Postage Stamp Farm Defeats Travieso in Final Seconds as Ylvisaker Cup Action Continues
On a busy day containing three games in the 2018 Ylvisaker Cup, the feature game on the Engel & Volkers Field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach provided plenty of drama as Postage Stamp Farm overcame a Travieso comeback to win 12-11 in the final seconds.
Travieso started strong with Sebastian Merlos scoring the first two goals in quick succession but Postage Stamp Farm found their way with Mariano Aguerre responding with two goals of his own to end the first chukka tied 2-2. Postage Stamp Farm controlled play the remainder of the first half in part due to their new addition Joaquin Panelo, playing in place of Kris Kampsen who was forced to sit out after receiving a red card in his previous game. Panelo scored back-to-back goals in the 2nd chukka to help Postage Stamp Farm take an 8-6 lead into halftime.
Postage Stamp Farm further increased their lead to 10-6 after the fourth chukka with Brandon Phillips converting his second of four penalty 2 attempts in the game. Trailing by four, Travieso began their comeback behind the efforts of Tomas Garcia del Rio, reducing the deficit to two by the end of the fifth chukka. A physical game from start to finish that saw five yellow cards, was highlighted by a foul ridden sixth chukka that came down to the final seconds. Travieso’s improbable comeback was completed when Merlos scored his fifth goal of the game on a penalty 2 conversion to give Travieso the 11-10 lead with just 1:40 remaining. However, with just under a minute left, Aguerre was hit hard leaving him injured on the field, resulting in a yellow card to Travieso and a penalty 2 conversion that was converted by Phillips. On the subsequent Penalty 5 from the center of the field, Postage Stamp Farm drove downfield and baited Travieso into yet another foul, their sixth of the final chukka, leading Phillips to convert his fourth penalty 2 of the game and send Postage Stamp Farm to the exciting 12-11 victory.
Tonkawa opened play on the day with a dominating performance over newcomers GSA. Continuing their momentum from winning the Joe Barry Cup, Tonkawa shot an efficient 11 for 13 from the field, not missing their first shot until halfway through the fifth chukka. The duo of Sapo Caset and Julian de Lusarreta continued their strong play scoring five goals each, while Mariano Gonzalez led the way for GSA with five goals of his own. The fast-paced style of play favoured the Tonkawa side as GSA was left chasing the quick runs from Tonkawa. A late push from GSA in the fifth chukka brought the game within three but ultimately they weren’t able to get any closer as Tonkawa continued their undefeated run through the high goal season with the 12-7 victory.
Adolfo Cambiaso made his 2018 debut in the USA High Goal Season, leading his Valiente team to the convincing 10-6 victory over Coca-Cola. Leading all players with six goals, Cambiaso controlled the play offensively, with youngster Bautista Panelo playing well above his 2-goal handicap, causing havoc to Coca-Cola’s offense. Holding Coca-Cola to zero penalty shots in the game, Valiente was only able to convert three of their seven penalty attempts, keeping Coca-Cola in the game. Playing to Cambiaso’s strength in open play, Valiente was able to win the field position battle and the game, defeating Coca-Cola 10-6.