Team USPA defeated Canada in the first round of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Championship Zone A Playoffs.
The match had a slow start but fantastic defense was played by Team USPA’s Felipe Viana and Patrick Uretz. Their defensive efforts enabled Jared Sheldon to score impressive 5 goals during the game, and for Jesse Bray to score 3. With each game, Team USPA shows more cohesiveness and promise.
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Team USPA |
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Canada |
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#1 Jared Sheldon (3)
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#1 Brendon Stenzel (2) |
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#2 Jesse Bray (4) |
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#2 Rob Stenzel (3) |
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#3 Felipe Viana (4) |
vs. |
#3 Brandon Phillips (5) |
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#4 Patrick Uretz (3) |
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#4 Daniel Roenisch (3) |
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Alt. Mason Wroe (4) |
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Alt. Will Tankard (3) |
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Score: 9 |
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Score: 4.5 |
Wroe (Texas A&M), Viana (University of Virginia), Uretz (Westmont University), Sheldon (New Mexico State) and Tankard (Texas Tech) have all come up the ranks through the USPA’s Intercollegiate polo program, and excelled through their involvement with Team USPA.
These players demonstrate the highest levels of skill, horsemanship and sportsmanship that our sport has to offer, but tomorrow they face another tall challenge under the guidance of coach Joel Baker.
The second round of the FIP World Championship Zone A Playoffs begin tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. with Team USPA vs. Dominican Republic, followed by Canada vs. Mexico at 4:00 p.m. The winners of each match will advance to the finals on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Please visit the United States Polo Association’s Facebook page (facebook.com/USPoloAssociation) and follow the Twitter (@poloassociation) account for regular reports and updates on Team USPA’s playoff run. You can also join us in cheering the Team USPA boys on by using #goteamuspa in your posts and tweets.