US Open Polo Championship quarter-final Player Ratings: Lechuza 14 – Bendabout 10
Bendabout received its first defeat in the United States Open Polo Champion, losing to an unanticipated Lechuza by four goals. The heated contested quarter-final match between the two talented teams was held at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida.
Undoubtedly, it was a contest which displayed some quality polo from the two teams. Lechuza succeeded to set a spot in the semi-final contest thanks to ten impressive scores from Sapo Caset. Moreover, the resilient defence of Lechuza kept Bendabout far and away from the score-board and played pivotal role in the triumph.
On the other hand, the strikers of Lechuza produced one of the major shocks of the US Open Championship, when they earned a spot in the semi-finals contest by winning only two games in the mega event.
Lechuza
Sapo Caset: 9.0/10
He played a great game with ten impressive goals. The one who ruined the defence line of Bendabout and was the real architect of the victory. Everything was done by him in the six chukka action in the crucial game. Sapo broke up the game well and showed an attacking threat from midfield which earned loads of penalty shots and as well chances for goal-scoring.
Juan Martin Nero: 7.0/10
He was quite slow in the first half of play, but his side began to dominate he pulled the cords in the downfield following the ball. He scored only twice, but was excellent on defence. He intercepted many strikes from the opposite side and converted them into goals for Caset. He had a late ride that presented a shooting chance, but he failed to capitalise it.
Victor Vargas: 7.5/10
He showed impressive passing technique on the field and gave a tough time to opposing players. He had a wonderful passing range and showed his maturity by laying it for Caset rather than going for scoring. He scored two times and displayed very impressive stick-work, besides extensive rides and runs.
Gaston Lisioli: 6.5/10
Though he could not score a goal in the game, he was strong on defence and demonstrated a level head throughout the first three chukkas. He denied numerous efforts from the opposite side.
Bendabout
Julio Arellano: 6.0/10
Arellano had a brilliant roaming towards the forward throughout the game and he served Erskine on the other flank. He scored three goals in the game, but saved many from Lechuza. He was fast and furious on the field and rendered a mature show. However, he could not coordinate well with his back-positioned players that led them to the defeat.
Sugar Erskine: 7.5/10
It seemed like Erskine was the most senior striker in the team and he certainly thrived on the responsibility given to him. He marked five goals to follow the Lechuza team in the game, but failed to do so due to weak strategies.
Gillian Johnston: 6.0/10
The number three positioned player, Johnston, failed to keep his defence organised and as well the struggled to deal with the pace of stopping the attackers at times. He was not at his best as compared to what he was really worth for.
Magoo Laprida: 4.5/10
Laprida failed to coordinate with his front-runners and made some silly mistakes. Unsurprisingly, he gifted some points to Lechuza in the game.
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