The United States defeated England 15-9 in today’s first semi-final match at the FIP World Polo Championship in Santiago Chile. The USA will face the Chile, who just defeated Brazil 11-10 for the World Championship tomorrow.
The United States dominated the game from the outset and never trailed, leading 4-0 early in the second chukker and 7-1 by the end of the second chukker. The score was 10-3 by the beginning of the fourth chukker with back and forth scoring through the fifth and sixth, with the game ending in favor of the United States 15-9. All members of the American team scored, with the tournament’s leading scorer Jesse Bray scoring 7 (for a total of 19 goals in three games so far), Felipe Viana scoring 4, Patrick Uretz scoring 2 and Remy Muller scoring 2.
Team USPA Coach Joel Baker Quote:
“I’m so excited for the guys – they just played their hearts out. They won I think about 90% of the plays they went to, they had their man, they were playing for each other,” said Joel Baker, Head Coach of Team USPA. “Our team has maintained a positive attitude throughout this world championship and it really showed today. Making it to the finals is truly amazing and our play throughout this tournament has earned us the right to be playing for the world championship tomorrow.”
Team USPA Captain Mason Wroe Quote:
“We are understandably excited to be moving onto the finals,” said Mason Wroe, Captain of Team USPA. “Our guys played an extremely organized, disciplined style of polo versus England today and it payed off in a decisive win.”
United States Polo Association CEO Peter Rizzo Quote:
“Today’s match is a true testimony of the hard work and dedication our team has put into this world championship tournament,” said Peter Rizzo, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Polo Association.
“England is a strong competitor that has earned the respect of teams worldwide. We are extremely proud of our team and today’s accomplishment and look forward to a great final tomorrow.”