The first semifinal of the US Open Polo Championship was played on Wednesday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Producing the most dominant chukker of the season to open the game, Pilot outscored Iconica 7-0, taking control of the game and shifting their focus to protecting the lead. Maintaining a possession heavy attack, Pilot prevented quick Iconica counter-attacks with the duo of Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres in top form defensively. The low-fouling game left the result to open play with Pilot converting an efficient 58% of their 19 shots. By scoring at least one goal in each of the final five chukkers, while also sitting back defensively, Pilot kept Iconica at a distance to claim the convincing 13-6 victory. Now they are only one game away from capturing the $1,000,000 Gauntlet of Polo prize.
PILOT 13-6 ICONICA
Pilot: Curtis Pilot 0, Matías González 3 (2 goals), Gonzalo Pieres 9 (3), Facundo Pieres 10 (8). Total: 22.
Iconica: Maureen Brennan 1, Peke Gonzalez 5 (2 goals), Sebastián Merlos 9 (3), Matías Magrini 7 (1). Total: 22.
Score Pilot: 7-0, 8-3, 9-3, 10-4, 11-6, 13-6.
The US Open Polo Championship will continue on Thursday:
10am: Las Monjitas vs. Tonkawa
THE FINAL OF THE US OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP IS DUE ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST.
US OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP: Fixture & Teams
PICTURE GALLERY:
