An exciting day at the National Polo Center on Wednesday 16th April in one of the best days of high goal polo of the year as 4 teams took to the field to battle it out for their right to play for the coveted US Open Polo Championship. Two incredible matches of polo were played and the result will be another epic showdown of Cambiasos as for the second year running we see Poroto Cambiaso (this year playing for La Dolfina/ Catamount) take on father Adolfo Cambiaso (La Dolfina/ Tamera) for the most prestigious title on the US polo scene.
Match 1:
La Dolfina/Tamera won the first Semi-final of the day, beating Coca-Cola 9-4 to reach the Final.
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 suggesting an evenly matched contest might be in store. However, that sense of parity quickly faded as the second chukka unfolded. La Dolfina Tamera, led by Adolfo Cambiaso and a sharp, cohesive unit, began to assert their dominance. 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. Their strategy was disciplined, their teamwork seamless, and their execution clinical across each phase of the game.
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:
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La Dolfina/Catamount won the second Semi-final after winning 11-9 against Park Place in a fast paced and exciting match.
La Dolfina/ Catamount executed a high-pressure strategy early, showing their flawless teamplay and overwhelming Park Place with a 4-0 run in the first chukka—setting the tone against the reigning USPA Gold Cup and 2023 U.S. Open champions.
Park Place responded with defensive adjustments, shutting out La Dolfina/ Catamount’s biggest threat, Poroto Cambiaso, in the second chukka and gradually narrowing the margin. However, La Dolfina/ Catamount’s ability to capitalize in key moments proved decisive. The power and possession swapped each chukka as the two teams changed strategies to compensate. The fourth chukka was all about Park Place but two critical goals in the fifth and sixth chukkas re-established La Dolfina/ Catamount’s lead at 11-9, and an impressive performance by Rufino Merlos in the last chukka locked in the result. All 11 goals from the field is a testament to the attacking prowess of the foursome who work together seamlessly.
Tactically, La Dolfina/ Catamount’s early aggression and late-game control earned them a spot in the final, despite mid-game scoring droughts. They move forward to play the Final which will once again see the two Cambiasos face off for the biggest US title.
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
Stats provided by International Polo Academy