USA take win over Argentina as Nico Escobar leads the way

The USA put its youth to work on the Sunday field at the National Polo Center to secure a 13-6 win against Argentina in a 14-goal International. Captained by Nico Escobar, the home team played a strong opening game, before lagging a little in the third chukker to allow Argentina back in, to close the first half gap and trail 7-5.

Nico Escobar shadowed by Argentina’s Nacho Cabrera. Photo: David Lominska.

“These kids are really good,” said Argentina’s Pablo Dorignac, who left his role as Manager at Hobe Sound Polo Club, to represent his country. “They’ve been playing all the season – the high and medium. We didn’t – some of us have been playing very low [level] because we have our own clubs. But it was a good game. They don’t make mistakes and we did.”

USA, coached by Julio Arellano, profited from their opponents’ errors with Nico scoring seven penalties including three in the final chukker to secure the win. “Argentina was a tough team,” he said. “We met together many times before the game and we went over strategy for a while. We’re all pretty good friends so when you have a good relationship with your teammates it makes it easier to play a good game.”

Horses as ever proved a factor. “My horses were almost turned out,” said Pablo. “I had to play a few practices before coming here. I wish we could play it in the middle of the season when we are better with the horses. But it’s good for polo. I’m happy to play with these guys. In a few years they are going to be nine/ten goals.” Given the end of season timing of the game, the fourth chukker was forfeited in favor of a long ball competition which Nico won – before also claiming MVP. “That was luck,” he said modestly. “Nobody hit it further.”

USA take center stage. L to r: Cody Ellis, Nico Escobar, Joaquin Avendano and Finn Secunda. Photo: David Lominska.

Field goals from Finn Secunda, 16 – playing his first International – and Joaquin Avendano in the fifth and sixth chukkers put the USA back on track after a slight lack of concentration in the third chukker.

Nico’s brother, Lucas, was watching in the stadium. “I think the USA team is playing well,” he said as the divot stomp got underway. “I think the Argentine team is a very good team. They had a strong last chukker where the US team kind of fell asleep. Hopefully they can make some adjustments and come out stronger in the second half.”

USA crowd support was plentiful spearheaded by Nico and Lucas’ mother, Georgette Escobar, renowned for generating a patriotic atmosphere off the field. “My son is born and raised here and to go out and represent the USA, it’s an honor. Nico was very lucky that he got asked to play.”

Finn’s father Max Secunda echoed the sentiment for his son. “I think for him it’s really exciting” he said. “Because he’s patriotic and it means a lot.”