Port Mayaca Rocks Palm City, 13-7
Audi Handles Grand Champions, 9-4
By Alex Webbe
Leo Mandelbaum’s six goals led Port Mayaca over Palm City 13-7 in a game that got away from Palm City in the final three chukkers of play.
Taking advantage of one goal by handicap, Palm City jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first chukker on goals from Ezra Stevens and Peter Rizzo. Stevie Orthwein managed Port Mayaca’s only goal of the period.
Stevens tallied again in the second chukker before Brandon Phillips notched Port Mayaca’s second goal of the game. The second chukker ended with Palm City on top of a 4-3 score.
Mandelbaum converted a penalty shot in the third period followed by another goal from Phillips to tie it up at 4-4, but Stevens managed his third goal of the game for Palm City to give them a 5-4 halftime lead.
Whatever Brandon Phillips told his teammates at halftime seemed to have ignited its offensive punch. Goals from Mandelbaum, Phillips and Orthwein gave them a solid 7-6 lead after the chukker, and the momentum seemed to have changed direction. J. J. Celis managed Palm City’s only goal of the chukker.
Two more goals from Mandelbaum and Orthwein’s third goal of the game stretched the Port Mayaca lead to three goals, as Rizzo managed the only goal for Palm City.
The final chukker was almost a repeat of the fifth. Two goals from Mandelbaum and a single goal from Brad Blake were complimented by shutout defense from his teammates for the final 13-7 winning score.
Mandelbaum led all scoring with six goals. Phillips and Orthwein scored three goals apiece while Blake added a single goal in the win.
Stevens led Palm City with three goals. Rizzo scored twice and Celis scored once. Palm city received one goal by handicap.
AUDI 9, GRAND CHAMPIONS 4
A quick start and a balanced attack served Audi well this afternoon at it drove over out-gunned Grand Champions 9-4 in a contest that was completed just before the rain began to fall.
Kris Kampsen opened the scoring for Audi followed by two goals from Juan Bollini, including a 150-yard shot from midfield for a score. The first chukker ended with Audi sporting a 3-0 lead.
Isabella Wolf put Audi up 4-0, but a foul gave Grand Champions an opportunity to stay in the game. Trevor Allen converted the shot to end the second period with Audi ahead 4-1.
Melissa Ganzi scored for Audi in the third chukker, but Julio Gracida countered with a goal for Grand Champions, and the chukker ended with Audi holding to a 5-2 advantage.
Kampsen scored for Audi in the fourth chukker, but Allen converted yet another penalty shot, and Audi took a three goal lead, 6-3, into the fifth period.
Both teams pressed their attacks, to no avail until Bollini hammered the ball well downfield where Wolf hit it up with her mallet and carried it through the goal posts. Audi was now on overdrive as it led 7-3.
Wolf scored two more goals in the final chukker, converting a penalty shot and scoring another goal from the field. Allen’s third goal of the game ended the competition with Audi taking the game 9-4, and earning its place in the finals.
The final of the Grand Champions Spring Finale is scheduled to be played on the grounds of the old Royal Palm Polo Club in Boca Raton on Friday at noon between Audi and Port Mayaca. The consolation match between Palm City and Grand Champions is scheduled to be played on the grounds at 10 am.