Defending Courts Pro Bowl champions W Connection were shown the exit of this year’s tournament after suffering 2-0 defeat by Defence Force on Friday afternoon at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadiumin their semi-final clash.
A goal each by Michael Edwards and Christopher Durity separated by the half were enough for the Kerry Jamerson coached unit to book their place in the final on Friday May 23 against Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA—winners against United Petrotrin in semi-final two.
Edwards converted from a corner in the 33rd minute when he towered the W Connection defence to head past goalkeeper Marvin Phillip from Devon Jorsling’s corner to take the 1-0 lead.
The 1-0 lead lasted out the half against W Connection who had an earlier opportunity in the 19th minute when defender Christian Viveros was set free after a wonderful flick-on by Ronaldo Viana past the defence force backline but his anxious effort from 22yards out was easily handled by goalkeeper Selywn George.
Army came close to hitting the target in the 29th minute when captain Anton Pierre rifled effort from a 20 yard set play set play swooshed past Phillip’s far post.
Nine minutes later W Connection Colombian import Oscar Torijano hit into the arms of well positioned goalkeeper George from Dwight Scott’s right side run and cross into the area.
Moments before the break Defence Force created a scare in the Connection area after Andrei Pecheco was disposed in the middle by Anton Joseph to play Michael Edwards down the left and his cross into the area was head down in front of goal before Clyde Leon cleared to safety.
Straight into the second period W Connection coach Stuart Charles Fevrier made a change replacing Tiba Mc Knight with a more creative option, midfielder Aurtis Whitley.
W Connection looked a bit destined for the equalizing item creating a couple of scares in the Defence Force area and also 24yard effort by Andrei Pacheco but the Defence Force custodian was well positioned and easily gathered.
However in the 60th minute Defence Force doubled their advantage when midfielder Christopher Durity spanked the ball at goal from inside the area—after W Connection failed to clear a corner to safety—and the ball taking a wicked deflection off Christian Viveros to find the back of the net for a 2-0 score.
Soon afterwards Fevrier called to the services of Dominican Republic striker Jonathon Frias, replacing Colombian Oscar Torijano.
Defence Force flying in confidence saw defender David Alleyne getting forward in the 72nd minute and trying his luck from some 35 yards out which was relatively close to Phillip’s far post.
Fevrier well aware that time was running out replaced Andrei Pacheo with a more striking option introduced Hughton Hector but the goals never came.
Late half chances on either side of the field weren’t converted leaving the match in favour of finalist Defence Force 2-0.
However Defence Force walked away with one casualty in goalkeeper Selwyn George—their hero in their penalty win over Clico San Juan Jabloteh in the quarterfinals—after he won himself a yellow card for time wasting in the 82nd minute. George who also picked up a yellow card against Jabloteh will miss the final according to competition rules.
Defence Force will take on Caledonia AIA from 7pm on May 23 at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in the 2008 ‘winner takes all’ Courts Pro Bowl final.