Audi 9 – Valiente 8: US Open Polo Championship semi-final Player Ratings
The semi-final match of the United States Open Polo Championship between Audi and Valiente took place on Wednesday at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. After a cliff-hanging battle, Audi managed a victory over Valiente by a single
goal and moved forward into the finals of the 26-goal handicap tournament.
The Audi triumph brought back the memories of last edition of the US Open, where it lost to Crab Orchard in the final show. Audi, after grabbing all the five victories, are eyeing at the title of the mega event. The Valiente team displayed stiff game
on the field, but failed to knock down Audi in the final set of play.
Audi
Gonzalito Pieres: 6.5/10
Gonzalito was part of the squad that lost to Crab Orchard in the last season, so he played more cautiously. He had a comfortable day and nullified the menace from opposing team-mates. He scored two times in the six-chukka action and had an assist to
carry his four-some into the finals of the US Open Polo Championship.
Nicolas Pieres: 8.5/10
Nicolas Pieres, the brother of Gonzalito, was destined for major achievements early in his career and he displayed magnificent performances in the current season. He lit the lamp five times and was the real planner of the victory. His lengthy rides,
stick-work and ball handling were outstanding throughout the game. He did not skirt his responsibilities on attack and hardly put a wrong foot in the game. He not only held the ball well, but also brought his team-players into the game.
Rodrigo Andrade: 7.0/10
Andrade looked assured throughout the game and came out stronger and stiffer in all the aerial clashes. He was very impressive whether we talk about defence or offence. He scored two goals in the crucial match and saved a number of strikes from the
other side. He not only intercepted the attacks, but converted them into goal-scoring chances to lead his four-some into the final's clash.
Marc Ganzi: 5.0/10
The skipper of Audi was not at his best and showed poor game. He made few need-less fouls while offering little hurdles to Valiente attackers. He could not score a goal in the game and as remained sloppy on defence.
Valiente
Nacho Astrada: 7.0/10
By far the most outstanding polo pro in the season, Nacho Astrada, contested the game brilliantly and fought until the final horn sounded. He gave tough time to Audi and scored four goals. He was good in ball possession and riding, but his team-mates
could not show stiff defence in the final set of play.
Polito Pieres: 6.5/10
He was quite hard-working and legendary player of Valiente, but could not show more than an average game. He scored only two points in the game and as well, but demonstrated iron like defence.
Miguel Astrada: 6.0/10
Miguel Astrada carried through a well-organised performance at the number three position. He saved many hits from the opposite side besides scoring a couple of goals.
Robert Jornayvaz: 4.0/10
He was not impressive on the field and could not score any goal in the game. His ball possession was sloppy in the final round that almost gifted the points.
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