Empire Polo Club Summer Season

INDIO – Shoot 4 The Moon rode to a second consecutive win in Empire Polo Club’s summer season Sunday in the Sunshine Cup, narrowly defeating Rancho Esperanza 12-11.

Tied at 11 goals a piece with less than three seconds remaining in the match, one-goaler Christian Moon punched in the decisive bell-ringing 20-yard offside shot on a turnover at midfield. Rancho Esperanza’s patron Joe Gallemore had picked up a goal-saving back shot by teammate David Lasman and then turned for the offensive drive to goal for the win. But Gallemore’s release went wide and into the hands of Moon, assisted downfield by forward Katie Moon.

Shoot 4 the Moon led Rancho Esperanza 7-3 after the first day of the zero-goal eight-chukker match-up. The Moons built up a three-goal lead by the half, allowing Rancho Esperanza’s powerhouse Lolo Payan at No. 3 just a single goal in the first four chukkers. Payan’s long offside bomb was quickly answered by Shoot 4 the Moon’s Joe Hensley, who closed the door on a tap-in sealing a 60-yard push.

Rancho Esperanza was held scoreless in the second and fifth chukkers, but a penalty three conversion early in seventh sparked a fast-and-furious rally led by two-goal powerhouse Payan. Payan single-handedly scored three goals in four minutes on keen positioning and a handy, fast-moving mount that blew holes through the Moon defense.

Summer tournaments continue at Empire Polo Club Memorial Day weekend. The club offers green horse polo by monthly membership to interested players and trainers and is played early mornings Tuesday through Sunday. Weekend tournaments are open to all interested players for $250, complete with trophies and Saturday night barbecues at the club.

For more information about green horse polo or to play in weekend tournaments, please contact polo manager Vicky Owens, (760) 963-9930.

Shoot 4 the Moon Polo 12, Rancho Esperanza 11

Goals scored:

Shoot 4 the Moon: Christian Moon 7, Katie Moon 3, Joe Hensley 1, Brent Lance 1.
Rancho Esperanza: Lolo Payan 7, Joe Gallemore 3, Dempsey Mork 1, David Lasman.