Cambiaso Scores 9 Goals to Lead New Bridge La Dolfina Over BTA 12-10
In Final of Ylvisaker Cup presented by Cartier at International Polo Club
Winners: New Bridge, Bill Ylvisaker, Adolfo Cambiaso, Matias Magrini, Russ McCall, Martin Valent Click here to view all photos by David Lominska.
WELLINGTON, FL (February 18, 2007) – Adolfo Cambiaso and Matias Magrini proved they are still the best one-two combination in polo, scoring all the goals as defending champion New Bridge La Dolfina defeated BTA 12-10 to capture the 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup presented by Cartier championship Sunday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Cambiaso scored a game-high nine goals and was named the MVP as New Bridge La Dolfina won its 20th consecutive match over the last two seasons at International Polo Club.
“I think it’s great, it’s unbelievable, but honestly we have the best player in the world and Russ gives us everything we need, the whole control of the team and that’s a big plus,” said Magrini. “So, yes, it’s amazing. But we never think about it, we just go game by game. And now our biggest concern is Thursday (when Magrini and Cambiaso suit up for Crab Orchard in the 26-goal C.V. Whitney tournament).”
The outcome wasn’t as close as the final score as BTA scored three goals in the final 1:33, the last one with 14 seconds remaining. But it wasn’t easy, either. It was a physical, hard-hitting game and several players were dismounted but not injured.
MVP Adolfo Cambiaso
BTA led only once, when it received a goal by handicap at the start the game, and there were two ties, the last at 3-3 early in the third chukker. BTA, however, cut the margin to 8-7 with 5:51 left in the fifth chukker on a 60-yard grounder by Fred Mannix Jr.
But New Bridge La Dolfina responded quickly, scoring three unanswered goals in a span of 2:07 to go ahead 11-7 at the end of the fifth. Cambiaso converted a 60-yard penalty shot, then assisted on Magrini’s tap-in goal with 1:17 left. Cambiaso and Magrini worked a two-on-one breakaway against Jeff Hall, with Cambiaso getting the goal with 32 seconds left.
Cambiaso sealed the victory when he picked up a loose ball and drove down the middle to give New Bridge La Dolfina a 12-7 advantage with 5:14 left.
“We have to work for Adolfo to be effective,” said Magrini. “We didn’t say anything to each other (when it was 8-7). “We know our jobs and what we’re supposed to do.”
New Bridge La Dolfina patron Russ McCall was understandably happy after the match.
“The game was hard but at least the other three guys took all the bumps,” said McCall. “The other team played really hard but we were all well mounted and that was the big difference.”
BTA patron Kelly Beal made several key defensive plays, repelling two shots in the goal match in the second half.
“These guys played their hearts out,” said Beal, referring to his three pro players. “I’m disappointed we lost. That’s an incredible team (New Bridge La Dolfina). You have to be right on (to beat them). You cannot miss.”
Fred Mannix Jr. led BTA with six goals, but could not provide the last-minute heroics that propelled them into the final with game-winning goals in both the semifinals and quarterfinals. Jeff Hall added two goals, Daniel Roenisch scored one goal while Beal did not score.
“I’m honored to play in a final named after Bill (Ylvisaker),” added Beal. “He’s the same age as my father and they both meant a lot to the sport.”
The Ylvisaker Cup in named in honor of William T. “Bill” Ylvisaker, a polo pioneer who founded Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in the late 1970s, bringing the sport to the forefront in Palm Beach County. A former Chairman of the USPA, Ylvisaker was elected into the Polo Hall of Fame in 1996. Ylvisaker has won numerous major polo tournaments, including the prestigious U.S. Open in 1972.
The polo matches are open to the public. General admission for the Sunday games at International Polo Club Palm Beach is $10 for adults. Children under 3 enter for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game or in advance at the stadium box office.
International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For information, directions or ticket purchases, please call the club at (561) 204-5687 or visit the website at www.internationalpoloclub.com.
BPP “SYLVIA”, owned by Andres Weisz and played by Adolfo Cambiaso Click here to view all photos by David Lominska.
Past champions
2007 – New Bridge La Dolfina defeated BTA 12-10
2006 – New Bridge La Dolfina defeated Skeeterville 15-14
2005 – Pony Express defeated Airstream 11-6
2004 – Crab Orchard defeated Black Watch 13-8
2003 – C Spear defeated Outback 11-9