By Liz Leamy
Last Sunday was an afternoon for the books up as two of America’s premier high goal teams, FlyHouse and La Fe, battled it out against one another in fierce fashion at the Greenwich Polo Club with the intention of accruing all-important points in the first round of the East Coast Open, one of the most celebrated tournaments of the sport.
In the final tally, FlyHouse, the powerhouse contingent based out of the New York metropolitan area, cliched the win with their remarkable power, skill and energy to land at the top of the leaderboard, 16-9, over their formidable opponent based out of Wellington, Florida, who are the 2025 East Coast Gold and East Coast Silver Cup champions.
For the talented and accomplished members of these teams, it was all about playing in an optimal level.
“It was great to be out there today and the crowd was amazing,” said David Stirling Jr. of Uruguay, who is one of the sport’s highest-ranked players with a nine (out of a 10 maximum) goal rating. “They come here and enjoy everything and I think that makes it even more special.”
Other athletes agreed.
“It was a tough and intense game,” said Christian (Magoo) LaPrida of La Fe, the renowned seven goalers who is a big crowd favorite at the Greenwich Polo Club. “The whole atmosphere here is amazing and I’ve played here many times and like it. It’s really nice.”
This year’s East Coast Open tournament, which commenced in 1978, features five teams that have either a 20-goal or near to 20-goal handicap, FlyHouse, La Fe, Audi, Sayville Ford and Stradavarius.
Over the next few weeks, these teams, all of which have rosters featuring many of the sport’s most decorated players and ponies, will face off against one another at the Greenwich Polo Club in hopes of claiming the storied Perry Cup trophy that will be awarded to the top finisher after the final match slated to be held Sunday, September 7th.
Most certainly, the expertise of the players and ponies event, scores of people could be seen teeming about the Greenwich Polo Club grounds enjoying the game and all the other things there.
“I love it here. It’s so beautiful,” said Melanie McCreath of Ansonia, Connecticut, who was attending her first-ever match at the venue. “There’s so much happening here, especially with the food and everything else. It’s such a great atmosphere.”
In addition to all of people enjoying the match from the sidelines, many families and spectators, many of who were there with their dogs, could be seen visiting one of the many food trucks located behind the grandstands that offered such tasty fare as sushi, pizza, Greek food, burgers and fries and ice cream, among other things.
“This is a great sports and social event for everyone,” said Ralph Pietrafesa, President of Longford’s Ice Cream based in Stamford, Connecticut, whose truck is always a major attraction at the Greenwich Polo Club Sunday matches each season. “It’s a great game to watch, the horses are beautiful and there’s a lot of action everywhere. Everyone’s having a great time and there are so many good food trucks. It’s fun to be part of the whole experience here.”
At the same time, dozens of individuals could be seen perusing and purchasing merchandise at the ever-popular Greenwich Polo Club Shop and other retail vendors on hand there.
“It’s been such a busy summer here and we’re thrilled to provide everyone with merchandise so they have memories to bring home, which means a lot,” said Steinberg, whose most popular items this year have included the Greenwich Polo Club baseball caps, straw hats, tee shirts, sweatshirts and Boathouse jacket, among other things. (The store also sells water bags, blankets, water bottles and candles with the Greenwich Polo Club logo as well as stunning polo belts and polo-inspired paintings, among other enticing merchandise.) “This club is so fantastic and unique and draws such a wonderful crowd of people. It’s a place like no other and it’s always great to be here.”
Others concurred.
“It’s such a great turnout here,” said Gino Gallitto who was on hand at the match on behalf of Mohegan Sun, partners of the Greenwich Polo Club. “People are from all over the place and have travelled here to come see a cool sport.” (Gallitto was also there with his colleague, Katelyn Gillette, who is a member of Mohegan Sun’s digital team.)
Ultimately, the essence of the Greenwich Polo Club environment seems to reflect the strength and power of everyone involved in its community as well as the unique and luminous spirit of Greenwich itself.
For more information, please visit the Greenwich Polo Club website at: www.greenwichpoloclub.com
