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 now 9 game winning streak (4 unbeaten games in this tournament).
Fighting for their place the semis, Park Place came out all guns blazing, with an early penalty converted followed by a nearside field goal from Juano Britos to put them into the lead early on but the tides soon turned after 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 too many scoring opportunities for La Dolfina who capitalised on the advantage. All tied up at 9-9 going into the last chukka but 2 quick 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:
