Pilot Impresses in Opener of 2018 Ylvisaker Cup
In a match-up containing three Pieres’ and two Ganzi’s, it was the duo of Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres that were victorious, leading Pilot to the 13-11 victory over Audi to open play in the 2018 Ylvisaker Cup. After a disappointing 1-2 record in the Joe Barry Cup, Pilot displayed a dynamic offense that is expected from the Pieres brothers, breaking away for runs and using their exceptional horsepower to create high quality scoring chances.
Executing their two-man game perfectly, Pilot controlled possession until an opportunity presented itself, with all Pilot players taking advantage, collectively shooting an efficient 12 for 14 (86%) from the field. Pressured the entire game, Nico Pieres still managed to score three goals from the field, all of which came either in traffic or from outside 60 yards, but was unable to consistently break away to lead the Audi attack due to an organized Pilot defence.
Pilot built an early lead in the first half despite missing their first two penalty shots, with Timmy Dutta and Gonzalito Pieres working hard to create space for Facundo while still scoring two goals each in the opening three chukkas. Facundo Pieres’ 10-goal status was on full display as he used a combination of shots from distance and fast runs to score five goals by halftime as Pilot continued to dominate open play, outscoring Audi 8-2 from the field early in the game.
Audi was able to remain within reach of Pilot due to the accurate penalty shooting of Nic Roldan, who went a perfect 5 for 5 in the game, but back-to-back throw-in goals from Pilot in the 4th chukka extended their lead to 11-6.
Finding themselves trailing 13-7 halfway through the 5th chukka, Audi made a late comeback attempt, scoring the final four goals of the game, behind two penalty conversions from Nic Roldan and one goal each from Nico Pieres and Grant Ganzi. Ultimately, Pilot had created a large enough lead that they were content to maintain possession and run out the clock, finishing with the 13-11 victory.