It was Semi Finals time at The National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on Wednesday 19th February where 4 teams battled out for their spot in next Sunday’s Final in the C.V Whitney Cup, the first leg of the triple headed tournament series, The Gauntlet of Polo.
Match 1:
In the first of the Semi Finals, Coca-Cola won 15-9 against Globalport earning the first spot in the Final to be played on Sunday 23rd February. Having lost out in last year’s Semi Finals to the eventual winners, this is a great achievement for Gillian Johnston’s team in red.
Although they started behind, by the third chukka they had found their stride. Taking the lead going into halftime they began to pull away, creating opportunity after opportunity at goal. With Gillian out in front, always well positioned to receive the pass up and Polito and Lusarreta working hard at 3 and 4 to turn defense into offense, they had plenty of possession in their attacking half. 26 shots on goal compared to Globalport’s 15 goes to show their strength in attack.
They were playing their game throughout, using each player up the field to move the ball along with quick, one-touch passes and spreading Globalport’s men between them. Globalport struggled to find the posts in chukkas 4 and 5 so despite a strong last chukka they were unable to close the gap and Coca Cola take their place in Sunday’s Final after 2 wins and a loss in the qualifying stages.
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
Watch back HERE
Match 2:
The second Semi Final was won by La Dolfina/ Tamera as they beat Pilot 15-9.
Although the match started out evenly, with the first chukka ending 1 goal apiece, La Dolfina/ Tamera quickly began to dominate the possession with long-term teammates Adolfo Cambiaso and Diego Cavanagh playing some clever, team polo. Quick give-and-go’s between the two players and pinpoint passes had Pilot’s Facundo Pieres split between the two, unable to cover the attacks and slow the goal scoring power of the La Dolfina/ Tamera side. 2 goal-less chukkas in the second half meant Pilot were on the back foot while la Dolfina/ Tamera continued to press home their advantage.
Diego Cavanagh worked particularly hard creating space and opportunities for Adolfo Cambiaso to showcase his signature ball control skills. Having won last year, Cambiaso will be keen to retain the title and this year they go up against Coca Cola, winners of the first Semi Final.
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
Watch back HERE
Stats provided by International Polo Academy