Showcasing top tier talent, two under twenty-one teams assembled at International Polo Club Palm Beach on Friday, January 14 for the inaugural U.S. Junior Open Test Match. Dutta Corp/Show+ led by 5-goaler Hilario Figueras battled in a tightly contested game against Port Mayaca, where fellow 5-goaler Santino Magrini took charge scoring 4 goals, leading his team to an 8-4 victory.
Played in a five chukker format, Figueras kicked-off the action for Dutta Corp/Show+ with a Penalty 4 conversion. Back and forth action provided plenty of opportunities on both ends, but the penalty goal proved to be Dutta Corp/Show+’s only goal of the first half as they were unable to convert on any of their five shot attempts from the field. Taking advantage, Port Mayaca initiated a stretch of five consecutive goals, showcasing a balanced team effort that resulted in at least one goal from each player, including a Penalty 1 awarded to Nico Diaz Alberdi. Heavily outshooting Dutta Corp/Show+ 15-5, Port Mayaca entered halftime ahead by two.
Goals from Hope Arellano and Santino Magrini extended Port Mayaca’s lead to four until a Figueras field goal finally ended the drought for Dutta Corp/Show+. The pace continued to increase over the final two chukkas as the two teams pushed to the finish line for the $10,000 purse, turning to their respective 5-goalers. Accounting for all four of his team’s goals, Figueras added a goal from the field and the penalty line in the final chukker, but Port Mayaca’s Santino Magrini converted both shot opportunities to keep his team ahead. Despite committing 13 fouls compared to just six for Dutta Corp/Show+, Port Mayaca emerged victorious with the 8-4 victory to claim the inaugural U.S. Junior Open Test Match.