Team USPA defeats Argentina in 15-goal International Test Match at Myopia Polo Club
From the USPA Communications Team
Congratulations to Team USPA and their 4-2 victory over Argentina in an International 4-chukker Test Match held at Myopia Polo Club in South Hamilton, Mass., this past Sunday. The match featured some of Team USPA’s most talented athletes, including team captain, Nick Snow (4), Felipe Viana (4), Mason Wroe (4) and Will Tankard (3). All four players are some of USA’s elite polo players and have been members of Team USPA between 3-4 years. Playing for for Team Argentina, was Francisco del Campo (4), Marcos Onetto (4), Federico Wulff (3) and Estani Puch (2).
The weather felt more like England than New England as the rain timed itself perfectly with the start of the match which had to be delayed an hour. Spectators entertained themselves visiting with the players and horses and the attendance stayed surprisingly strong given the weather conditions and delayed start time. Team USPA erased a one-goal handicap deficit early on and was able to maintain the lead for the duration of the match. Argentina made a push in the second half with a goal by Federico Wulff bringing the game to within one. An early last chukker goal gave Team USPA a two goal cushion which they held onto through the final horn.
The match was Myopia Polo’s highest goal match for the club this year and helped benefit the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Fundraiser, a 1960’s “Thomas Crown Affair” – themed event in support of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center (VIC).
A special thanks to Nick Snow (Team USPA) and Federico Wulff (Team Argentina) for organizing Sunday’s match and the Harvard Polo Club for providing horses and stabling for visiting player
Myopia Polo holds the distinction of being the oldest active polo club in America. One of five charter members of the United States Polo Association in 1891, except for two wartime hiatuses, club players have competed on summer Sundays on the original Gibney Field (named after what was Gibney Farm) since the first game in 1887.
Gibney Field was the scene of the first formal intercollegiate game, with Harvard playing Yale in 1907. It has hosted the U.S. Senior Championship, the equivalent of what is now the U.S. Open championship. Polo scenes from the 1967 movie classic ’The Thomas Crown Affair’ with Steve McQueen were shot on the site. Myopia Polo’s rich mix of history, bucolic setting, equine and athletic energy comprises a colorful tapestry for players and spectators alike every summer Sunday at the oldest polo club in the country. For more information, visit www.myopiapoloc.org or Like them on Facebook.