LECHUZA CARACAS CAPTURES GEORGE HAAS CUP
Lechuza Caracas rallied from a 9-8 deficit to score two unanswered goals to capture the 2009 George Haas Cup at the International Polo Club.
Relying on a balanced attack, Lechuza Caracas jumped out to an early 3-1 lead with single goals coming from Nicolas Espain, Guille Aguero and Victor Vargas. EFG Bank was held to a single penalty goal from Julio Arellano.
The teams scored two goals apiece in the second chukker, with Lechuza holding on to its two-goal lead.
EFG Bank shut out the Lechuza attack for the first time in the third chukker but managed only a single goal from Luis Escobar, to trail 5-4 at halftime.
A reinvigorated EFG Bank team returned in the fourth chukker. Julio Arellano accounted for four goals and Luis Escobar added another goal as they rode off to a 9-7 lead. Single goals from Santiago Toccalino and Espain accounted for all of the Lechuza scoring.
Defense ruled the fifth period as both teams carried the ball up and down the field only to be denied. A single goal from Lechuza’s Espain cut the EFG lead to 9-8 to end the chukker.
“The team was playing well,†said Victor Vargas, and we felt good going into the final chukker. We all felt like it was our game to win.â€
Neither team was able to break through the stifling defenses until Lechuza team captain Victor Vargas notched a well-placed shot through the EFG goal posts to tie it at 9-9. EFG fought back to regain its lead, but it was Vargas who scored the winning goal in the 10-9 victory.
Julio Arellano led all scoring with six goals. Luis Escobar added three goals.
Nicolas Espain led the Lechuza attack with four goals. Victor Vargas scored three times. Santiago Toccalino added two goals and Guille Aguero scored once in the win.
Victor Vargas was named MVP while Seneca, ridden by Whistle Uys, won Best Playing Pony honors.
High goal polo will continue with play in the Philip Iglehart Cup on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 11am between Audi and Lucchese followed by a 3pm tournament game between San Saba and BTA.