La Dolfina/Tamera won the first Semi-final of the U.S. Open Polo Championship on Wednesday 16th April, winning 9-4 against Coca-Cola at the National Polo Center.
La Dolfina Tamera delivered a disciplined and dominant performance against Coca-Cola, who entered the match as runners-up in both the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup. With Lucas Criado Jr. subbing in for Julián de Lusarreta, Coca-Cola held their own early, ending the first chukka tied 1-1. However, from the second chukka onward, La Dolfina Tamera took control, establishing a 3-1 lead and systematically extending it through their strategic team plays which left Coca-Cola struggling to cover all bases.
A low scoring affair from the field La Dolfina/ Tamera were dominant in possession throughout with 22 opportunities created on goal. Of these, they converted only 3, relying on penalties for the other 6 goals. Coca-Cola were only able to create 5 opportunities that ended in shots to goal, converting 2 of these but unable to replicate their past attacking heavy performances. Unforced errors and mishits saw them struggle to complete on attacking plays, La Dolfina/ Tamera quick to intercept and take advantage of any mistakes.
By the end of the fifth chukka, they led 9-3, effectively deciding the outcome. Though Coca-Cola added a late goal, La Dolfina Tamera closed with a convincing 9-4 win, earning the first spot in the Final with superior teamwork and execution.
They will play against La Dolfina/ Catamount in what will be a repeat of last year's Cambiaso vs Cambiaso US Open Final.
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Selected Match Highlights:
Matt Coppola steals a slightly mishit penalty 5 from Polito Pieres. Diego Cavanagh reads the play well, running up to goal to receive the intercepted ball. He runs it to goal, riding off his defender with ease to score on the nearside:
Cambiaso makes the most of another unforced error from Polito Pieres who didn't connect as he wanted. Cambiaso turns the ball and sends it up to Matt Coppola who is already running up in attack. Matt takes it to goal: