Audi edge past by 9-8 Valiente to ride into US Open Polo Championship grand finale
After one year, the team of Audi qualified once again for finals of the United States Open Polo Championship.
In the crucial semi-final contest held at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Audi overpowered Valiente by a single score, 9-8, and set a place in the title-claiming contest. It is vital to mention here that Audi was defeated in the hands of Crab
Orchard in the finals of the last edition of the historic event.
The start of the game was quite hard hitting from the two sides and first set of play was concluded with both teams holding a 2-2 deadlock with them to the sidelines. Gonzalito and Nico Pieres, the two legendary brothers, started the game and established
their first lead in the game.
Nacho Astrada scored a couple of goals of which one came on a penalty-shot and other from the field to tie the knots at 2-2.
In the second frame, Nico Pieres scored another two goals to regain their lead in the game. Audi after the two frames was sitting on top with a two-goal, 4-2 advantage.
The Valiente team looked to get its offence back in the third set of play and adopted an impressive game plan. Miguel Astrada scored a couple of goals, while Polito Pieres and Nacho Astrada connected on one spot-shot apiece and had it all even. Audi managed
only two goals in the period of which one was scored in the hands of Nico Pieres, while other from Rodrigo Andrade. At the half-time, both teams were at 6-6.
The two teams showed stiff defence in the fourth set of play and only one goal was scored in the seven and half minute of play. Gonzalito Pieres notched the go-ahead goal for Audi.
In the second last set of play, both teams exchanged one goal and enhanced the thrill in the game. Polito Pieres scored a goal for Valiente, while Nico Pieres managed it for Audi. Valiente was trailing by a single goal, 8-7 with one chukka left to play.
Andrade was the player of Audi who further expanded the lead up to two goals creating severe pressure for Valiente. The speed of the game upped in the later time but could not further change the results. Valiente received a spot-shot over the foul of Audi
player and obtained another goal in the hands of Nacho Astrada. An end-to-end play was observed in the remaining time period, as no more goals were scored from the both sides. Audi won the game and as well earned a spot in the semi-final, as the final horn
sounded to announce the time completion.
Audi will fight the final game against winner of the match between Lechuza and Las Monjitas on Sunday, April 13, 2011.
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