(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
La Karina Wins 2025 USPA Pacific Coast Open in Thrilling 12-10 Victory
SANTA BARBARA, CA: La Karina clinched the 2025 USPA Pacific Coast Open title on Sunday, August 31, defeating Carbenella 12-10 in a closely contested final at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, near Los Angeles.
The prestigious West Coast tournament featured seven top-tier teams with handicaps of up to 17 goals. La Karina entered the final with a 3-2 record, while Carbenella had won 4 of 5 matches. The two sides had met earlier in the tournament, where La Karina had edged a 14-11 victory in the preliminaries.
The final lived up to the hype, with lead changes and spectacular goals throughout. Felipe Vercellino starred for La Karina, scoring 9 of the team’s 12 goals, and earning MVP honors. His standout play included the signature move, Biceps Slash, which dazzled the crowd and proved decisive in the win.
Final Score: La Karina 12 – Carbenella 10
La Karina Team (17 goals): Brian Boyd 0, Carlos Gracida Jr 4, Nicolás Escobar 6, Felipe Vercellino 7
Carbenella Team (17 goals): Ben Soleimani 0, Santiago Torres 5, Ignacio Badiola 5, Ignacio Laprida 7
Scoring Progression: La Karina – 1-2, 3-2, 6-6, 7-8, 9-9, 12-10
Umpires: Martín Pascual and Gastón Lucero | Third Man: Martín Aguerre
La Karina’s victory marks an exciting highlight in this year’s US polo season, showcasing world-class talent and thrilling action for fans across the West Coast.
