Yavari (-1), Tim Greene (2), Maco llambias (6), Robert Soos (-1). Tec Air – Whitney Vogt (0), David Wolf (1), Anthony Garcia (5), Bob McMurtry (0).
