Valiente take the second Final spot against La Dolfina having won the Semi-final of the U.S. Open Polo Championship on Wednesday 17th April, defeating Pilot 9-6 at the National Polo Center.
A third consecutive Valiente vs La Dolfina final is on the cards as Pilot fell prey to Valiente in their first match up of the season. A low scoring affair, Valiente successfully shut down the goal scoring powerhouse that is Pilot’s Facundo Pieres meaning that at halftime the score was at 5-1, Pilot unable to get back on the scoreboard after Antonio Heguy’s initial goal in chukka 1 drew first blood.
The young hotshots of Peke and Paco worked hard for Valiente throughout the game, continuing their records of scoring over 2/3s of the team goals between them while Cambiaso controlled the game from behind. Vilagre, who stepped in in the league stages after Bob Jornayvaz was injured, complements the three Valiente teammates well, completing the foursome to work together as a well oiled machine.
Both sides showed clean, dynamic team plays, but it was Valiente who were able to convert their 18 shots on goal to 6 field goals and shoot 100% from the penalty line to run out the winners 9-6 despite a last chukka push from Pilot.
It’s 1 apiece Valiente and La Dolfina in the Gauntlet and we wait to see who will take the 3rd and most prestigious title of the season.
The Teams:
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
