Lechuza edge past Las Monjitas by 11-10: US Open Polo Championship semi-final player rating
Las Monjitas suffered their third defeat to Lechuza at United States Open Polo Championship in the semi-final match by 11 to 10 goals at the International Polo Club in Wellington.
The players of Las Monjitas were slow in their usual over flowing confidence in the strikes, as Lechuza took the pleasure of the ball possession. Las Monjitas were guilty of weak passing and dreary ball possession as Juan Martin Nero looked threatening in
the very early minutes of the game.
The much overvalued contest was mostly dominated by Lechuza, particularly the first three chukkas of play. Nero instead of Sapo Caset was in action and almost ruined the defence line of Las Monjitas and ousted them into the title-claiming fight.
Here are the player ratings from the two sides.
Lechuza
Juan Martin Nero: 9.0/10
He was the man who opened and as well closed out the scoring in the game. He was the real architect of the semi-final victory. His riding was a constant menace for Las Monjitas and the defenders simply failed to handle him in the six-chukka action. He lit
the lamp nine times in the crucial game to carry his foursome into the title-claiming fight.
Sapo Caset: 6.5/10
He was not as effective as in the previous games, but took the potent forward only two times at Las Monjitas goal. He contested the game unselfishly and created many chances for Nero. He expertly converted long penalty-shot in the first half of play and
continued his action with impressive passing. It was a dogged show from him that retained his previous track record alive.
Victor Vargas: 6.0/10
He rarely roamed forward and played defensive game throughout the six chukkas. He made the defence organised and at times blocked the strikes from the opposing side. However, they could not maintain their defence and conceded goals. His only missing point
was slow riding that took the score more close.
Gaston Lisioli: 4.5/10
After delivering impressive performances in the previous matches, he went forward to take part in the attacks, but failed to defend his position in the counter-attacks.
Las Monjitas
Agustin Merlos: 8.5/10
He handled pretty well with an offensive work that came his way and deserved points when pouring high into the Lechuza goal from an onside position on the field. Ultimately, he got on the score-board with an excellent score, but lost the game by a single
point. He scored six times and contested the game until the final whistle blew.
Eduardo Astrada: 5.5.0/10
He failed to outperform and was punished easily in the hands of Lechuza attackers. His solitary goal went futile, as he missed a plenty of easy goal-scoring chances.
Santiago Toccalino: 7.0/10
He displayed a very good game and his command of the area was largely praise-worthy. He scored three goals, but to no avail.
Camilo Bautista: 4.0/10
He looked completely failed in the game and could not serve Lechuza neither on defence nor offence. He failed to cope with the speed of the ball and as well was uncomfortable with the ball possession.
Tags: