Farmers and Merchants Bank Silver Cup
US Polo Assn America Cup
SANTA BARBARA, CA. (August 11, 2020)
After three weeks of competitive polo with eight strong teams, it
all boiled down to two important national USPA tournament finals, the FMB Silver Cup and US Polo ASSN
America Cup.
2020 Farmers and Merchants Bank Silver Cup
The top two teams out of a field of eight played the Farmers and Merchants Bank Silver Cup final on Sunday
afternoon. The second generation of Antelope, with Grant Palmer making his first year debut in the 16 goal,
challenged seasoned high goal team, Lucchese.
The first two chukkers were strong for Antelope, capitalizing on multiple penalty shots. However Lucchese
showed a stronger offensive force by scoring goals from the field with impressive running break-aways by
Nico Escobar. Antelope struggled offensively in the 3 rd chukker giving up the lead to Lucchese going into the
second half. The score board read, 9-6 to Lucchese.
In the second half we saw very fast open polo. Stand out goals came from the Antelope captain, Santi Trotz,
and Grant Palmer. For Lucchese, Nico Escobar made the goal of the game with an angled nearside back shot.
Lucchese held the lead through the second half to win the 2020 FMB Silver Cup 15-11.
Nico Escobar was awarded MVP for his strong display in both offensive and defense. Jeff Hall’s mare,
Twiggy, was selected as the Best Playing Pony. Nico commented on the game “Believing in each other is what
gave us the victory today.”
2020 US Polo Assn America Cup
Four teams fought in a semifinal for a chance to play the USPA national tournament, the America Cup. The
final was played between Klentner Ranch and Santa Clara. Santa Clara is a unique team as it is a father, son,
and uncle playing side by side, led by 8 goal player, Santi Toccalino. Klentner Ranch is a noticeably young
team with 3 promising Team USPA alumni.
It was a fairly low scoring game in the first half, however, it was not short of speed or talent. With even goals
from both teams, it was tied after the first half. With a strong display from MVP Lucas Escobar, Santa Clara
began to take the lead after the 5 th chukker. Two goals by Luis Escobar ended the game for victorious Santa
Clara, defeating Klentner Ranch, 10-7. It was a good day for the Escobar family as Lucas was awarded MVP,
and his father’s horse, Scar, was selected as the best playing pony.
– Article Credit to Mia Bray
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