La Dolfina/Catamount won the second Quarter Final of the U.S. Open Polo Championship on Saturday 12th April, winning 11-10 against Globalport at the National Polo Center.
A close and exciting match could have belonged to either side with both playing fast, dynamic team polo. Scott Devon's side however proved themselves to be up to the task and able to handle the pressure when down by 1 in the last they managed to pull themselves back to equalise and then take the lead with impressive team goals. Jesse Bray worked hard in back to create opportunities for Poroto who either capitalised on these himself with explosive runs to goal, or sent the ball up to the ever well-placed Rufino Merlos, teammate from last year, to complete. With just seconds left on the clock, Rufino scored to take La Dolfina/ Catamount out of the threat of overtime and into the Semis.
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
Selected Match Highlights:
While Poroto Cambiaso receives a pass and makes an incredible run down field to goal, Jesse Bray has set up the play with an angled neckshot pass and then run quickly up to take out his man and clear the way for Poroto to run through in a showcase of non-selfish, team polo where clearing the man is as important as running the ball:
Poroto Cambiaso wins the throw in and sends the ball up to teammate Rufino Merlos who is by himself up front. Rufino takes the ball and runs it through the goal to break the tie and win the game: