La Dolfina defeat Park Place by a score of 13-11 in the U.S. Open Polo Championship at National Polo Center on Sunday 14th April to take the number 1 spot going into the Semi-finals and continue their 9 game winning streak (4 unbeaten games in this tournament).
An early penalty converted, followed by a nearside field goal from Juano Britos to put Park Place into the lead early on but a penalty conversion for La Dolfina saw Panelo continue his 100% accuracy from the penalty line. An even match in terms of field play, with possession and shots on goal 50/50 but Park Place's 9 fouls to La Dolfina's 5 gave away scoring opportunities to La Dolfina who capitalised on the advantage. It was all tied up at 9-9 going into the last chukka but 2 consecutive fouls from Park Place and a field goal from Poroto saw La Dolfina push ahead and take the win.
The loss for Park Place saw them go head to head in a penalty shoot out with Coca Cola, also 2-2 in this tournament, which they lost, leaving last year's champions out of the running to defend their title.
The Teams:
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
10 goaler Poroto Cambiaso of La Dolfina showcases skills including:
- Passes
- Assists
- Long range accuracy in front of goal
Selected Match Highlights:
Poroto Cambiaso takes possession of the ball before running it to goal past several defending players, carrying it in the air and scoring from a nearside under the neck shot:
Juano Britos fakes a backhand to fool defending player before carrying the ball to goal and shooting from long distance: