The week could not have been better. I think the nickname for my 4-goal team “Comeback Kings” is certainly apt. The first match of the week was against Cacares polo team on Wednesday out at ERG Farms. Cacares was led by 3-goaler Rodrigo Moran, who has been in imperious form all season and his Argentine compatriot Martin Munoz (2 goals). Cacares attacked us from the get go and we found ourselves 4-1 down at half time. However, through a Herculean effort, we rallied back, scoring 6 goals in 2 chukkers to win 7-5. The epic win last Wednesday put us firmly on course to the final. I spent Friday and Saturday riding all 4 horses with Bella, just to keep their muscles going and to ensure that each horse would be able to perform to its optimum level for Sunday’s final.
My patron, Mr Philip Limon, was kind enough to invite Bella and I for dinner to a new Brazilian restaurant called Chama Gaucho in Houston (which was really, really good!) on Saturday night. I wanted to take the weekend really easy and not do too much so that I was able to play well for the final.

At Chama Gaucha for dinner
It was interesting taking to the field against the Houston Polo Club team at Fulshear Farms. HPC had beaten us several times this season and had a strong core of Bryan Middleton (3) and Kristy Outhier (2). The game started and HPC were instantly on the attack. Much of the first chukker was backs-against-the-wall stuff for my team but we finally conceded to a great shot by Bryan. I managed to pull a goal back near the end of the chukker and almost added another one following a mazy run but shot just wide. By the end of the second chukker, HPC was clearly dominating, with Bryan scoring a terrific 60-yard penalty and Liz Larry scoring from a spot penalty 3 yards from goal.
My team consolidated at half time and we kicked into gear at the restart, with Chad Bowman scoring a great goal after collecting a bouncing ball and firing it through a pack of players. I put in another goal to equalize and when the fourth chukker started, it was game on at 3-3. Bryan Middleton, who was controlling the entire game, put another in after some slack defending by us and we were under pressure from the clock to equalize once again. I managed to provide an assist to Billy Mudra with a long back shot, which he picked up and slotted into goal following some pressure from Kristy Outhier.
The bell went and the final score stood at 4-4, which meant that the dreaded penalty shootout was looming. Each team nominated 2 players to take the penalties. Raymond Stainback to the first one for our team and put in a goal that was dead center of the goal. Liz Larry missed a penalty for HPC and it was then my responsibility to win the game with my penalty. I was very nervous. First, because there was a lot of pressure and second, I was riding Luna, easily my best horse but also, the most highly strung one who prefers having four feet off the ground than on it. From the penalties I’ve missed this season, 4 out of 5 were missed on Luna and the rules state that a horse change is not permitted in a shootout. However, I lofted a high shot straight through the middle of the goalmouth and wheeled away in celebration before the linesman had waved the ‘goal’ flag.

Champions!!!
In the afternoon, I co-hosted some children from the Texas Childrens’ Cancer Center at polo alongside Philip Limon. A big thanks goes out to Philip for helping organize candy, Cynthia for being so great with the kids and allowing them to pat her horse Pelota. Also thanks to Pam Mudra, Penny Dilingham and Allee Messina from the Houston Polo Club for being so accommodating and helping me out with my charity initiatives at the club. Bella- thanks for taking the lovely pictures, all of us can’t wait to see them!

With my young friend Braedon- a true warrior and inspiration for the Golden Goals Project

With Josiah, what a great kid! He's gone through so much with his anemia yet is really energetic and loves life. He has my support and a great family

Thanks for everything Bell
This week, I will be playing in the 8 goal for Pecan Acres as well as the 4 goal for my Wilderness team. It’s going to be a trying week of polo and school but hey, you got to keep busy to get the most from life.
On Saturday I will be attending the houston002 magazine release party at Porsche West Houston as I have a feature on Golden Goals in it. Please do pick up a copy of the magazine if you are in Houston.
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