Wellington, FL – April 5, 2021 – The final game of bracket play in the CaptiveOne U.S. Open Polo Championship® resulted in Scone returning to the win column, defeating Coca-Cola 10-7 on Field 3 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC).
Pulling away in the second half, Scone held Coca-Cola to just one goal over a three-chukker stretch, controlling possession to build a significant lead. Producing twice as many shots at goal, Scone was led by the six-goal performance of Peke Gonzalez and the play of Sayyu Dantata Jr., who proved to be an effective substitute for David Paradice, scoring two goals in the victory. Coca-Cola stayed even in the early stages behind the play of Nico Pieres, but a strong Scone defense changed the momentum of the game, while the few fouls Coca-Cola did commit resulted in penalty conversions for Adolfo Cambiaso and Gonzalez, leading to the 10-7 outcome in favor of Scone.
Scone was led by the six-goal performance of Peke Gonzalez and the play of Sayyu Dantata Jr., who substituted for David Paradice. ©Alex Pacheco
Gillian Johnston opened the game with a goal for Coca-Cola, striking first against a Scone team looking for their first win of the tournament. After Gonzalez tied the score, a Penalty 4 conversion for Pieres pushed Coca-Cola back into the lead as they provided a determined attack in the opening chukker. Making an early impact, Dantata Jr. ended the first chukker with a goal, tying the game at 2-2. Trading goals throughout the second chukker, Scone generated their offense from the penalty line while Coca-Cola responded from the field, but the result was the score remaining tied with neither team able to pull ahead. A fast-paced end to the first half saw no whistles and nine shots between the two teams, but Scone was the only team to find the goal on a field goal from Gonzalez to take the narrow 5-4 lead into halftime.
A fast-paced end to the first half saw no whistles and nine shots between the two teams. ©Alex Pacheco
Scone began the second half controlling possession and keeping Coca-Cola in their defensive end as they held them to zero shots over the fourth and fifth chukkers. Adolfo Cambiaso increased his presence in the game, receiving a Penalty 1, converting a safety and assisting on a Gonzalez field goal in a span of minutes to give Scone the commanding 8-4 lead. Coca-Cola’s comeback hopes were dashed in the fifth chukker, extending their goalless streak from the field to over 20 minutes. Dantata Jr.’s second goal completed a run of six unanswered goals that left Coca-Cola facing a 10-4 deficit on the scoreboard. Pieres fought to try and bring Coca-Cola within reach, scoring the final three goals of the game, but ultimately Scone’s performance led to the 10-7 victory.
Play resumes on Thursday when Aspen/Dutta Corp faces Santa Clara in a playoff game to determine the final spot in the quarterfinals, beginning on Saturday, April 10 at IPC.
Scone began the second half controlling possession and keeping Coca-Cola in their defensive end. ©Alex Pacheco
Polo matches at IPC are not open to the general public except for ticketed Sunday brunch. Sunday brunch will now be available through May 9, Mother‘s Day, thanks to the addition of three new Sunday game dates. Online viewing is available with a subscription at globalpolo.com.
Click here to view the full 2021 High Goal Polo Schedule.
Click here to learn more about the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Click here to learn more about the GAUNTLET OF POLO®.
