Chile Narrowly Edges Out USA in FIP World Polo Championship Final

April 2, 2015Leslie WylieLeslie WylieLeave a comment

It was a fight to the finish yesterday in Santiago, Chile, with the home team besting the USA by a single point in overtime to claim the Championship title.

Photo: Roberto Herrera – Xpress Media courtesy of the USPA

We’ve been following all the FIP World Polo Championship action this week — it’s been a thrilling one for U.S. fans! Check out our previous report here.

Rundown of the Action

Team USPA got off to its usual fast start, up 3-0 at the end of the first chukker on an opening goal by Patrick Uretz and two goals by Jesse Bray. The score was 5-2 at the half thanks to scores by Felipe Viana and another by Bray. Chile started the second half on a tear taking the lead in the 4th 6-5 with the USA regaining its footing in the 5th regaining the lead 9-7 at the end of the chukker. Chile stormed back to tie the game at 10 just prior to the end of regulation time and then score the game winner shortly into overtime.

Scoring for the USA were Remy Muller with 2, Felipe Viana with 3, Jesse Bray with 5 and Patrick Uretz with 1.

Remy Muller was named “Sportsman of the Tournament”

The USA’s 2nd place finish is its second-best finish in the history of the FIP World Polo Championship, overshadowed only by the USA’s victory in 1989. In 1992 and 1998 the USA took fourth place in the tournament.

Photo: Roberto Herrera – Xpress Media courtesy of the USPA

Team Response

Head Coach of Team USPA Joel Baker

“This was an incredible match and the hardest competition we’ve faced yet as a team. The team played exceptionally well together today as they did all through the tournament. While we didn’t win this one I am still very proud of what the team accomplished during this World Championship for Team USPA, American polo, and the sport overall.”

Photo: Roberto Herrera – Xpress Media courtesy of the USPA

Team USPA Captain Mason Wroe

“It was such an amazing experience and a great honor to represent our country in The 2015 World Polo Cup Championship here in Santiago, Chile. Our hats go off to the Federation of International Polo for the excellent production of matches and overall organization of this tournament. We would also like to thank the San Cristobal Polo Club for their generous hospitality and pristine facilities.”

Photo: Roberto Herrera – Xpress Media courtesy of the USPA

United States Polo Association CEO Peter Rizzo

“This was an incredibly challenging game and Chile was a tremendous competitor on the field. The USPA is exceedingly proud of how Team USPA played and represented our country as great players and sportsmen.”