First Citizens Cup Thread.

[Flex]

Goal-hero Jorsling eager to lift First Citizens Cup again.
ttproleague.com.

Devorn Jorsling envisions his Defence Force side lifting the First Citizens Cup on Friday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium when the Army/Coast Guard combination tackle Ma Pau Stars from 8pm in the 2016 final.

Jorsling, rolled back the years, netting a beaver-trick in a 4-2 quarter-final win over St. Ann’s Rangers and all goals in a 3-0 win over Morvant Caledonia United in the semi-finals, but promises a team effort from Defence Force against Ma Pau Stars.

Defence Force, champions in 2002 and 2009, are after a third First Citizens Cup crowning in the 17-year history of the tournament, but first under coach Marvin Gordon, who like many of his players are against close friend and former head coach, Ross Russell, who heads Ma Pau.

Last season, Gordon celebrated his first title in charge of the soldiers by winning the 2016 season-ending Digicel Pro Bowl title.

Defence Force had also won the Pro Bowl in 2012 under Russell, who also guided the Army/Coast Guard combination to the Digicel Pro League crown in 2010-11 and 2012-13, and before that he had ended an eight-year drought by leading team to the 2009 First Citizens Cup in his debut season as head coach of the top-flight team.

“It is important for me and current teammates who were part of the team in 2009 to go all the way in winning the trophy again,” Jorsling told ttproleague.com.

“It (First Citizens Cup) means a lot to us. It was the first trophy Defence Force won after a long time. It was also special being the first year that Ross Russell took charge of us back in 2009.

“Also, things aren’t the way we would like it to be in the league, so this is a great opportunity for us to win silverware this season – not that we are not giving it our best in the league.”

On his goal-scoring exploits, the 32-year-old former Trinidad and Tobago international said he is always confident in my goal-scoring ability.

Jorsling must now face in-form goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel, who has been brilliant throughout the 2016 First Citizens Cup for Ma Pau Stars.

Both players squared off once before this season with Jorsling’s second half strike earning Defence Force a 1-0 win against Russell’s men in the league on Nov. 19.

But the former T&T Under-17 and Under-20 Youth World Cup goalie’s heroics proved crucial in helping the Sangre Grande club overcome San Juan Jabloteh, seven-time champions W Connection and Police FC, all on kicks from the penalty mark to reach the final.

Ma Pau Stars have never won the First Citizens Cup, although reaching the title match in 2006 and 2014 under past coaches and their previous name, North East Stars. But will look to a change in fortune under Russell and his experienced side that includes former Soca Warriors and 2006 World Cup members Carlos Edwards and Jason Scotland, former T&T youth standout Jerrel Britto, and former T&T internationals Kerry Baptiste, Hayden Tinto and Glenton Wolffe.

Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh will provide the appetiser to the final on Friday when the contest each other from 6pm in a league fixture at the Port-of-Spain venue.

[Flex]

Edwards heads Defence Force to FCB Cup title.
T&T Guardian Reports.

Veteran defender Aklie Edwards was in the perfect spot to head home a rebound as Defence Force captured its third First Citizens Cup title with an entertaining 1-0 win over Ma Pau Stars at the Hasely Craw-ford Stadium, Mucurapo on Friday night.

Edwards decisive strike came as early as the 14th minute from inside the 18-yard-box when he headed home from close range. He was first to react to a rebound after striker Devorn Jorsling beat goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel only to see his shot crashed onto the cross-bar and back into play to provide Edwards with a golden opportunity which he made count.

Defence Force then created a number of chances which fell to the out-of-sync lanky Hashim Arcia, who on another night could have had a hat-trick to his name, but was kept off the scoresheet by an alert Samuel, while at the other end of the field, Defence Force goalkeeper Andre Marchan was also at his best to keep out any Stars’ many threats mainly through, former Scotland-based and T&T World Cup striker, Jason Scotland.

With the win, Defence Force added to its previous First Citizens Cup triumphs in 2002 and 2009 and also walked away $110,000 richer, while also sweeping all the individual awards. Meanwhile, Ma Pau Stars, had to settle for the runner-up spot for the third time and $20,000.

Defence Force, which has reached the final seven times in all, is now the second winningest club in the competition behind seven-time champions W Connection (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2015).

The trio of San Juan Jabloteh (2000 & 2003), Morvant Caledonia United (2011 & 2012) and Central FC (2013 & 2014) have all won the First Citizens Cup twice with the now defunct Joe Public (2010), the only other winner. Stars were also beaten in the 2006 and 2014 finals, while its coach Ross Russell, was at the helm of the Defence Force team which lifted the title in 2009.

Friday’s Result

Defence Force 1 (Aklie Edwards 14th) vs Ma Pau Stars 0

Individual awards

Most Goals: Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force) - 7

Most Valuable Player: Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force)

Coach of the Tournament: Marvin Gordon (Defence Force)

Teams

Defence Force: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 13.Marvin Jones (14.Darryl Trim 90+1), 3.Jamali Garcia, 26.Justin Garcia, 21.Aklie Edwards; 8.Chris Durity; 17.Curtis Gonzales, 10.Hashim Arcia (37.Cassim Kellar 85), 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (capt), 12.Jemel Sebro (6.Rodell Elcock 77); 9.Devorn Jorsling.

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 5.Devin Jordan, 22.Anthony Charles, 35.Tirek George,

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Ma Pau Stars: 22.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 25.Keryn Navarro, 5.Taryk Sampson, 19.Glenton Wolfe, 2.Carlos Edwards (capt); 6.Neil Mitchell (23.Anthony Wolfe 53), 11.Elton John; 7.Kerry Daniel (4.Kerry Baptiste 70), 10.Jerrel Britto, 17.Hayden Tinto; 9.Jason Scotland.

Unused substitutes: 1.Shane Mattis (GK), 8.Adrian Noel, 12.Sayid Freitas, 14.Chike Sullivan, 20.Quincy Charles,

Coach: Ross Russell

Referee: Crystal Sobers

RELATED NEWS

Defence Force complete First Citizens Cup triumph.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).

DEFENCE FORCE completed a successful campaign in the 2016 First Citizens Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Ma Pau Stars in Friday’s final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Former Trinidad and Tobago wing-back Aklie Edwards was the goal-getter, in the 14th minute, as Defence Force (who won the title in 2002 and 2009) took home the $110,000 jackpot.

Striker Devorn Jorsling walked away with the competition’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot (leading goal-scorer) trophies, for a tally of seven goals, while Marvin Gordon was named as the Coach of the Tournament.

Friday’s game saw a pair of former national youth team goalkeepers – Andre Marchan (Defence Force) and Glenroy Samuel (Ma Pau Stars) hold centre-stage with outstanding performances.

However, it was the Stars’ defence who failed to deal with a short corner, involving Curtis Gonzales and captain Jerwyn Balthazar, that proved costly.

From the set-piece, midfielder Christopher Durity saw his shot crash off the crossbar and an alert Edwards was quickest to the rebound as he bundled home his effort from inside the six-yard box.

Stars striker Jerrel Britto could have done better when he was set up by his captain, the evergreen Carlos Edwards, but his right footer was blocked by the Defence Force goalie.

On the opposite end, winger Jemel Sebro did well to chase a long ball from Durity and his header was magnificently cleared off his line by a retreating Samuel.

Both teams went toe-to-toe at each other in the second half.

Britto narrowly missed with a right-footed shot in the 53rd while Gonzales, on an overlapping run, picked out Hashim Arcia whose sliced volley was magnificently saved by Samuel.

Referee Crystal Sobers allowed play to continue though Arcia’s shirt was being held by Glenton Wolfe in the 60th minute. However, Arcia met a return ball from Jorsling, shook off Wolfe but saw his effort blocked by Samuel.

Four minutes later, Arcia got a ball from Gonzales but banged his shot off the crossbar while ex- TT and Defence Force forward Jason Scotland had two efforts (in the 65th and 76th) expertly saved by Marchan.

Balthazar had an opportunity to put the game beyond Stars’ reach in the 79th, after a give and- go with Jorsling, but his left-footed effort went sky-high.

[Flex]

Jorsling, Gordon enjoy First Citizens success
By JOEL BAILEY (Newsday).

DEVORN JORSLING and Marvin Gordon, ace striker and coach of Defence Force, were noticeably pleased on Friday night, after their team registered a 1-0 win over Ma Pau Stars to capture the 2016 First Citizens Cup.

Aklie Edwards netted in the 14th minute to guarantee Defence Force the win, and the $110,000 jackpot, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

Jorsling, who notched seven goals in three matches, copped both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Goals trophies.

“It’s the greatest joy, to achieve the MVP and the Most Goals title is a great joy,” said Jorsling.

Gordon, who was voted as the Coach of the Tournament, stated, “it’s a great feeling because the season hasn’t been going so well for us in the League. I think we (committed) to winning the trophy and to see everything fall into place, it’s a great feeling.” Gordon was facing his former coach Ross Russell, who is now at the helm of Stars.

Concerning the game plan, Gordon related, “I was playing the waiting game for a bit because I wanted to see what Ross would’ve offered.

Exactly what I thought is what he did.” Referring to the Stars’ strike pair of Jerrel Britto and Jason Scotland, Gordon noted, “he (Russell) tried to play off of Britto’s pace a bit, Scotty holding up the ball and Britto moving. I think we should have scored more goals but they had some great chances.

“I thought my goalkeeper (Andre Marchan) was brilliant, and also (Stars goalie) Glenroy Samuel. To me, the two goalkeepers (stood) out in the game.” Jorsling, the 33-yearold former Trinidad and Tobago striker, scored all but one goal for the Army-Coast Guard combination in this competition.

Asked how he copes with the pressure of being the leading striker in the team, Jorsling replied, “that’s nothing strange to me.

Since I’ve entered the Defence Force, this pressure has been on my shoulders and I welcome it. The guys believe in me. They work hard for me and I just try to repay them with goals.” With the season set to end in early February, Jorsling commented, “obviously we’re trying to make some ground in the League.

We have been struggling in the League but hopefully this (title) gives us some confidence to go on and do well in the League.” Gordon, on the other hand, pointed out, “I’m looking to win the Digicel Pro Bowl, to defend it, and also to try to come up to the top three in the League. I don’t think it’s beyond us, I still think we can come in the top three in the League.”

[Tallman]

WATCH: An Aklie Edwards goal proved to be enough as Defence Force lifted the 2016 First Citizens Cup trophy after a 1-0 win over Ma Pau Stars.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/QwlZwllNdM8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/QwlZwllNdM8</a>

[Flex]

Holders Defence Force eager to retain First Citizens Cup; seeded draw pits Central, Police, Civic and Rangers in play-offs
ttproleague.com.

Defence Force head coach Marvin Gordon says he welcomes the 2017 First Citizens Cup seeded draw unveiled during Wednesday’s launch, which pits his defending champions against San Juan Jabloteh in the quarterfinal round later this month.

“…watching the side of the draw that [my team] are on, playing Jabloteh from the quarterfinal round (…) I think we can go all the way back to the final and defend this title,” said the Defence Force coach.

North East Stars, W Connection, Club Sando, Defence Force, Jabloteh and Morvant Caledonia United, due to their positions 1-6 respectively on the Pro League standings after Round Two Match Day Two earned automatic places in the quarterfinal round to be contested on the weekend of October 13-14.

While Central FC, the two-time former champions, Police FC, Point Fortin Civic and MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers, due to their placements in descending order at the bottom of the 10-team PL standings, must contest the play-offs on Wednesday 11 October.

Central must tackle Rangers, with the winners advancing to face record seven-time former First Citizens Cup champions W Connection in the quarterfinals, while Police are against Civic, with the winners meeting current PL leaders North East Stars.

Club Sando will take on Morvant Caledonia and Defence Force are against Jabloteh in already determined quarterfinal match-ups. The semi-finals are carded for October 20 before the competition culminates on November 3 with the final and third-place matches.

“(But) it (First Citizens Cup 2017) will be a difficult challenge [because] all teams are being prepared well and any [team] can beat any [team] on any given day,” continued Gordon during Wednesday’s launch at First Citizens Corporate Headquarters located at Queen’s Park East, Port of Spain.

Gordon said the First Citizens Cup is very close to Defence Force as well as himself having won it as Defence Force player in 2002, then assistant coach of the Army/Coast Guard combination in 2009, then in 2016 as head coach.

“Belief” was the key to winning the First Citizens Cup last season, said Gordon. “The guys believing that we can go all the way. The main thing is always belief in yourself [and] believing what we can do. Believing in what we do on the training park and going out on game day and executing it.

Gordon said the current mood of the Army/Coast Guard combination is great. “We have been on a good run in the last few games. The youngsters and the seniors are blending together and we are now starting to come to the top. The guys [also] understand what is at stake with the First Citizens Cup.”

New this season, the First Citizens Cup prize money structure has been adjusted in aligning with the competition’s new tagline “Where Winners Reign”, with the champions, runners-up, third and fourth-placed finishers receiving TT$60,000, TT$40,000, TT$15,000 and TT$10,000 respectively, whereas past champions collected the “Winner Takes All” TT$100,000.

The Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer will each receive TT$1,000, and new this season the Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder and Best Striker will each receive TT$500 while the “Dash For Cash” returns for the semi-final and final where supporters can win TT$500 and TT$1,000 respectively among other giveaways.

“Exciting football awaits us,” predicts Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene. “…as we have one of the most competitive seasons ever with the results being very unpredictable which makes for an exciting and entertaining tournament.”

First Citizens Cup 2017 - Play-off Round

(Wednesday 11 October 2017)

Central FC vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers
Police FC vs Point Fortin Civic

Quarter Final Round

(October 13 & 14, 2017)

North East Stars vs Police FC/Point Fortin Civic (A)
W Connection vs Central FC/St. Ann’s Rangers (B)
Club Sando vs Morvant Caledonia United (C)
Defence Force vs San Juan Jabloteh (D)

Semi-Final Round

(Friday 20 October 2017)

A vs D = M
B vs C = N

Final

(Friday 3 November 2017)

Third-place

Loser M vs N

Final

M vs N

[Flex]

Tyrik John debut goal puts Central through before Civic KO Police in play-off shootout.
ttproleague.com.

Two-time former champions Central FC are into the quarter-final round of the 2017 First Citizens Cup where they will tackle bitter Couva rivals W Connection on Sunday from 3:30pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

Tyrik John, the son of legendary Trinidad and Tobago striker and current Central FC coach Stern John, grabbed a stoppage-time winner to lift the Couva Sharks to a 2-1 win against an entertaining MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers bunch in the first of two play-offs on Wednesday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

John (T) saw red, after receiving his second yellow card of the game for pulling his shirt over his head in celebration of his debut Central goal which also snapped the Couva Sharks’ ten-game winless spell in all competitions.

But luckily, the 21-year-old utility player will be available for selection as cards attained during the play-offs will not transfer to the quarter-finals.

Point Fortin Civic in the second play-off dispatched Police FC 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw which including some incredible regular-time goalkeeping from Trinidad and Tobago international Adrian Foncette, who, unfortunately, was unable to rescue the Lawmen on the shootout.

Civic advances to face North East Stars on Saturday from 3:30pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium but quarterfinal action kicks off on Friday with a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium with Club Sando set to tackle Morvant Caledonia United from 6pm and title holders Defence Force against San Juan Jabloteh from 8pm.

The semi-finals are carded for October 20 before the competition culminates on November 3 with the final and third-place matches.

But the action kicked off in entertaining style and saw veteran midfielder Jason Marcano head the 2013 and 2014 champions Central in front on the hour mark—less than two minutes after Neil Mitchell had struck the Couva Sharks’ upright on the other end.

Rangers’ goalkeeper Cleon John had initially done well to keep out a solo attempt by Sean De Silva but Marcano, the most dangerous Central player on the night, arrived at the right time to bury the rebound.

Rangers levelled the scores 1-1 nine minutes later through substitute Josh Toussaint, who only a minute earlier had replaced Omari Lezama and it proved a masterstroke by coach Adrian Romain.

But Rangers would surrender late to Tyrik John’s strike -- exactly two minutes into the four awarded extra by referee Kwinsi Williams -- and Central, although the taste of victory soured by a red card, booked their place into the quarterfinals.

“It wasn’t the best performance,” acknowledged John (S). “(…) but I think the team showed a lot of character. We [found] ourselves and we went one-nil. [We were] more or less bossing the game after that but against the run of play they came and score [from what] was a fifty-fifty offside call. I haven’t seen [the replay] yet but it looked like offside to me.”

John (S), whose side sits on the bottom half of the Pro League standings and desperate to salvage pride as last season’s historic three-peat league champions, said advancing to the quarterfinal presents a good opportunity for his side to try and rebound.

“(A) good opportunity for us [heading into the next round against W Connection],” said the ex-Columbus Crew, Birmingham City and Sunderland striker. “We (Central) struggle for numbers, we barely making an 11. We are down to bare bones [and] a couple injuries around.

“But I think it’s a great opportunity for the guys to go on and win some more games and to turn our season around. We’ve been struggling …it’s a fact we’ve been struggling around the league. Everyone knows we are struggling for players so hopefully we can have a good run in the [First Citizens] Cup and when we get back to the league hopefully we can do the same.”

In the latter contest, Foncette, fresh from his brilliance in a historic 2-1 Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Qualifying win over the United States 24 hours earlier, made a hat-trick of point blank saves to deny Civic forward Nion Lammy on all three occasions with the latest as close up as four metres.

The Police custodian also put behind put behind a low powerful drive from Civic substitute Shackiel Henry six minutes from time after Stephan Campbell had miraculously headed behind a powerful strike from Jameel Perry midway through the second half on the other end.

Civic, however, were clinical from the spot with Jabari Mitchell, new signing Nathaniel Garcia from Central, Shakiel Henry and Nickcolson ‘Ice’ Thomas all scoring while Police veteran midfielder Todd Ryan stood the only Lawman to find the back of the net on kicks before teammates Clevon Mc Fee saw his effort crash off the bar and Dillion Kirton hitting overbar on the third.

Results

Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 60’, Tyrik John 90’+2) vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Josh Toussaint 69’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Police FC 0 (1) vs Point Fortin Civic 0 (4), at Ato Boldon Stadium
Civic won 4-1 on kicks from the penalty spot.

Kicks from the penalty spot

Point Fortin Civic 4  v  Police FC 1
Jabari Mitchell (scored)            Todd Ryan (scored)
Nathaniel Garcia (scored)         Clevon Mc Fee (missed)
Shackiel Henry (scored)           Dillon Kirton (missed)
Nickcolson Thomas (scored)

Teams

Central FC: 30.Kern Caesar (GK); 7.Jason Marcano (Capt.), 8.Sean De Silva, 10.Paul Sirjoo, 12.Taryk Sampson, 13.Rhondell Gibson, 17.Jesse Joseph (Yellow Card), 18.Tyrik John (Yellow Card+Yellow Card=Red Card), 24.Jules Lee (Yellow Card), 28.Jiron Francis (15.Kaydion Gabriel 46th minute), 40.Sean Bateau.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK); 44.Kerville Jeremiah.

Coach: Stern John

St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.); 3.Kareem Eastman, 4.Shane Sandy, 6.Omari Lezama (10.Josh Toussaint 68th minute), 7.Neil Gerard Mitchell (Yellow Card) (18.Kristian Meloney 88th minute), 9.Jair Edwards (23.Kathon St. Hillaire 52nd minute), 14.Xae-Pierre De Fou, 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 17.Hakim Baird, 20.Aaquil Selby (Yellow Card), 21.Micah Lansiquot.

Unused substitutes: 5.Gerald Meloney, 11.Kazim Donald, 31.Maliq Gumbs, 44.Tyreke Moore.

Coach: Adrian Romain

Referee: Kwinsi Williams

Teams

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.), 3.Ryan O’Neil (6.Jibri Mc David 51st minute), 9.Jameel Perry, 10.Kareem Freitas, 13.Dillon Kirton, 16.Joshua Leach (7.Kareem Perry 65th minute) (Yellow Card), 17.Dexter Alleyne, 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan, 25.Kaashif Thomas, 29.Clevon Mc Fee.

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 4.Kadeem Boyce, 5.Kenaz Williams, 24.Keeron Benito.

Coach: Richard Hood

Point Fortin Civic: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (Capt.); 10.Jabari Mitchell, 12.Nathaniel Garcia, 13.Nickcolson Thomas, 16.Kelvin Modeste (8.Jamal John 46th minute), 18.Trent Lougheed, 26.Jeremiah Kesar, 30.Nion Lammy, 33.Justin Sadoo (20.Bevon Bass 65th minute), 53.Stephan Campbell, 99.Kevin Moodie (45.Shackiel Henry 46th minute).

Unused substitutes: 52.Akini Adams (GK); 25.Shaquille Dublin, 28.Aelon Minors, 90.Jared Bennett.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Referee: Nicholai Nyron

[Flex]

Club Sando, Defence Force advance on enthralling opening First Citizens Cup quarter-final night.
ttproleague.com

Kadeem Hutchinson last night scored what could arguably stand the most spectacular double in the history of the First Citizens Cup but his San Juan Jabloteh side finished on the losing end after an electrifying quarter-final clash against 10-men defending champions Defence Force.

Club Sando had earlier dispatched Morvant Caledonia United with a 3-1 come-from-behind win in the first game of the quarter-final double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium to advance to next Friday’s semi-final round where the Oranges will meet the winners of Sunday’s quarter-final clash (3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium) between record seven-time champions W Connection and two-time former champions Central FC.

Then in the second game of the night, Devorn Jorsling, the veteran Defence Force talisman and last season’s First Citizens Cup MVP, delivered at the death to level the game at 3-3 before leading the Army/Coast Guard outfit into the semi-finals with a 4-2 win on kicks over Jabloteh.

Defence Force will meet today’s (Saturday, 3:30pm, Larry Gomes Stadium) winners between North East Stars and Point Fortin Civic in the semis.

“We continued to believe and I thought the guys were brilliant tonight,” said Defence Force head coach Marvin Gordon after the final whistle. “I also want to commend Jabloteh because I thought both teams gave supporters a great game tonight.”

The Army/Coast Guard combination had taken a 1-0 lead on 26 minutes when winger Reon Moore completed a wonderful team move with a low drive past Jabloteh number one, Javon Sample.

But Defence Force were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of the half when centre-back Jamali Garcia received his second yellow of the game for upending Keithy Simpson on the edge of the penalty arc.

“I think we started stronger than (Jabloteh),” added Gordon, who described the contest “a classic game.”

“I think calls were going one way—against us. We got some early cards [and] ended up with a red card.

“Jabloteh,” he added. “(…) lifted the tempo a bit (in the second half) and we were down a (player). They gained momentum and scored two great goals. But we continued to believe and dig deep as defending champions.”

Hutchinson lifted Jabloteh in front in the second half with a top-drawer brace – both spectacular volleys within a space of three minutes – after dragging an effort miserably wide from eight yards out, two minutes after replacing Panama midfielder Jairo Lombardo on the hour mark.

Hutchinson, arriving at the back post, thumped a left side Kennedy Hinkson cross past Defence Force goalie Andre Marchan to level the scores at 1-1 in the 69th minute.

Then in the 72nd minute the winger put to shade his earlier strike with an acrobatic scissor-kick to send a right side Jevon Morris cross past Marchan and Jabloteh were in front 2-1.

That lead, however, lasted until the 80th minute when Hashim Arcia, with a composed finish, found the bottom right corner of Sample’s goal to make it 2-2 after being picked out by Jorsling inside the area.

Defence Force then faced the exit when Jabloteh’s Jamaican midfielder Keithy Simpson coolly rolled the ball into the soldiers’ net following a spill by ‘keeper Marchan with four minutes left.

But in the second of four minutes stoppage-time, Jorsling controlled an Arcia pass inside the box and fired past the legs of Sample to level it 3-3 and sending the game into the shootout.

“We got back in the game at two-all then gave away on a blunder,” continued Gordon, whose brave substitutions saw his formation end with three strikers and three defenders despite being a player short.

“We never gave up,” said the Defence Force coach. “I went with another striker and ended up with three strikers, three defenders and then we got the equalizing goal and then we were brilliant from the spot.

“It was either you win or you lose. I couldn’t study defence and I’m down a goal. I believe in [the players] I have going forward.”

Defence Force were the better side on the shootout with Jorsling, Arcia, Curtis Gonzales and late forward substitute Dylon King clinical from the spot.

Elijah Manners and Kennedy Hinkson had kept Jabloteh level until misses by Akeem Benjamin and Nkosi David on the third and fourth kicks respectively, meant First Citizens Cup exit for the San Juan side--like their neighbours Morvant Caledonia.

Caledonia, had taken the lead through veteran playmaker Kerry Daniel, but former captain Akim Armstrong scored twice and set up another scored by Josiah Trimmingham to lift his current employers, Club Sando, into the semis.

Morvant Caledonia, managed by assistant coach Abdallah Phillips on the night in absence with Jamaal Shabazz currently away on international duty with the Trinidad and Tobago U17 Girls Team, broke the deadlock on 33 minutes when Daniel, who capitalised on a giveaway by Sando, escaped his challenger inside the box before firing past goalkeeper Kelvin Henry.

But three minutes later Armstrong wrong-sided opposite goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel from the penalty spot to level the scores 1-1 after referee Cecile Hinds ruled a handball against Joshua Alexander who had attempted to avert danger in the box.

Then Trimmingham, who was denied by the upright less than a minute into play, celebrated three minutes from the half after another surging run forward and exchange with Armstrong to curl a comfortable finish past Samuel to give Sando a 2-1 lead at the interval.

Trimmingham had another effort ten minutes into the second half but sailed his header over Samuel’s crossbar after towering the box to meet a left side corner swung in by Tyrone Charles.

Samuel was brilliant just over the hour mark to deny Armstrong a second from the penalty spot, but Armstrong would celebrate his second goal two minutes from time after swooping in the area to bury a rebound to complete the 3-1 victory.

“It feels good to come away with the win today and advance to the (semi-finals),” said Armstrong who admitted his second penalty attempt “wasn’t the best.”

On scoring twice and assisting in another, Armstrong, who occupies the false nine role, explained, “That’s part of my job. The coach believe me [being] further up the field could contribute better to the team.”

He added, “Against Caledonia is always a difficult task because they are well-prepared, well-coached team. They know how to possess the ball well. So against Caledonia is always challenge. It’s also good to face my old team and come away with a victory.”

Sando coach Angus Eve echoed that Morvant Caledonia are a strong unit but praised his side for keeping shape and professionalism for the victory in the end despite being a bit rusty and short match fitness.

Eve’s side will return to action against W Connection, his potential First Citizens Cup semi-final opponents, in one of three rescheduled Pro League fixtures on Tuesday. San Juan Jabloteh will host Central FC from 4pm at the Barataria Oval; while the Ato Boldon Stadium will come alive again with a double-header when MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers take on Police FC from 6pm before Club Sando and Connection battle from 8pm.

“We are playing W Connection a league game on Tuesday; so we need to take care of that game first,” Eve said. “We are still in the fight—we in third place in the (Pro) League so we want to do well in that tournament.”

As for the First Citizens Cup semis, the Sando coach said, “We have to wait and see who would win that game [between Connection and Central].”

Results

Club Sando 3 (Akim Armstrong 36’ pen., 88’, Josiah Trimmingham 42’) vs Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kerry Daniel 33’), (C), at the Ato Boldon Stadium;

Defence Force 3 (4) (Reon Moore 26’, Hashim Arcia 80’, Devorn Jorsling 90’+1) vs San Juan Jabloteh 3 (2) (Kadeem Hutchinson 69’, 72’, Keithy Simpson 86’), (D), 8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;
(Defence Force won the game 4-2 on kicks from the penalty mark).

Kicks from the penalty mark

Defence Force 4 v San Juan Jabloteh 2
Devorn Jorsling (scored) - Elijah Manners (scored)
Hashim Arcia (scored) - Kennedy Hinkson (scored)
Curtis Gonzales (scored) - Akeem Benjamin (overbar)
Dylon King (scored) - Nkosi David (overbar)

Upcoming Quarter Final Round matches

(Saturday 14 October 2017)

North East Stars vs Point Fortin Civic, (A), 3:30pm, Larry Gomes Stadium.

(Sunday 15 October 2017)

W Connection vs Central FC, (B), 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

Game 1

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 6.Kemuel Rivers, 10.Keron Cornwall (66th minute), 11.Akim Armstrong (5.Nical Stephens 89th minute), 12.Michael Basdeo, 13.Tyrone Charles (Yellow Card) (35.Adan Noel 75th minute), 16.Leslie Joel Russell (27.Jay-son Joseph 63rd minute), 17.Jarod London, 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 38.Josiah Trimmingham.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 9.Akeem Redhead, 15.Keyon Edwards, 21.Malique Quow.

Coach: Angus Eve

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 5.Joshua Sylvester, 8.Anthony Charles (23.Lester Joseph 70th minute), 10.Sheldon Holder, 11.Quincy Ballah, 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis, 15.Otev Lawrence, 17.Kerry Daniel (28.Renaldo Francois 70th minute), 18.Masetro Mensah, 22.Joshua Alexander (Yellow Card) (3.Richard Williams 79th minute).

Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Charles (GK); 6.Taje Commissiong, 9.Sedale Mc Lean, 29.Kelsey Benjamin.

Coach: Abdallah Phillips

Referee: Cecile Hinds

Game 2

Defence Force FC: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia (Yellow Card+Yellow Card=Red Card), 4.Dave Long (39.Akil Morris 77th minute), 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 9.Devorn Jorsling, 10.Hashim Arcia, 13.Marvin Jones, 17.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Reon Moore (16.Kellon Serrette 78th minute), 26.Justin Garcia (Yellow Card) (45.Dylon King 90th minute), 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 2.Glynn Franklyn, 19.Thurlani George, 32.Jameel Cooper.

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 3.DeJon Waldropt (6.Akeem Benjamin 50th minute), 4.Nkosi David, 7.Elijah Manners (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 9.Keithy Simpson, 12.Keron Bethelmy, 15.Jesus Perez, 16.Jairo Lombardo (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 60th minute), 17.Sean Bonval (13.Julio Noel 68th minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 23.Kennedy Hinkson.

Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 8.Elijah Downy, 19.Shawndel Augustus.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

[Flex]

Civic stun N/Stars, again, reaches First Citizens Cup semis against D/Force.
ttproleague.com.

Point Fortin Civic improved their status as the bogey side of North East Stars since an opening loss to their 2017 Pro League campaign last June against the Stars at the Arima Velodrome.

Civic, the only team to defeat North East Stars this season, yesterday edged the current Pro League leaders 1-0 for a second consecutive time in all competitions—their latest win earning coach Reynold Carrington’s men a First Citizens Cup semi-final meeting with defending champions Defence Force next Friday.

Jabari Mitchell produced the winner for the First Citizens Cup underdogs four minutes into the second half after a wasteful first period by both sides at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Arima.

Mitchell, the former Trinidad and Tobago youth midfielder who joined Civic from W Connection this season, sent a 25-yard free-kick over a poorly-placed North East wall and past a motionless goalkeeper Akel Clarke to break the deadlock with the eventual winner.

Ironically, it was on a spill by Clarke at the death on August 11 that Kevin Moodie snatched his debut Civic goal at the Mahaica Oval as the hosts, 1-0 league winners then, exacted revenge for their opening loss of the season by the same score-line, while snapping the Stars’ six-game undefeated league start to the 2017 campaign.

W Connection, the former club of Civic’s latest hero, Mitchell, will take on Central FC from 3:30pm today (Sunday) at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium to complete the quarter-final round for a place in Friday’s semi-finals against Club Sando.

Sando defeated Morvant Caledonia United 3-1 last Friday in a quarter-final double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium which included Defence Force escaping San Juan Jabloteh 4-2 on penalties following a nail-biting 3-3 draw.

Central, like Civic, advanced from last Wednesday’s play-off round. Tyrik John’s late winner gave the Couva Sharks a 2-1 win over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers before Civic escaped Police FC with a 4-1 penalty shootout following a goalless draw.

Results

North East Stars 0 vs Point Fortin Civic 1 (Jabari Mitchell 49’), (A), at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Teams

North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 2.Keston George, 5.Julius James, 6.Anslem Jackson (4.Kerry Baptiste 69th minute), 7.Kishun Seecharan (3.Kevon Villaroel 46th minute), 11.Rundell Winchester, 18.Densill Theobald, 19.Jalani Felix, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune.

Unused substitutes: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 12.Elton John, 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 14.Jomoul Francois, 15.Seon Thomas.

Coach: Derek King

Point Fortin Civic: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (Capt.); 8.Jamal John (16.Kelvin Modeste 69th minute), 10.Jabari Mitchell, 12.Nathaniel Garcia, 13.Nickcolson Thomas, 20.Bevon Bass, 26.Jeremiah Kesar, 30.Nion Lammy, 33.Justin Sadoo, 45.Shackiel Henry (90.Jared Bennett 81st minute), 53.Stephan Campbell.

Unused substitutes: 52.Akini Adams (GK); 7.Steven Joseph, 24.Akinola Gregory, 25.Shaquille Dublin, 99.Kevin Moodie.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Referee: Crystal Sobers

[Flex]

Connection beat Central to final First Citizens semis spot; Savonetta Boys to face Sando twice in 4 days.
ttproleague.com.

Neil Benjamin Jr. struck an opening goal and assist to steer record seven-time former champions W Connection into the semi-finals of the 2017 First Citizens Cup with a 3-1 quarter-final win over Couva rivals Central FC on Sunday at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

Connection advances to face Club Sando in semi-final two from 8pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, but the Savonetta Boys must first tackle the Angus Eve-coached side on Tuesday from 3:30pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in a crucial rescheduled top-of-the-table Pro League clash.

Point Fortin Civic will take on defending First Citizens Cup champions Defence Force in semi-final one from 6pm on Friday.

Mickaeel Jem Gordon had levelled Central on the stroke of the half but second-half goals by Brazilian forward Euller Eduardo Couto and substitute Daniel Diaz saw the Savonetta Boys comfortably secure the final semi-final spot.

“[Our guys] were focused,” said Benjamin whose side celebrated their sixth straight win in all competitions and are seven games unbeaten.

The 23-year-old Connection star added that Central are three-time Pro League holders and “we knew it [would not have been] an easy game, and we would have to put out in order to win the game—I think we gave our all today.”

Benjamin, who leads this season’s Pro League scorers’ list with 9 goals, took his tally to 12 goals in all competitions by firing past Central goalie Kern Caesar on 37 minutes at the Marabella venue after rounding defender Sean Bateau to give the Savonetta Boys a 1-0 lead.

But Gordon, picked out by a neat Jesse Joseph pass, levelled the two-time former First Citizens Cup champions, Central, 1-1 in stoppage-time of the first half with a blast into the top corner of goalkeeper Julani Archibald’s net after evading two Connection shirts at the edge of the box.

Archibald had earlier made light work of two long-range efforts by Sean De Silva and Tyrik John, but the St. Kitts and Nevis international was unable to match Gordon’s strike—although at full stretch.

Couto, however, restored Connection’s one-goal advantage in the 59th-minute. The Brazilian executed a solid first-time finish past a hapless Caesar to put the score at 2-1 off a precise low feed from Benjamin who had, with great ease, escaped Central left-back Tyrik John.

“I always try to contribute to my team in every way that I can [whether it be] attack, score goals, defend; I give my all,” added Benjamin. “We had one or two errors but we bounced back and kept going, and got the result.”

Caesar kept down the Central deficit in the 79th-minute with a brilliant save to keep out a deflected strike from Connection left-back Frank Padilla Gil, who showed excellent footwork against defender Taryk Sampson to create shooting room for himself.

Soon after on the other end, Caesar’s teammate and midfielder Jason Marcano’s hammered attempt from eight yards out miraculously cannoned off the Connection upright before the rebounded attempt by another Central shirt deflected overbar.

Connection, though, put the match out of Central’s reach in the first of three minutes stoppage-time with substitutes Daniel Diaz and Shaquille John combining brilliantly at the end. John whipped a low right side cross through the Central area and Diaz, who earlier attempted to beat Caesar from distance, finished confidently at the back post to complete the 3-1 win.

“It was a reasonably good game,” said Connection head coach Stuart Charles Fevrier. “Central also were not that bad although from their point of view they would feel they could have done better. The game at one point in time could have gone either way. But I always thought we had a little more control than they had because our team currently are a little more experienced than they are.

“First half we made too many simple errors, especially conceding on the whistle which I thought it was a goal we should not have conceded. The second half [however] I must give our guys credit, they came out with more purpose and the substitutes we brought on, they had a positive effect in giving us the 3-1 victory.”

Fevrier looks to another victory on Tuesday when Connection tackle Sando in league competition. But the Savonetta Boys’ coach says his side are at a disadvantage with Sando, 3-1 First Citizens Cup quarter-final winners over Morvant Caledonia United last Friday, having “three days to recover.”

“It’s unfair from my personal point of view because we are playing for a championship,” said Fevrier. “At least there must fairness because all of us would like to win. You cannot give an unfair advantage. But having said that we will go out and give our best.”

Connection (23 points) and Sando (18 points) are second and third respectively on the League standings with Tuesday’s game in hand while North East Stars (27 points) lead the table by four points.

Also on Tuesday in two other rescheduled league fixtures, Central FC must visit San Juan Jabloteh from 4pm at the Barataria Oval and MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers will host Police FC from 3:30pm at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

Results

W Connection 3 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 37’, Euller Eduardo Couto 59’, Daniel Diaz 90’+1) vs Central FC 1 (Mickaeel Jem Gordon 45’+1), at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

Teams

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 3.Gerard Williams (Capt.), 4.Maurice Ford, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr. (30.Shaquille John 90th minute), 10.Dimitri Apai (20.Daniel Diaz 78th minute), 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix (16.Alvin Jones 60th minute), 14.Euller Eduardo Couto, 19.Briel Thomas (Yellow Card), 24.Jameel Antoine, 26.Isaiah Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 21.Ronell Paul.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier,

Central FC: 30.Kern Caesar (GK); 7.Jason Marcano (Capt.), 8.Sean De Silva, 10.Paul Sirjoo (Yellow Card), 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel (46.Caleb Folan 61st minute), 17.Jesse Joseph (6.Shem Clausel 80th minute), 18.Tyrik John, 24.Jules Lee, 26.Mickaeel Jem Gordon, 40.Sean Bateau.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK); 13.Rhondell Gibson, 28.Jiron Francis.

Coach: Stern John

Referee: Kwinsi Williams

[Flex]

Defence Force, Connection book third First Citizens Cup final date.
ttproleague.com.

Goalkeeper Andre Marchan epitomised the true heart-of-a-soldier when, limping through injury, he made three saves in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Point Fortin Civic on Friday night to put Defence Force one win away from successfully defending the First Citizens Cup.

But the three-time champions must produce that victory against record seven-time champions W Connection in the 2017 final—tentatively set for November 17 due to upcoming Trinidad and Tobago international friendlies against Grenada and Guyana on Nov. 11 and 14 respectively at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

In a scintillating contest fit for a final, Defence Force surfaced 4-3 penalty winners over Civic following a dramatic 3-3 draw in semi-final one at the Ato Boldon Stadium, before Connection left it late to dispatch 10-men Club Sando 2-0 in semi-final two with a goal each from Neil Benjamin Jr. and substitute Daniel Diaz.

Earlier, veteran forward and last season’s First Citizens Cup MVP, Devorn Jorsling, twice pulled the Army/Coast Guard combination level, annulling strikes by Civic forwards Shackiel Henry and Akinola Gregory.

But a missed penalty by Jorsling which rolled inches wide of goalkeeper Marvin Phillip’s right upright midway through the first half would later haunt coach Marvin Gordon’s side when early in the second half Jabari Mitchell, who assisted in both earlier Civic goals, converted a penalty when he wrong-sided Marchan for the lead a third time.

However, just as the game looked over for Defence Force, team captain Jerwyn Balthazar levelled the soldiers in stoppage-time to send the decider on kicks from the penalty mark.

And Marchan, who injured his right knee late with a crucial diving block to deny Civic a scoring chance, went on -- with bandages – to deny Nathaniel Garcia and Kevon Rouse during the penalty shootout then finally Bevon Bass in sudden death.

Jorsling had the opportunity to complete the penalty win in regulation kicks but was denied by Phillip, who he had headed past off a Marvin Jones corner in the 17th minute and beaten again in the 40th minute thanks to a low cross from Reon Moore.

Gordon has hailed the impact of his younger players this season and one of them, Moore, was particularly fired up against Civic, producing many dazzling gallops down the left which included the goal assist and the penalty which Jorsling, unlike himself, would fail to convert in the 23rd minute.

But Moore, like Jorsling, failed to score on penalties, hitting overbar on the third kick. However with Hashim Arcia, Curtis Gonzales, substitute Dylon King and Jerome Mc Intyre clinical from the spot, intertwined with Marchan’s heroics between the sticks, Defence Force, 2-0 winners over Connection in the 2002 final but losers to the Savonetta Boys on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the 2004 final, are into a ninth First Citizens Cup final.

Connection, champions in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2015, are into their tenth final this season in the competition’s 18-year history, while Civic have only themselves to blame for failing to reach their first ever First Citizens Cup final.

Civic, with one of their most combative displays this season, had taken the lead three times, first with Henry heading powerfully into the back of the Defence Force net in the 11th minute off a free kick swung in from the right by Mitchell.

But Reynold Carrington’s side should have been two goals up at that time. Instead Gregory had headed overbar from close range four minutes earlier after he was picked out by a Mitchell cross.

Gregory later redeem himself by beating Marchan in the 37 minute after combining brilliantly with Mitchell to move into the left of the Defence Force area, then won penalty which was converted by Mitchell in the 53rd minute after he was brought down by Gonzales.

But Gregory lost his composure just over the hour mark when he hit high overbar after getting past Gonzales in the box, then struck the upright a couple minutes later after Henry had done the heap of the work down the right flank following a quick exchange with Garcia to provide the cross into the area—two of three failed chances and a penalty shout that Civic were left to rue in the end.

Civic’s and their supporters’ celebration of another penalty after Henry looked to have been brought down in the box by Defence Force substitute defender Glynn Franklyn in the 74th minute quickly turned sour when referee Rashby Mc Phie instead awarded a free kick against the Point Fortin club.

In the second semi-final referee Nicholai Nyron was forced eject Jayson Joseph on a direct red card for dangerous play in only the eight minute after the Club Sando midfielder’s stamp on Connection’s defensive midfielder Briel Thomas.

It was one of two blows for Angus Eve’s side within the first quarter-of-an-hour after also having to replace defensive hard-man Trevin Latapy with Leslie Joel Russell through injury.

But the Oranges never looked a side down to ten men, matching Connection stride for stride in the first half and came closest to breaking the deadlock five minutes from the break when Jared London’s powerful shot from the top of the box brought the best out of the Savonetta Boys’ second choice goalie Jason Belfon who did well to put behind the deflected strike.

Opting to sit back defensively and try play on the counterattack in the second half, however, eventually benefit a Connection side that later introduced the return of forward Marcus Joseph, who had been on a month-long lay-off due to a shoulder injury, and diminutive attacker Daniel Diaz.

Benjamin fired Stuart Charles Fevrier’s side ahead with his fourteenth goal in all competitions this season in the 69th minute from close up after the outstretched arm of Sando goalkeeper Kelvin Henry wasn’t enough to divert Joseph’s powerful feed from the left away from goal.

Henry had earlier kept Sando in the game with two top-drawer saves to deny Dimitrie Apai and Triston Hodge, but couldn’t avoid his side conceding another in the 82nd minute when Diaz, who a minute earlier replaced Benjamin, volleyed home from the centre of the area for a 2-0 Connection win.

Connection will now shift their focus to Wednesday’s FA Trophy clash against Super League’s Guaya United from 6:15pm in the second game of a second quarterfinal double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field. Point Fortin Civic and 1976 FC Phoenix will kick off Wednesday’s action from 4pm.

However quarterfinal action kicks off on Tuesday with the first double-header at the HCS Training Field when Club Sando Moruga face Morvant Caledonia United from 4pm, then Police FC and Defence Force will lock horns in a battle of the forces from 6:15pm.

Police must however, first tackle San Juan Jabloteh on Sunday from 3:30pm in a rescheduled Pro League fixture at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Main Field.

Results

Point Fortin Civic 3 (Skackiel Henry 11’, Akinola Gregory 37’, Jabari Mitchell 53’ pen.) vs Defence Force 3 (Devorn Jorsling 17’, 40’, Jerwyn Balthazar 90’+3), at the Ato Boldon Stadium,
Defence Force won 4-3 on kicks from the penalty mark

Kicks from the penalty mark
Defence Force  4 v  Point Fortin Civic 3
Hashin Arcia (scored)    Jabari Mitchell (scored)
Curtis Gonzales (scored)   Nathaniel Garcia (saved)
Reon Moore (overbar)  Shackiel Henry (scored)
Dylon King (scored)    Kevon Rouse (saved)
Devorn Jorsling (saved)   Stephan Campbell (scored)
Jerome Mc Intyre (scored)  Bevon Bass (saved)

W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 69’, Daniel Diaz 82’) vs Club Sando 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Teams

Semi Final One

Point Fortin Civic: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (Capt.); 8.Jamal John, 10.Jabari Mitchell, 12.Nathaniel Garcia, 13.Nickcolson Thomas (23.Kevon Rouse 61st minute), 20.Bevon Bass, 24.Akinola Gregory (30.Nion Lammy 84th minute), 26.Jeremiah Kesar, 33.Justin Sadoo (25.Shaquille Dublin 88th minute), 45.Shackiel Henry, 53.Stephan Campbell (Yellow Card).

Unused substitutes: 52.Akini Adams (GK); 16.Kelvin Modeste, 28.Aelon Minors, 99.Kevin Moodie.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Defence Force FC: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 9.Devorn Jorsling, 10.Hashim Arcia, 13.Marvin Jones (Yellow Card) (15.Shaquille Bertrand 74th minute), 17.Curtis Gonzales (Yellow Card), 18.Reon Moore, 26.Justin Garcia (2.Glynn Franklyn 30th minute), 37.Cassim Keller (Yellow Card) (45.Dylon King 56th minute), 39.Akil Morris, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar.

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 12.Jemel Sebro, 16.Kellon Serrette, 32.Jameel Cooper.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

Semi Final Two

W Connection: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 3.Gerard Williams (Yellow Card), 5.Triston Hodge (Yellow Card), 7.Neil Benjamin Jr. (20.Daniel Diaz 81st minute), 10.Dimitri Apai, 13.Hughtun Hector (Yellow Card), 14.Euller Eduardo Couto (99.Marcus Joseph 46th minute), 16.Alvin Jones, 19.Briel Thomas (Yellow Card), 23.Weslie John, 30.Shaquille John (24.Jameel Antoine 21st minute) (Yellow Card).

Unused substitutes: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix, 21.Ronell Paul, 26.Isaiah Garcia.

Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Nical Stephens (Yellow Card), 6.Kemuel Rivers, 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong (Capt.) (13.Tyrone Charles 73rd minute), 12.Michael Basdeo, 15.Keyon Edwards (23.Nicholas Thomas 73rd minute) (Yellow Card), 17.Jarod London, 18.Trevin Latapy (16.Leslie Joel Russell 15th minute), 27.Jayson Joseph (Red Card), 38.Josiah Trimmingham.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 8.Kevon Piper, 9.Akeem Redhead, 35.Adan Noel.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Nicholai Nyron

[Tallman]

Connection’s Jean calls on players’ loyalty: confident of eighth First Citizens Cup
ttproleague.com

W Connection assistant coach Earl Jean wants his players to demonstrate loyalty as the Savonetta Boys look to an unprecedented eighth First Citizens Cup, which ultimately means dethroning holders Defence Force when the two sides lock horns from 8pm on Friday in the 2017 final at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

However action kicks off from 6pm at the Couva venue with defeated semi-finalists Point Fortin Civic and Club Sando against each other in the third-place match.

Connection, First Citizens Cup champions of 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, last hoisted the title in 2015 but the Pro League powerhouse have gone without a major trophy since then.

“I am confident we can lift the First Citizens Cup again,” said Jean, a multiple-time First Citizens Cup winner during his playing time at Connection.

“It feels a long time since we last won the First Citizens Cup and getting our hands on the title an eighth time would be an inspiration to the club,” added the ex-St. Lucia international striker.

“This (First Citizens Cup) is one of our trophies that is really close to us and it has also been a long time since we won a major title.

“Our players now have to show their loyalty and importance to the club,” insisted the Connection assistant coach.

“We are confident in our squad and the work we have done with our players. It’s now for our players to show up. It’s about how much desire you have as a player because after your playing career you can only look back on the titles you have won.”

Connection defeated former champions Central FC (3-1) and Club Sando (2-0) in the quarter-final and semi-final rounds, respectively, to book an unprecedented 11th First Citizens Cup final and third against Defence Force, a side that have defeated them 4-1 when both sides last met in Pro League action in July.

“We have been in transitions over the last few years with our best players moving on to clubs abroad every year to every two years,” explained Jean, who has been a long-serving assistant to head coach Stuart Charles Fevrier along with countryman Eligah Joseph.

“But we have still shown progress over the years and always in a final because of the belief we have in the squad. Our squad is younger, smaller, and still getting into finals—credit to our players and it augurs well for the club.

“We are in the final of the First Citizens Cup and it also presents the opportunity for our new players to win a title and for the club to earn prize money especially with the financial situation faced by clubs.”

Connection, last season’s Pro League runners-up behind three-peat champions Central FC by a point, are currently second on the 2017 league standings with a game in hand and three regular matches left, but nine points adrift of leaders North East Stars and closely followed by third-positioned Club Sando who are two points behind and also with a game in hand in the chase for a top-two finish which earn teams CONCACAF qualifying spots.

Sando and Connection will resume league play on Sunday when they visit Police FC (3:30pm at Hasely Crawford Stadium) and San Juan Jabloteh (4pm at Barataria Oval), respectively, in two of three rescheduled matches. Point Fortin Civic will host Central FC from 5pm at the Mahaica Oval in the other rescheduled league clash.

First Citizens Cup 2017
(Friday 17 November 2017)
Third-place
Point Fortin Civic vs Club Sando, 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Final
Defence Force vs W Connection, 8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
(Sunday 19 November 2017)
Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Six fixtures
Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 4pm, Barataria Oval.

Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Three fixture
Point Fortin Civic vs Central FC, 5pm, at Mahaica Oval.

[Deeks]

It is so sad that hardly anyone is interested in local football. Not even a live stream that we in foreign could show some support.

[amielisadore]

It is so sad that hardly anyone is interested in local football. Not even a live stream that we in foreign could show some support.

LOL the Super League Cup final and league matches are streamed this weekend. 

[Deeks]

Okay thanks!

[Tallman]

Clash of First Citizens Cup titans: Defence Force or W Connection for 2017 title?
ttproleague.com

Can reigning champions Defence Force defend the title for the first time for a fourth First Citizens Cup? Or will W Connection lift an unprecedented eighth First Citizens Cup after both sides battle in the 2017 final from 8pm on Friday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Surely a contest worthy of both sides having previously been on the First Citizens Cup — earlier known as the League Cup — final stage a combined 18 times in the prestigious knockout tournament which dates back to 1999.

Friday’s final should produce an intriguing final for football fans who, once early, will be treated to what should also turn out an electric third-place match between Point Fortin Civic and Club Sando from 6pm.

Add that to the Kick for Cash and other giveaways courtesy title sponsor First Citizens on celebration night—truly, “Where Winners Reign”.

Connection, who defeated Central FC (3-1) and Club Sando (2-0) to reach this season’s final, have won the First Citizens Cup seven times while Defence Force are joint second with San Juan Jabloteh on three.

Defence Force defeated Jabloteh and Point Fortin Civic via the penalty spot to march into their ninth First Citizens Cup final following 3-3 draws in the quarter-final and semi-final rounds respectively.

“Winning on penalties haven’t dented our confidence a bit,” said Defence Force winger Reon Moore. “[In fact], both matches were great moral boosters for us. It showed great work by our team coming back late in both games to go on to win (from the penalty spot).

“The confidence in our team is pretty high without a doubt. We have been growing in confidence over the past months. The togetherness in the team is a lot stronger than in the beginning of the season and there is no stopping us now.

The Army/Coast Guard combination’s ten wins from their last twelve games in all competitions attests to coach Marvin Gordon transitioning side’s improvement following a rocky start to the truncated Pro League season.

And, although Connection boasts a slightly better record with 10 wins, one draw and just one loss in their last twelve games in all competitions, in comparison to Defence Force’s 10 wins and two losses, Gordon’s side’s 4-1 league win last July in the first and only meeting between the two powerhouses proved their capability.

Connection would look to put to sleep the misery of that whooping by dethroning the current First Citizens Cup holders.

“We expect the same Connection: a team that likes to possess the ball a lot,” added Moore, who celebrated a double the last time both sides met. “Our plan is to take them out of their comfort zone and once we are able to [execute] our [game plan] the win will be ours.

“We are highly motivated for this game. It is a final and a lot is at stake. This is a rivalry for us. We are not just representing our team when we take the field on Friday, we are representing the entire Defence Force.”

Gordon, ahead of the start of this season’s First Citizens Cup, vowed to defend the title he won as a player in 2002, again in 2009 as assistant coach, then last season (2016) as head coach—all with the Defence Force.

“I think we can go all the way back to the final and defend this title,” said the Defence Force coach back then. He added that “belief” was the key to his side winning the First Citizens Cup last season.

The Army/Coast Guard combination are now one win away from successfully defending the First Citizens Cup while veteran talisman Devorn Jorsling, last season’s First Citizens Cup MVP and Most Goals winner, leads the scoring with three goals, one more than Club Sando’s Akim Armstrong ahead of the final day.

[Flex]

W Connection lifts record-extending eighth First Citizens Cup.
ttproleague.com

Suriname international Dimitrie Apai picked up the Final’s MVP and Best Forward honours while his side W Connection celebrated a record-extending eighth First Citizens Cup by dethroning Defence Force 3-1 on Friday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Apai scored on either side of the break after the Savonetta Boys had fallen behind early to finish with a double while Defence Force’s Devorn Jorsling, who, understandably, had disappointment written all over his face at the final whistle despite finishing with a consecutive First Citizens Cup Most Goals award.

Jorsling’s failure to beat Connection shot-stopper and eventual Best Goalkeeper Julani Archibald early in the second half later haunted the Army/Coast Guard combination in front of an almost packed covered stand at the Home of Football which witnessed second-string Club Sando coming from behind to hold Civic to a 1-1 draw earlier then defeating the Point Fortin side 4-3 in a penalty shootout thanks to two saves from Stefan Berkeley to take a third-place finish.

In contrast, Archibald, who also denied the Defence Force veteran talisman on four set pieces from above the box and a flying save from open play on half hour, boasted the widest smile while he and his teammates, including Best Defender Maurice Ford, and Connection supporters and staff, including Coach of the Tournament Stuart Charles Fevrier, anxiously awaited the presentation of the 2017 First Citizens Cup.

Defence Force were propped against gloom with their second-placed medals hanging almost motionless from their necks after dominating the game and possession.

Connection, however, had made their chances count.

Hashim Arcia, who was later awarded Best Midfielder honour, looked to have put Defence Force on their way to a fourth First Citizens Cup when he bundled the ball over the line for 1-0 lead against his former side on fourteen minutes off a flicked Jorsling feed moments after Marcus Joseph had rattled the soldiers’ upright on the other end.

Connection, though, responded with two goals in a space of five minutes through Apai and Hughtun Hector for a 2-1 which they took all the way into the break despite Defence Force’s dominance.

Apai headed past Clarke from close up on nineteen minutes when he connected to Weslie John’s headed feed across the six yard area off a Hector free kick.

Then Hector put the Savonetta Boys in front in the 24th minute with a wonderful solo goal after a pass through the centre by Joseph.

“I knew it would have been a tough [match],” Hector said after the final. “They (Defence Force) have a mentality to put out everything in the game. They have descent players like [Trinidad and Tobago national team players Arcia and Gonzales]. Thank God we put away our chances early and kept fighting till the end.”

Defence Force had continued their control in the second half but failed to find a way back although creating a number of chances which included Archibald brilliantly deny Jorsling from the spot after Shaquille Bertrand was pulled down in the penalty area by Triston Hodge.

The St. Kitts and Nevis international goalie was also equal to a bullet strike from Curtis Gonzales in a play off a resulting after Connection cleared behind on a Jamali Garcia header which came off the bar ten minutes from time.

But Apai would put to sleep any chance of a comeback by Defence Force in the 85th minute after beating the offside trap to fire past Clarke for the 3-1 victory.

“I had a good mental preparation,” explained Apai. “I organized myself early and told myself we have to win something for the year.”

Apai said with his side virtually out of the Pro League title challenge it was important to capture the First Citizens Cup.

Fevrier meanwhile played down the pride of winning a record-extending eighth First Citizens Cup but said he was happy for the club and players.

The longstanding Connection coach said, “All of them are special. We are a club that always pride ourselves on winning silverware.

“Today we had to dig deep because Defence Force played very well but in the end we were tactically solid, especially defensively and we got the goals at critical times.”

With Connection set to tackle 1976 FC Phoenix on November 26 in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy which will also include Civic against Police FC, Fevrier hopes the First Citizens Cup success will help the Savonetta Boys to more silverware before the season ends.

The Connection coach is now bracing for a busy schedule in the coming week which will include facing San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC in league fixtures on Monday and Wednesday respectively. See upcoming fixtures below.

Results

First Citizens Cup 2017 - Final

Defence Force 1 (Hashim Arcia 14’) vs W Connection 3 (Dimitrie Apai 19’, 85’, Hughtun Hector 24’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Third-place match

Point Fortin Civic 1 (Nathaniel Garcia 44’) vs Club Sando 1 (Akeem Redhead 85’), at Ato Boldon Stadium,
Club Sando won 4-3 on penalties.

Point Fortin Civic 3  v  Club Sando 4

Jabari Mitchell (scored)  - Nical Stephens (saved)
Nathaniel Garcia (scored) - Kemuel Rivers (scored)
Justin Sadoo (saved) - Leslie Joel Russell (scored)
Stephan Campbell (scored) - Josiah Trimmingham (scored)
Steven Joseph (saved) - Tyrone Charles (scored)

First Citizens Cup 2017

MVP – Dimitrie Apai (W Connection)
Most Goals – Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force) (3 goals)
Best Goalkeeper – Julani Archibald (W Connection)
Best Defender – Maurice Ford (W Connection)
Best Midfielder – Hashim Arcia (Defence Force)
Best Forward – Dimitrie Apai (W Connection)
Best Coach – Stuart Charles Fevrier (W Connection)

Teams

Final

Defence Force FC: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre (16.Kellon Serrette 78th minute), 9.Devorn Jorsling, 10.Hashim Arcia, 15.Shaquille Bertrand (23.Kerry Joseph 86th minute), 17.Curtis Gonzales (Yellow Card) (6.Rodell Elcock 89th minute), 18.Reon Moore, 26.Justin Garcia, 37.Cassim Keller, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar.

Unused substitutes: 4.Dave Long, 8.Christopher Durity, 12.Jemel Sebro, 80.Aaron Enil.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford, 5.Triston Hodge (Yellow Card), 10.Dimitri Apai, 13.Hughtun Hector (Capt.), 20.Daniel Diaz (7.Neil Benjamin Jr. 57th minute), 23.Weslie John, 24.Jameel Antoine, 26.Isaiah Garcia (16.Alvin Jones minute) (Yellow Card), 99.Marcus Joseph (11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix 81st minute)

Unused substitutes: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 14.Euller Eduardo Couto, 21.Ronell Paul.

Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

Third-Place Match

Point Fortin Civic: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (Capt.); 7.Steven Joseph (Yellow Card), 16.Kelvin Modeste, 10.Jabari Mitchell, 12.Nathaniel Garcia, 24.Akinola Gregory (11.Keron Neptune 78th minute), 25.Shaquille Dublin, 26.Jeremiah Kesar, 28.Aelon Minors (53.Stephan Campbell 63rd minute), 30.Nion Lammy (21.Juma Clarence 63rd minute), 33.Justin Sadoo.

Unused substitutes: 52.Akini Adams (GK); 17.Kestwin Goolie, 90.Jared Bennett, 99.Kevin Moodie.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Club Sando: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (17.Jarod London 89th minute), 9.Akeem Redhead, 12.Michael Basdeo (10.Keron Cornwall 70th minute), 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Leslie Joel Russell (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 23.Nicholas Thomas, 35.Adan Noel, 38.Josiah Trimmingham (Yellow Card).

Unused substitutes: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 11.Akim Armstrong, 15.Keyon Edwards, 18.Trevin Latapy, 37.Raygun Jawahir.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

[Deeks]

This FC don’t excite me at all. But congrats.

[Tallman]

WATCH: Highlights of W-Connection’s 3-1 win over Defense Force to claim the 2017 First Citizen’s Cup

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/9RgHEYnEKk0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/9RgHEYnEKk0</a>

[Flex]

W Connection confident of First Citizens Cup defence, welcomes new round-robin format.
ttproleague.com.

“We are ready since our last game (last Friday’s 7-1 Charity Shield win over Pro League championship holders North East Stars),” W Connection assistant coach Earl Jean told today’s (Wednesday) gathering during the launch of the 2018 First Citizens Cup at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain.

Eight-time winners Connection, two-time former winners Morvant Caledonia United, Point Fortin Civic, North East Stars and Police FC were drawn into Abercrombie Group, while former winners San Juan Jabloteh, Defence Force FC and Central FC, and Police FC and MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers will contest Paria Group.

This, for the first time in the tournament’s almost two-decade history, clubs will contest each other in a round-robin format to determine the semi-finalists.

The top two finishers from each group at the end of group play will advance to the semi-final round on 13 July with the Abercrombie winners facing Paria runners-up and Paria winners against Abercrombie runners-up for a place in the final on 20 July.

Connection, who defeated three-time former winners Defence Force in last season’s final, will begin their title defence against Point Fortin Civic on Friday from 8:30pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium in the second game of the opening Abercrombie double-header after North East Stars and Police FC clash from 6:30pm.

Match Day One Group play will continue on Sunday with a Paria double-header at the same Ato Boldon Stadium with MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers taking on Central FC from 4pm and San Juan Jabloteh against Defence Force from 6pm.

Jean said the new format will benefit clubs and fans with more games. The former St. Lucia international also said it will give teams the opportunity to face each other ahead of the League championship which will begin in July.

The Connection assistant coach and ex-star forward also praised First Citizens commitment to the competition, which dates back to 2001, as “resilient”.

Larry Olton, head brand and marketing at First Citizens, said, “In the face of these (economic) challenges it is our fervent belief in and understanding of the value of sport to our youth, and more broadly, to national and social development, that First Citizens Group remains committed to its role as a stakeholder in the development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular football.

Olton added, “Like all great teams, the First Citizens Group values collaboration. Our partnership with the Pro League has strengthened community sport and national development through football programmes for adults and youths across the country.”

It is also the first time that the Pro League calendar will begin with a Cup tournament and League CEO Julia Baptiste questioned, “(…) who can think of a better sponsor to do it with than First Citizens?”

“First Citizens has been sharing the vision of the Pro League since the League’s inception,” Baptiste continued. “Through thick and thin, through tough times, through those lean times they have remained resilient, steadfast standing with us bearing the flag of indomitable will and the power to survive despite the economic climate.

“First Citizens epitomizes the value, power, spirit and vision of what can be achieved when there is collective focus.”

The First Citizens Cup 2018 promises to be one of the most exciting editions, especially with the new format and eight clubs after W Connection and North East Stars eager to get their campaign off and running.

First Citizens Cup 2018

Groups

Paria:

Club Sando, San Juan Jabloteh, MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers, Central FC and Defence Force FC;

Abercrombie:

Morvant Caledonia United, Point Fortin Civic, North East Stars, Police FC and W Connection.

First Citizens Cup 2018 - Group Play

(Friday 8 June 2018)

North East Stars vs Police FC, 6:30pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Point Fortin Civic vs W Connection, 8:30pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Sunday 10 June 2018)

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 4pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
San Juan Jabloteh vs Defence Force FC, 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Morvant Caledonia United & Club Sando (Bye)

Match Day Two
(Date, venue and time to be determined)

Defence Force FC v MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers
Club Sando v San Juan Jabloteh
W Connection v North East Stars
Morvant Caledonia United v Point Fortin Civic

Police FC & Central FC (Bye)

Match Day Three
(Date, venue and time to be determined)

North East Stars v Morvant Caledonia United
Police FC v W Connection
MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers v Club Sando
Central FC v Defence Force FC

Point Fortin Civic & San Juan Jabloteh (Bye)

Match Day Four
(Date, venue and time to be determined)

Morvant Caledonia United v 7
Point Fortin Civic v North East Stars
Club Sando v Central FC
San Juan Jabloteh v MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers

W Connection & Defence Force FC (Bye)

Match Day Five
(Date, venue and time to be determined)

Police FC v Point Fortin Civic
W Connection vs Morvant Caledonia United
Central FC v San Juan Jabloteh
Defence Force FC v Club Sando

North East Stars & 6 (Bye)

Semi-Final Round

(Friday 13 July 2018)

Final

(Friday 20 July 2018)

[Flex]

Brent Sam, Quintero, St. Hillarie among new Defence Force acquisitions as soldiers chase fourth First Citizens Cup.
ttproleague.com.

Defence Force FC head coach Marvin Gordon wants to reunite with the First Citizens Cup, a trophy he holds dear to his heart, and his beefed up squad with forwards Brent Sam and Dwight Quintero and 20-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international Kathon St. Hillaire among recent acquisitions, gives him added confidence.

The Soldiers must face two-time former winners San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm on Sunday at Ato Boldon Stadium in the second game of a Paria Group double-header after MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers and two-time former winners Central FC battle from 4pm.

But competition in, arguably the most prestigious Cup, kicks off on tomorrow (Friday) with an Abercrombie Group double-header at the same Ato Boldon Stadium with reigning Pro League champions North East Stars taking on Police FC from 6:30pm and Point Fortin Civic against First Citizens Cup holders and recent Charity Shield winners W Connection from 8:30pm.

“We have a much better squad with new players like Dwight Quintero, Brent Sam, Tyrik (John) and Kathon St. Hillaire [plus] we still have guys like [all-time Pro League top scorer] Devorn Jorsling,” Gordon told the gathering during the 2018 First Citizens Cup launch yesterday in the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain.

Ex-Jabloteh prodigy Sam, 22, who had a stint last season in Portugal with lower division side Dezembro, and former North East Stars player Quintero, 24, are both former T&T youth forwards.

While Tyrik John, 22, is the son 0f legendary Trinidad and Tobago forward Stern John and joined from Central FC, the side currently coached by his father.

Hillaire, a former Rangers attacker, and Shaquille Holder, 24, also bolsters Gordon’s offence along with Jelani Felix, 24, who returns following last season’s Pro League-winning stint at North East Stars.

“We want to go one step further [this season],” continued the Defence Force coach whose side lost last season’s final 3-1 to W Connection, who celebrated a record-extending eighth First Citizens Cup.

“This time we [are] going one more to win the final. [And based on the round-robin groupings] it looks in our favour.”

The First Citizens Cup is very special to Gordon, having won it as a Defence Force player in 2002, as assistant coach to his predecessor Ross Russell in 2009, and as coach in 2016.

Gordon wants to start the season strong and the First Citizens Cup will be fitting in honour of his father and all-time best supporter Bernard Gordon who passed away a fortnight ago.

Gordon barked warnings to his opening opponents Jabloteh, saying he defeated the Keith Jeffrey-coached side “whole pre-season”.

“That’s motivation to change the script,” Jeffrey responded.

Club Sando coach Angus Eve meanwhile would watch on from the stands over the weekend with a keen eye as his side and two-time former champions Morvant Caledonia United receive a bye on the opening weekend.

“It gives us (Sando) the opportunity to assess future opponents since no (Pro League) team wanted to play us a practice match all pre-season,” said Eve, who, along with Connection assistant coach Earl Jean, welcome the new round-robin format.

For the first time in the First Citizens Cup’s almost two-decade history, clubs will contest each other in a round-robin format to determine the semi-finalists.

Connection, two-time former winners Morvant Caledonia, Civic, North East Stars and Police were drawn into Abercrombie Group, while Sando, Jabloteh, Rangers, Central and Defence Force will contest Paria Group.

The top two finishers from each group at the end of group play will advance to the semi-final round on 13 July with the Abercrombie winners facing Paria runners-up and Paria winners against Abercrombie runners-up for a place in the final on 20 July.

Defence Force FC 2018 roster

Goalkeepers: Andre Marchan, Sheldon Clarke and Jameel Enill;

Defenders: Curtis Gonzales, Jamali Garcia, Rodell Elcock, Aklie Edwards, Jemel Sebro, Thurlani George, Jerome Mc Intyre, Justin Garcia.

Midfielders: Hashim Arcia, Dave Long, Jerwyn Balthazar, Kerry Joseph, Levi Serries, Cassim Kellar, Dillon King.

Forwards: Devorn Jorsling, Akil Morris, Kellon Serrette, Shaquille Bertrand, Jameel Cooper, Reon Moore, Dwight Quintero, Tyrik John, Kathon St. Hillaire, Jelani Felix, Brent Sam and Shaquille Holder.

Staff: Marvin Gordon (Head Coach), Devin Elcock (Assistant Coach), Stephon Webster (Trainer), Mc Allister Estrada (Medic), Keron Dookie (Club Manager), Keston Greene (Equipment Manager) and Akini Wilson (Photographer).

[Deeks]

Let's see how DF do this year. Like I said before, with the players they have had, they should have been champions.  I think their problem has been  and is coaching.

[Flex]

Freitas, Perry prance in Police win on First Citizens Cup opening night; Frederick scores late to rescue holders Connection.
ttproleague.com

Kareem Freitas struck two goals and an assist scored by another double-scorer Jameel Perry as Police FC kicked off their 2018 campaign with a fashionable 5-1 over North East Stars to lead the 2018 First Citizens Cup Abercrombie Group after yesterday’s day one double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium.

The Lawmen (3 points), however, are only ahead of W Connection by goal-difference after the defending champions escaped with full points courtesy a late Kurt Frederick strike against a stubborn Point Fortin Civic outfit which relinquished an early two-goal cushion and ended on the wrong side of a 3-2 loss.

“Civic are coming to run us hard,” a female staff member of Connection said before kick-off. “Spanish (referring to Trinidad and Tobago national team midfielder Nathaniel Garcia) and they talking it all evening.”

Defender Ronell Paul stunned his former employers, Connection, to mark his return to Civic with a well-taken header past goalkeeper Jason Belfon on two minutes, and seven minutes later another former Connection player, Jabari Mitchell, converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.

But ex-Civic star Marcus Joseph fired back for Connection against his hometown club with an uninterrupted double—almost identical strikes to beat goalkeeper Miles Goodman twice in a space of ten minutes to subdue the Point Fortin side’s aggressive start and put coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier’s Savonetta Boys back on level terms 2-2.

Earlier Goodman had earlier produced a fine save to put behind a low Joseph attempt. But the talented forward, who had sent another effort inches wide, first redeemed himself by sending a composed left-footed shot into the far bottom corner of Goodman’s net from the right on 22 minutes. Then, off the right boot found the same spot in the 32nd minute to put his tally at five goals in two games after last week’s hat-trick in a 7-1 Charity Shield win over Pro League championship holders North East Stars.

“It’s a good start for his confidence because if he has to be on the (Trinidad and Tobago) national team he has to continue scoring,” said Connection assistant coach Earl Jean following the win. “He has been working a lot on his finishing and tonight he had a good game. He was all over. The ball was coming to him.”

Three excellent chances had followed the Connection star in the second half but it was left-back Frederick who would snatch the 3-2 winner with four minutes left (and a man short after Dimitri Apai was stretchered off injured) in a rare move forward and a barrage of chances including a shot from substitute Adan Noel which cannoned off the upright.

Jean explained, “We are always trying to get more out of Frederick because he is an exceptional player and has the ability to score goals.

“It was a good game for the fans, for football; two good teams going against each other tactically. (Civic coach Reynold) Carrington knows our systems, knows how we play (because) he had been part of us. It was a very difficult game but what was good is that we scored when we had just ten men. It showed the fight of the team, the spirit. I like the attitude of the players they give everything.”

Goal scorer Frederick meanwhile said he was happy to redeem himself after giving away a free kick that led to Civic’s opening goal.

In the earlier contest, an almost lopsided one, Police stormed to a 3-0 lead within the first half hour against a North East Stars side that are said to be rebuilding for the future under new coach Zoran Vranes.

Freitas fired the Lawmen in front in the 16th minute with a close up volley past goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel, who conceded another a minute later as Kadeem Riley raced off near the touchline to celebrate with teammates in similar fashion.

Both players combined for the Richard Hood-coached side’s third item in the 29th minute when Freitas completed his double by heading past Samuel off a right side corner swung in by Riley.

Freitas then turned provider for Perry (J) to celebrate his first on the night on the hour mark for a 4-0 score before Kyle Bartholomew pulled a goal back for North East Stars by beating his challenger in the air to head past T&T national team and Police ‘keeper Adrian Foncette.

Perry (J), though, made it a 5-1 finish when he got to his double in the 85th minute with a diving header on a cross from younger brother Kareem Perry to beat, once more, Samuel who had denied him moments earlier with a world-class save.

First Citizens Cup 2018  - Match Day One results

Abercrombie Group

North East Stars 1 (Kyle Bartholomew 66th minute) vs Police FC 5 (Kareem Freitas 16’, 29’, Kadeem Riley 17’, Jameel Perry 53’, 85’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Point Fortin Civic 2 (Ronell Paul 2’, Jabari Mitchell 9’ pen.) vs W Connection 3 (Marcus Joseph 22’, 32’, Kurt Frederick 86’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 1 1 0 0 5 1 4 3
2 W Connection 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
3 Morvant Caledonia United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Point Fortin Civic 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
5 North East Stars 1 0 0 1 1 5 -4 0

Upcoming matches - (Sunday 10 June 2018)

Immortelle Group

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 4pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
San Juan Jabloteh vs Defence Force FC, 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
0 Central FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 Club Sando 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 Defence Force FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 San Juan Jabloteh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Teams

Point Fortin Civic: 22.Miles Goodman (GK); 7.Hughtun Hector (Capt.), 8.Jamal John (30.Nion Lammy 74th minute), 10.Jabari Mitchell, 11.Akeem Redhead, 19.Nathaniel Garcia, 20.Bevon Bass, 21.Ronell Paul, 26.Jeremiah Kesar (6.Judah Garcia 58th minute), 27.Darnell Hospedales, 33.Justin Sadoo.

Unused substitutes: 1.Jasse Aguilera (GK); 5.Justin Cornwall, 14.Shaquille John, 17.Kestwin Goolie, 25.Shaquille Dublin.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

W Connection: 33.Jason Belfon (GK), 2.Kurt Frederick, 3.Gerard Williams, 5.Triston Hodge, 6.Kevon Goddard, 9.Kadeem Corbin (27.Kierron Mason 67th minute), 10.Dimitri Apai, 19.Briel Thomas (8.Jameel Antoine 80th minute), 20.Daniel Diaz (11.Adan Noel 53rd minute), 26.Isaiah Garcia, 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 15.Otev Lawrence 23.Kennedy Hinkson, 24.Yohannes Richardson.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

Referee: Rodphin Harris

Teams

North East Stars: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 2.Jabari Brathwaite, 4.Sean Bateau (Capt.), 7.Hayden Tinto, 11.Kyle Bartholomew, 12.Tyrell Jobe, 15.Lashawn Roberts, 16.Daniel La Croix (6.Adrian Noel 29th minute), 17.Shaqkeem Joseph, 18.Josiah Daniel (23.Sherwyn Williams 53rd minute), 20.Jaden Prowell.

Unused substitutes: 21.Javon Sample (GK).

Coach: Zoran Vranes

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.); 3.Ryan O’Neil, 5.Kenaz Williams, 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 9.Jameel Perry, 10.Kareem Freitas, 14.Caleb Sturge, 21.Todd Ryan (25.Kaashif Thomas 68th minute), 26.Travis Joseph (7Kareem Perry 15th minute), 29.Clevon Mc Fee, 36.Kadeem Riley (16.Joshua Leach 60th minute).

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 4.Kadeem Boyce, 13.Dillon Kirton, 33.Kemron Purcell.

Coach: Richard Hood

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

[Flex]

D/Force breeze past Jabloteh to make First Citizens statement with King double and Sam debut goal.
ttproleague.com

Last season’s defeated finalists and three-time former winners Defence Force FC made their 2018 First Citizens Cup intensions clear with an opening 4-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh in the second game of an Immortelle Group double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium yesterday.

Dylon King bagged two goals separated by a Reon Moore item and the break before debutant Brent Sam arrived off the bench to slap home the soldiers’ fourth item against his ex-club.

Earlier, Akim Armstrong scored twice on his domestic debut for two-time former champions Central FC to give the Stern John-coached Couva Sharks a 2-0 win over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers who must next face the fury of Defence Force on June 18.

Central, boasting the likes of Densill Theobald, Anthony Wolfe, goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, Jared London and Duane Muckette, were the more experienced of the two sides but for the opening moments looked nothing of a team keen on shaking off disappointments of the 2018 Caribbean Club Championship finals in Jamaica last month when they failed to qualify—after three chances—for this season’s Concacaf League.

It was not until the stroke of the half-hour mark that Muckette and Keron Cummings tested Rangers number one Cleon John who made two excellent saves.

John, though, was unable to rescue coach Adrian Romain’s side four minutes from the half when as Central grabbed a 1-0 lead. Armstrong’s angled a shot (which flew into the far bottom corner) came at the end of a Couva Sharks’ move that involved no less than a dozen passes as they ran circles around Rangers.

Rangers, five minutes earlier, had created an excellent scoring opportunity through an ambitious move down the right by Kristian Meloney whose low cross across the six yard box should have been met by forward Jamal Gay.

Meloney, one of a handful of Pro League debutants in the Rangers side, later had a chance himself on the hour mark but goalkeeper Phillip was quick to smother the midfielder’s effort.

Eight minutes later on the other end Armstrong, who two months ago moved to Central from Club Sando, was celebrating a double after he got the better of defender Holan Joseph to lift the ball over John and into the back of the Rangers net to put the score at 2-0.

Armstrong was denied a third from point blank range with fifteen minutes left when John pushed the Central forward’s half volley behind.

But John’s younger brother, Christopher Biggette, had to fetch the ball out of the Jabloteh net twice in quick succession early on and four times in total in the second game against Defence Force.

King led the Defence Force rout with the opening goal on 12 minutes when he climbed in the Jabloteh box to meet a floated right side cross from debutant Kathon St. Hillaire after veteran forward Devorn Jorsling failed to make contact to a low feed from the left by Moore.

Moore then quickly cushioned the Marvin Gordon coached-soldiers 2-0 two minutes later after he dispossessed defender Jamal Spencer of the ball and made a solo run into the box before sending a shot into the Jabloteh net.

King, who flashed an effort just wide before the break, would finally get to his double in the 67th minute to make it 3-0, burying the ball past Biggette who had denied Hashim Arcia a second time on the night, but the latter attempt only landed the ball as far as the eventual double scorer.

Substitute Sam made it 4-0 in the 73rd minute, blasting the ball past a hapless Biggette after picking up a short feed from Arcia. Sam however failed to complete a double against his ex-club when he rolled a shot onto the upright in the final minute of regular time.

“If you remember [during] the (First Citizens Cup) launch I talked about playing Jabloteh in the pre-season and dominating them and it was just a matter of coming tonight and getting the business [done],” Gordon said after his side’s win.

“[The result] wasn’t strange for me,” added the Defence Force coach. “I know what I have in my dressing room and I thought [my] players were brilliant tonight.

“I thought we could have scored some more goals but Jabloteh didn’t come and lie down. They have a young squad, they tried to work hard and be competitive, but tonight you saw the quality that I have in my dressing room and the work me and my staff have been doing over the last two months.”

Next Saturday the First Citizens Cup action will resume when defending champions W Connection meet North East Stars, the side they crushed 7-1 in the Charity Shield, for a second time in three weeks from 4pm, and Morvant Caledonia United kicking off their 2018 campaign against Point Fortin Civic from 6pm in an Abercrombie Group double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium.

The Couva venue will come alive again on Monday 18 June with an Immortelle Group double-header with Club Sando taking on Jabloteh from 8:30pm following the Defence Force versus Rangers clash from 6:30pm.

First Citizens Cup 2018  - Match Day One results

North East Stars 1 ( Kyle Bartholomew 66’) vs Police FC 5 (Kareem Freitas 16’, 29’, Kadeem Riley 17’, Jameel Perry 53’, 85’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Point Fortin Civic 2 (Ronell Paul 2’, Jabari Mitchell 9’ pen.) vs W Connection 3 (Marcus Joseph 22’, 32’, Kurt Frederick 86’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Sunday 10 June 2018)

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0 vs Central FC 2 (Akim Armstrong 41’, 68’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

San Juan Jabloteh 0 vs Defence Force FC 4 (Dylon King 12’, 67’, Reon Moore 14’, Brent Sam 73’), 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Morvant Caledonia United & Club Sando (Bye).

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 1 1 0 0 5 1 4 3
2 W Connection 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
3 Morvant Caledonia United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Point Fortin Civic 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
5 North East Stars 1 0 0 1 1 5 -4 0

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
2 Central FC 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
3 Club Sando 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
5 San Juan Jabloteh 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

Teams

St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.); 2.Lukeman Brooks (9.Keon Peters 78th minute), 3.Andel Brown, 6.Saleem Henry, 7.Jamal Gay (21.Jerome Cyrus 62nd minute), 8.Shem Alexander, 10.Kristian Meloney, 14.Jabari Mayers, 19.Rushawn Murphy, 28.Marvin Springer (27.Collin Wheeler 58th minute), 29.Holan Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 22.Jabari St. Hillaire (GK), 11.Gerald Meloney, 16.Maliq Gumbs, 24.Ethan Bonaparte.

Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 5.Dwight Pope, 8.Akim Armstrong, 10.Keron Cummings (9.Tyrone Charles 69th minute), 11.Duane Muckette (7.Hakim Baird 89th minute), 12.Tyrik Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel (13.Rhondel Gibson 82nd minute), 17.Anthony Wolfe, 18.Densill Theobald (Capt.), 19.Jared London, 22.Jameel Neptune.

Unused substitutes: 30.Keinol Paul (GK); 29.Kerry Baptiste, 27.Anthony Charles.

Coach: Stern John

Referee: Kwinsi Williams

Teams

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Christopher Biggette (GK); 4.Nical Stephens (13.Kristoff John 62nd minute), 7.Elijah Manners (Capt.), 10.Jomoul Francois, 11.Kadeem Hutchinson, 15.Dellon Jagessar (12.Keron Bethelmy 58th minute), 16.Jamal Spencer, 17.Sean Bonval, 18.Jevon Morris, 19.Shane Sandy, 20.Kareem Baptiste (14.Tyrese Bailey 70th minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 5.Raymond Alleyne, 8.Xae-Pierre De Fou, 24.Kareem Eastman.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

Defence Force FC: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long (99.Jerwyn Balthazar 70th minute), 9.Devorn Jorsling (Capt.) (16.Kellon Serrette 76th minute), 10.Hashim Arcia, 12.Jemel Sebro, 14.Kathon St. Hillaire, 18.Reon Moore (8.Brent Sam 66th minute), 21.Aklie Edwards, 26.Justin Garcia, 45.Dylon King.

Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 6.Rodell Elcock, 11.Dwight Quintero, 15.Shaquille Bertrand.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Nicholai Nyron

Upcoming matches - Match Day Two

(Saturday 16 June 2018)

W Connection v North East Stars, 4pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Morvant Caledonia United v Point Fortin Civic, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Monday 18 June 2018)

Defence Force FC v MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers, 6:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Club Sando v San Juan Jabloteh, 8:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Police FC & Central FC (Bye).

Match Day Three

(Friday 22 June 2018)

Central FC v Defence Force FC, 6:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Police FC v W Connection, 8:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Saturday 23 June 2018)

North East Stars v Morvant Caledonia United, 5pm at Arima Velodrome.

(Sunday 24 June 2018)

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers v Club Sando, 4pm at St. Augustine Secondary.

Point Fortin Civic & San Juan Jabloteh (Bye).

Match Day Four

(Friday 29 June 2018)

San Juan Jabloteh v MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers, 6pm at Baraataria Oval;

Point Fortin Civic v North East Stars, 6pm at Mahaica Oval.

(Sunday 01 July 2018)

Morvant Caledonia United v Police FC, 4pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Club Sando v Central FC, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

W Connection & Defence Force FC (Bye).

Match Day Five

(Friday 6 July 2018)

Central FC v San Juan Jabloteh, 6:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Defence Force FC v Club Sando, 8:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Sunday 8 July 2018)

Police FC v Point Fortin Civic, 4pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection vs Morvant Caledonia United, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

North East Stars & MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers (Bye).

Semi-Final Round

(Friday 13 July 2018)

Final

(Friday 20 July 2018)

[Flex]

Marcus Joseph seals another Connection win with sublime chip while Civic rebounds.
ttproleague.com.

W Connection took command of Abercrombie Group in the 2018 First Citizens Cup on Saturday evening with six points but had to settle for a 2-0 Match Day Two win over North East Stars, a side the Savonetta Boys had humiliated 7-1 a fortnight ago in the season-opening Charity Shield.

Kennedy Hinkson fired the eighth-time champions and current holders in front in the first half with his first Connection goal on domestic debut for the Savonetta Boys before team-mate Marcus ‘Lobo’ Joseph struck his sixth goal in three games in all competitions this season with a sublime chip seven minutes from the end to complete the 2-0 win in the first game of a double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium.

It was however an improved First Citizens Cup result after needing to come from behind for a 3-2 win over Point Fortin Civic who had led with two early goals two Friday’s ago on Match Day One.

Civic, in the second game on Saturday, rebounded with a 2-1 win over Morvant Caledonia United to go level on three points with Police FC who sat out on a bye and will resume play against Connection in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday 22 June.

Judah Garcia, 18, scored only his second top-flight goal for Civic in the second half and 20-year-old playmaker Justin Sadoo capped off arguably his best performance to date for the Point Fortin outfit with his first professional goal to cushion coach Reynold Carrington’s side before substitute Kareem Joseph pulled back a goal for Morvant Caledonia from the spot in injury time.

Jabari Mitchell had the bulk of Civic’s chances—at least five of them in the first half—before turning provider in the 66th minute when he controlled Sadoo’s lifted pass in the area, skipped a couple challenges and rolled a feed across the box for Garcia (J) to drive home Civic’s go-ahead goal past new Morvant Caledonia goalkeeper Terrence Lewis.

Sadoo then unleashed a cracker from just inside the box which clipped the underside of the bar before finding the back of Lewis’ net in the 75th minute to cushion Civic 2-0 after weaving past two defenders.

Morvant Caledonia, a side coached by returning head coach Jerry More and technical director Jamaal Shabazz and on their first competitive outing of the year, found their consolation item deep in injury time when Joseph beat goalkeeper Miles Goodman from the spot after referee Rodphin Harris ruled a handball against Civic.

Earlier on the day, Hinkson, who joined Connection from Jabloteh at the beginning of the year and featured for the Savonetta Boys in the 2018 Caribbean Club Championship, blasted coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier’s men in front on 25 minutes after goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel had made a superb double-save. Samuel had first kept out a laser from Marcus Joseph and reacted elastically on the rebound effort from Hinkson, who finally punished the hapless North East Stars goalie on his second bite from close range.

But North East Stars, a virtually new side from the team that won last season’s Pro League championship, proved that they are an improving bunch despite opening humiliations when they faced Connection (1-7 in the Charity Shield) and Police FC (1-5 in their opening First Citizens Cup match).

Head coach Zoran Vranes handed top-flight debuts to Raheim Jawahir, Rakim Cabie and 17-year-old former San Juan Jabloteh youth prodigy Rivaldo Coryat who produced a solid performance in the role of holding midfielder with his accuracy in passing and movement off the ball.

Cabie, meanwhile, had kept North East Stars clean on 15 minutes when he made a stop on the line to deny an acrobatic attempt on goal by Connection’s Adan Noel, who, like Hinkson, had started in place of injured attackers Dimitrie Apai and Daniel Diaz.

Connection did however find a second item in the 83rd minute through Joseph who lifted the ball over an advancing Samuel to hit the back of the North East Stars’ net after a Kadeem Corbin pass broke the backline.

Samuel, though, was determined to deny Connection a third and two minutes later produced a diving save to blank Corbin.

First Citizens Cup action will continue on Monday 18 June with an Immortelle Group double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium with Defence Force FC taking on MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 6:30pm and Club Sando against San Juan Jabloteh from 8:30pm.

Results

W Connection 2 (Kennedy Hinkson 25’, Marcus Joseph 83’) v North East Stars 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kareem Joseph 90’+3 pen.) v Point Fortin Civic 2 (Judah Garcia 66’, Justin Sadoo 75’), 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Upcoming Match Day Two fixtures

(Monday 18 June 2018)

Defence Force FC v MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers, 6:30pmat Ato Boldon Stadium;

Club Sando v San Juan Jabloteh, 8:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
2 Central FC 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
3 Club Sando 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
5 San Juan Jabloteh 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 W Connection 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6
2 Police FC 1 1 0 0 5 1 4 3
3 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
4 Morvant Caledonia United 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
5 North East Stars 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0

Game 1

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK), 2.Kurt Frederick, 3.Gerard Williams, 5.Triston Hodge, 6.Kevon Goddard, 9.Kadeem Corbin, 11.Adan Noel, 23.Kennedy Hinkson (17.Jevaughn Humphrey 87th minute), 26.Isaiah Garcia, 27.Kierron Mason, 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 4.Maurice Ford, 8.Jameel Antoine, 15.Otev Lawrence, 24.Yohannes Richardson, 34.Cephas St. Rose.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

North East Stars: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 2.Jabari Brathwaite, 3.Raheim Jawahir, 4.Sean Bateau (Capt.), 7.Hayden Tinto (23.Sherwyn Williams 63rd minute), 10.Rivaldo Coryat, 11.Kyle Bartholomew (5.Sowande Preito 74th minute), 17.Shaqkeem Joseph, 18.Josiah Daniel (6.Adrian Noel 55th minute), 20.Jaden Prowell, 24.Rakim Cabie.

Unused substitutes: 31.Jabari Bryce (GK); 15.Lashawn Roberts, 16.Daniel La Croix, 19.Kerdell Sween.

Coach: Zoran Vranes

Referee: Crystal Sobers

Game 2

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK) (Capt.); 3.Richard Williams (20.Dwight Yorke 76th minute), 5.Joshua Sylvester, 9.Sedale Mc Lean, 11.Quincy Ballah (19.Renaldo Francois 71st minute), 15.Malik Mieres, 17.Kerry Daniel, 22.Joshua Alexander, 23.Osaze Springer (12.Kareem Joseph 60th minute), 26.Jair Edwards, 28.Jomokie Cassimy,

Unused substitutes: 30.Dejourn Charles (GK).

Coach: Jerry Moe

Point Fortin Civic: 22.Miles Goodman (GK); 6.Judah Garcia, 7.Hughtun Hector (Capt.), 8.Jamal John (32.Jerren Jackie 87th minute), 10.Jabari Mitchell, 11.Akeem Redhead (24.Akinola Gregory 65th minute), 19.Nathaniel Garcia (25.Shaquille Dublin 81st minute), 20.Bevon Bass, 21.Ronell Paul, 27.Darnell Hospedales, 33.Justin Sadoo.

Unused substitutes: 1.Jasse Aguillerra (GK); 3.Dyllon Joseph, 5.Justin Cornwall, 16.Akeel Jacob.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Referee: Randolph Harris

[Flex]

Dwight Quintero hits debut double as Defence Force Football Team trounce Mic IT-St Anns Rangers 7-2 in First Citizens Cup.
ttproleague.com.

Former Trinidad and Tobago youth player Dwight Quintero arrived off the bench to score twice on his Defence Force FC debut to complete a 7-2 romp over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers in the first game of Monday’s First Citizens Cup 2018 double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium.

The win improved coach Marvin Gordon’s Tetron Boys’ grip at the top of Immortelle Group with six points after two games, three points ahead of Central FC (3 points, 1 game) who they face next Friday.

Club Sando (1 game) and San Juan Jabloteh (2 games) are with one point each after a keenly contested but 0-0 stalemate the second game of Monday’s double-header.

The top two teams at the end of group play advances to the semi-finals on 13 July. The final will be contested on 20 July.

Jabari Mayers had cancelled out a Dylon King goal to level the bottom-positioned Rangers (0 points, 2 games) in the first half, but not even a wonderful second-half Saleem Henry finish was enough to avoid the Adrian Romain coached-side a heavy defeat on a cold wet night in Couva.

Justin Garcia, Brent Sam, Devorn Jorsling, and Reon Moore, who ended with a goal and three assists, all hit the back of the Rangers net in the second half before substitute Quintero, a 24-year-old ex-Central, W Connection and North East Stars forward, ensured a comfortable win with a double separated by Henry’s goal.

It was the sort of performance Gordon had anticipated of his bolstered squad, with the exception of allowing two goals at the back.

“I’m looking forward to more goals [against Rangers] than tonight [against Jabloteh],” Gordon had said after his Tetron Boys trashed the San Juan club 4-0 on 10 June. “I took a look at them (Rangers) (…) and I don’t think they have much to offer. I think we should get some more goals against Rangers.”

King took his tally to three goals in the tournament by making up for two early wasted chances when he curled a right-footer beyond Rangers goalkeeper Cleon John on 20 minutes to give Defence Force a 1-0 lead after skipping a challenge from defender Renaldo Alexander, one of five changes made by Romain from his starting line-up in their 2-0 loss to Central on 10 June.

But attacking midfielder King was blanked on another two scoring chances by some brilliant goalkeeping from John before Mayers levelled Rangers 1-1 seven minutes from the half, beating goalkeeper Sheldon Clarke after a giveaway at the back by defender Justin Garcia.

King spilled yet another chance a minute into the second half, putting a low Sam cross overbar with John at his mercy and at a time he should have had at least a hat-trick to his name before being replaced by veteran playmaker Jerwyn Balthazar.

Justin Garcia, though, had redeemed himself on 52 minutes by heading a right side Jorsling corner past John at the near post to break the floodgates wide open by putting the three-time First Citizens Cup winners back in front 2-1.

Four minutes later Sam, too, redeemed himself at the end of a move involving Balthazar, Jorsling and Moore to cushion the Tetron Boys 3-1 with a left footed blast moments after dragging a shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

Jorsling then made it 4-1 when he flung himself to direct a short feed from Moore past John in the 59th minute before being replaced by Quintero, who less than a minute on and on his first touch, made it 6-1 in the 63rd minute off another assist from Moore who had scored his team’s fifth goal a minute earlier.

Defence Force’s excitement of four goals in a space of 11 minutes saw a lapse in concentration at the back and Rangers utility player Henry punished the opportunity with a low drive past Clarke to reduce the deficit 2-6 at the end of a quick move by Isiah Mc Lean in the 65th minute.

But Quintero, who five years ago on Oct. 18, 2013 equalised against Defence Force in the final of the First Citizens Cup and Central FC went on celebrate their maiden trophy, would get to his double on the other end to complete a 7-2 rout when he flicked a wonderfully-worked Sam cross into the back of the Rangers net with seven minutes left.

Defence Force will resume play on Friday against Central in the first game of another double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium from 6:30pm before Police FC and W Connection battle each other in a top-of-the-table Abercrombie Group clash from 8:30pm.

First Citizens Cup Results

Defence Force FC 7 (Dylon King 20’, Justin Garcia 52’, Brent Sam 56’, Devorn Jorsling 59’, Reon Moore 62’, Dwight Quintero 63’, 83’) v St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Jabari Mayers 38’, Saleem Henry 65’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Club Sando 0 v San Juan Jabloteh 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 2 2 0 0 11 2 9 6
2 Central FC 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
3 Club Sando 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 2 0 0 2 2 9 -7 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 W Connection 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6
2 Police FC 1 1 0 0 5 1 4 3
3 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
4 Morvant Caledonia United 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
5 North East Stars 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0

Game 1

Defence Force FC: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long, 8.Brent Sam, 9.Devorn Jorsling (Capt.) (11.Dwight Quintero 63rd minute), 10.Hashim Arcia, 12.Jemel Sebro, 18.Reon Moore, 21.Aklie Edwards (7.Jelani Felix 66th minute), 26.Justin Garcia, 45.Dylon King (99.Jerwyn Balthazar 55th minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 6.Rodell Elcock, 15.Shaquille Bertrand, 16.Kellon Serrette.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.); 3.Andel Brown, 6.Saleem Henry, 9.Keon Peters (13.Tyrell Cameron 84th minute), 10.Kristian Meloney (8.Shem Alexander 50th minute), 14.Jabari Mayers, 15.Renaldo Alexander (11.Gerald Meloney 67th minute), 16.Maliq Gumbs, 24.Ethan Bonaparte, 26.Isiah McLean, 29.Holan Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 22.Jabari St. Hillaire (GK), 12.Kwame Hazel, 21.Jerome Cyrus, 23.Jeremiah Vidale.

Coach: Adrian Romain

Referee: Rashby McPhie

Game 2

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Trevin Latapy, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 7.Akeem Humphrey, 8.Kevon Piper (12.Michael Basdeo 68th minute), 9.Quinn Rodney (4.Shawndell Augustus 90th minute), 10.Keron Cornwall (11.Russell Alfred 74th minute), 13.Shakiyl Phillip, 16.Micah Lansiquot, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jayson Joseph (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 14.Kadeem Gittens, 18.Aaron Kennedy, 40.Dillon Yearwood.

Coach: Angus Eve

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Christopher Biggette (GK) (30.Shemel Louison 41st minute); 4.Nical Stephens, 5.Raymond Alleyne, 8.Xae-Pierre De Fou, 10.Jomoul Francois (14.Tyrese Bailey 60th minute), 13.Kristoff John, 16.Jamal Spencer, 17.Sean Bonval, 18.Jevon Morris (Capt) (6.Josiah Baird 77th minute), 19.Shane Sandy, 20.Kareem Baptiste.

Unused substitutes: 7.Elijah Manners, 12.Keron Bethelmy, 15.Dellon Jagessar, 24.Kareem Eastman.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

[Flex]

Tyrone Charles and Kareem Reemski Freitas rocks Couva while 5.3 earthquake shakes everywhere else.
ttproleague.com.

Last night the First Citizens Cup produced a thrilling double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, including the fastest goal of the 2018 edition at 30 seconds, scored by Central FC winger Tyrone Charles, whose brace secured a 2-1 win for the Couva Sharks over Defence Force FC, before a remarkable Kareem Freitas strike saw Police FC edge defending champions W Connection 1-0 in the second game.

Central, with the result, joined Defence Force on 6 points at the top of the Immortelle Group and despite occupying second position with a lesser goal-difference, the Couva Sharks should fancy their chances of advancing to the semi-finals with a top-two finish with two group matches left against Club Sando (1 July) and San Juan Jabloteh (6 July) while the Tetron Boys have one against Sando (6 July).

Club Sando (1 point, 1 game) must first tackle MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers (0 point, 2 games) from 4pm on Sunday 24 June at St. Augustine Secondary while fourth-placed Jabloteh (1 point, 2 games) are on the bye.

In the Abercrombie Group, the Richard Hood-coached Police (6 points, 2 games) moved to the top, but only ahead of Connection (6 points, 3 games) by goal difference after Freitas’ 71st-minute strike separated both sides for a rare win for the Lawmen over the Savonetta Boys.

Freitas executed great skill and composure to control off his chest to turn and thump a shot off the underside of bar and into the back of goalkeeper Julani Archibald’s net after Connection had failed to clear on a Clevon Mc Fee corner on three attempts.

In the end coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier’s Connection had paid the ultimate price of defeat after failing to convert a barrage of chances in the second half—most notably a 68th-minute miss by former T&T youth star Kadeem Corbin with national team goalkeeper Adrian Foncette at his mercy.

And it was no fault of a magnitude 5.3 earthquake that was felt across the island moments earlier.

But! Tyrone Charles had the supporters off their seats after only half a minute in the earlier game when he lifted a brilliantly-timed Duane Muckette feed over Defence Force goalie Sheldon Clarke to stun a side that had defeated Jabloteh 4-0 and Rangers 7-2 in their previous group matches.

Déjà vu! And bang. The Marvin Gordon-coached Tetron Boys were hit a second time—exactly the same 30 seconds—this time inside the second half when Charles latched onto a long pass on the right and smashed the ball past Clarke and into the far netting for a 2-0 Central cushion.

Central were an organized and brilliant bunch especially defensively—the best they have looked all year—though Defence Force veteran forward Devorn Jorsling was denied by the crossbar on either side of the half.

Muckette too was denied by the bar before Brent Sam on the opposite end took his tally to three-in-three when pulled a goal back for Defence Force in injury time.

The item, however, wasn’t enough for a Defence Force comeback.

“Preparations all week was about nullifying them (Defence Force) and playing on the counter,” said Central FC assistant coach Walt Noreiga who served as caretaker in absence of Stern John. John is currently in Scotland for his UEFA B licence.

“We know their strong points and we simply tried to play their 4-3-3 system to counter attack their style of play.

“It wasn’t part of the plan [to score that early on either side of the half] but it is one of the ways that we were trying to get forward as quick as possible. We know all teams start slow and that’s what we took advantage of at the start, and at the restart.”

Noriega praised his players including veterans Densill Theobald, Anthony Wolfe and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip for being professional.

“It was all part of the training. We asked [our players] to do a job (tonight) which was put in place since before the gaffer (Stern John) left. He asked me to keep working on the system and it paid dividends tonight.”

First Citizens Cup action continues today (Saturday) with North East Stars and Morvant Caledonia United clashing from 4pm at Larry Gomes Stadium in search of their opening point/s.

First Citizens Cup 2018 Results

Central FC 2 (Tyrone Charles 1’, 46’) v Defence Force FC 1 (Brent Sam 90’+2), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Police FC 1 (Kareem Freitas 71’) v W Connection 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Game 1

Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 5.Dwight Pope (10.Keron Cummings 46th minute), 8.Akim Armstrong (29.Kerry Baptiste 88th minute), 9.Tyrone Charles (13.Rhondel Gibson 84th minute), 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 17.Anthony Wolfe, 18.Densill Theobald (Capt.), 19.Jared London, 22.Jameel Neptune. 24.Duane Muckette.

Unused substitutes: 30.Keinol Paul (GK); 7.Hakim Baird, 11.Anthony Charles.

Coach: Walt Noreiga

Defence Force FC: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long, 7.Jelani Felix (15.Shaquille Bertrand 61st minute), 8.Brent Sam, 9.Devorn Jorsling (Capt.) (11.Dwight Quintero 61st minute), 10.Hashim Arcia, 12.Jemel Sebro (16.Kellon Serrette 69th minute), 18.Reon Moore, 21.Aklie Edwards, 26.Justin Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 6.Rodell Elcock, 23.Kerry Joseph, 32.Jameel Cooper.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Nicholai Nylon

Game 2

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.); 3.Ryan O’Neil, 5.Kenaz Williams, 7.Kareem Perry (32.Keion Wilson 67th minute), 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 9.Jameel Perry, 10.Kareem Freitas, 14.Caleb Sturge, 21.Todd Ryan (25.Kaashif Thomas 82nd minute), 29.Clevon Mc Fee, 36.Kadeem Riley (15.Christian Thomas 56th minute).

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 12.Nequan Caruth, 16.Joshua Leach, 33.Kemron Purcell.

Coach: Richard Hood

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK), 2.Kurt Frederick, 3.Gerard Williams, 5.Triston Hodge, 6.Kevon Goddard, 8.Jameel Antoine (27.Kierron Mason 64th minute), 9.Kadeem Corbin, 11.Adan Noel, 23.Kennedy Hinkson, 26.Isaiah Garcia, 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 4.Maurice Ford, 15.Otev Lawrence, 24.Yohannes Richardson, 34.Cephas St. Rose.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 3 2 0 1 12 4 8 6
2 Central FC 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
3 Club Sando 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 2 0 0 2 2 9 -7 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 W Connection 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
3 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
4 Morvant Caledonia United 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
5 North East Stars 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0

[Flex]

Quincy Ballah, Osaze Springer fire Morvant Caledonia to First Citizens Cup points versus North East Stars.
ttproleague.com.

Quincy Ballah and Osaze Springer celebrated their first Morvant Caledonia United goals on Saturday to earn the Eastern Stallions their first points of the 2018 First Citizens Cup by driving the proverbial nail in North East Stars’ coffin with a 2-0 score at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

The win kept alive Morvant Caledonia’s mathematical chance of advance to the semi-finals on 13 July but the 2011 and 2012 champions are third on the Abercrombie Group standings with 3 points and only ahead of Point Fortin Civic by a narrow goal difference (+1) while Police FC and defending champions W Connection both lead the pack with 6 points.

Morvant Caledonia face a tall order with remaining group matches against the unbeaten Police FC on 1 July before rounding off group play a week later (8 July) against W Connection.

Meanwhile North East Stars (0 points), now on a fourth straight loss in all competitions this season, will only play for pride in their final group match against Civic on 29 June.

Ballah lifted Morvant Caledonia in front on 12 minutes from 15 yards on a rebound after Quincy Ballah—like veteran Kareem Joseph made the starting line-up after last week’s 2-1 opening loss to Civic a week ago—struck the upright.

Diminutive winger Springer doubled North East Stars’ troubles in the 24th minute to cushion Morvant Caledonia 2-0 when former goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel spilled a shot from Jomokie Cassimy.

Joseph came alive ten minutes into the second half, forcing two brilliant saves out of his former teammate, Samuel.

But Movant Caledonia, despite the effort by the coaching staff, which includes a joint effort by technical director Jamaal Shabazz and returning coach Jerry Moe, to maintain tempo with forward Sedale Mc Lean, attacking midfielder Kerry Daniel and 17-year-old Dwight Yorke replacing Springer, Joshua Alexander and Ballah respectively beyond the hour mark, failed to stretch the win margin.

Today (Sunday 24 June) Club Sando (1 point) will look to keep alive their mathematical chance in the Immortelle Group when they face bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers (0 points) from 4pm at St. Augustine Secondary ground.

Defence Force FC and Central FC lead the Immortelle Group with six points each while San Juan Jabloteh are fourth with a point.

Results

North East Stars 0 v Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Quincy Ballah 12’, Osaze Springer 24’), at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Teams

North East Stars: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 2.Jabari Brathwaite (32.Keithen Carter 66th minute), 3.Raheim Jawahir, 4.Sean Bateau (Capt.), 6.Adrian Noel, 7.Hayden Tinto (16.Daniel La Croix 46th minute), 10.Rivaldo Coryat, 11.Kyle Bartholomew, 17.Shaqkeem Joseph, 18.Josiah Daniel (15.Lashawn Roberts 77th minute), 24.Rakim Cabie.

Unused substitutes: 21.Javon Sample (GK); 5.Sowande Preito, 23.Sherwyn Williams.

Coach: Zoran Vranes

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK) (Capt.); 3.Richard Williams, 5.Joshua Sylvester, 11.Quincy Ballah (20.Dwight Yorke 77th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph, 15.Malik Mieres, 19.Renaldo Francois, 22.Joshua Alexander (17.Kerry Daniel 66th minute), 23.Osaze Springer (9.Sedale Mc Lean 66th minute), 26.Jair Edwards, 28.Jomokie Cassimy.

Unused substitutes: 30.Dejourn Charles (GK), 8.Andrew Murray, 16.Travell Edwards, 20.Dwight Yorke, 24.Simeon Bailey.

Coach: Jerry Moe

Referee: Rashby McPhie

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 3 2 0 1 12 4 8 6
2 Central FC 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
3 Club Sando 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 2 0 0 2 2 9 -7 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 W Connection 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
3 Morvant Caledonia United 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3
4 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
5 North East Stars 3 0 0 3 1 9 -8 0

[Flex]

Russel Alfred makes the difference as Sando gets crucial win over Rangers.
ttproleague.com.

Russel Alfred starred off the bench with a goal and assist to help earn Club Sando a critical 2-0 win over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers on Sunday in the 2018 First Citizens Cup at St. Augustine Secondary Ground.

The win put the Oranges’ push for a semi-final spot—as the top two teams will advance—back on track following an opening goalless draw against San Juan Jabloteh on 18 June. A loss or draw against Rangers, however, would have virtually put the Angus Eve coached-side out.

Club Sando (4 points) have six points to play for in the Immortelle Group, but must seek them against joint leaders Central FC and Defence Force FC (6 points), on July 1 and 6 respectively, while Rangers (0 point) will only play for pride in their final game against fourth-positioned Jabloteh (1 point) on 1 July.

Russel’s arrival at the expense of teenager Quinn Rodney on 63 minutes later proved a masterstroke by Eve after both sides failed to conjure up any real attempt.

Two minutes on and the 25-year-old Russel, who joined from Guaya United, played a low cross that evaded Rangers’ defence for Kevon Piper to break the deadlock from close range against goalkeeper Cleon John.

Russel then exercised his strength and goal-scoring capability when he sealed the Club Sando win in the 79th minute as Rangers crashed out to their third straight defeat.

First Citizens Cup 2018 Results

St. Ann’s Rangers 0 v Club Sando 2 (Kevon Piper 65’, Russel Alfred 79’), at St. Augustine Secondary.

Teams

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.); 3.Andel Brown, 4.Lukeman Brooks (30.Marvin Springer), 6.Saleem Henry, 7.Jamal Gay, 8.Shem Alexander (9.Keon Peters 53rd minute), 12.Kwame Hazel, 14.Jabari Mayers (13.Tyrell Cameron 35th minute), 24.Ethan Bonaparte, 26.Isiah Mc Lean, 38.Kyle Thomas.

Unused substitutes: 22.Jabari St. Hillaire, 10.Kristian Meloney, 20.Alister Bernard, 23.Jeremiah Vidale, 28.Marvin Springer.

Coach: Adrian Romain

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Trevin Latapy, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (14.Kadeem Gittens 88th minute), 10.Keron Cornwall, 12.Michael Basdeo (4.Shawndell Augustus 85th minute), 13.Shakiyl Phillip, 18.Aaron Kennedy, 19.Quinn Rodney (11.Russell Alfred 63rd minute), 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jayson Joseph (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 9.Tigana Sparks, 15.Shadeon Arthur, 33.Enrique Changiah.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Cecile Hinds

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 3 2 0 1 12 4 8 6
2 Central FC 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
3 Club Sando 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 4
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 W Connection 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
3 Morvant Caledonia United 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3
4 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
5 North East Stars 3 0 0 3 1 9 -8 0

[Flex]

Saleem Henry, Allister Bernard put Rangers ahead against Jabloteh but torrential showers suspends First Citizens Cup double-header
ttproleague.com.

Saleem Henry scored his second top-flight goal and Allister Bernard his first to cushion MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 2-0 against San Juan Jabloteh before torrential showers forced the suspension of Sunday’s First Citizens Cup double-header at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Rangers, playing for pride in their final match of Immortelle Group looked on their way to a first win until match referees were forced to suspended play on the hour mark with the ground conditions at the national stadium affected by the rainfall which also produced flash flooding across the capital, Port-of-Spain.

The remaining 30 minutes will be played at a later date to be fixed by the Pro League, and also the highly anticipated Abercrombie Group clash between Morvant Caledonia United and Police FC which was suspended altogether due to the rain fall.

Henry, a 19-year-old energetic utility player, put Rangers ahead from the penalty spot after, beating Jabloteh custodian and ex-Rangers man Christopher Biggette in the 40th minute after he was brought down in the box by defender Jamal Spencer.

Two minutes later 20-year-old substitute Bernard, coolly rolled the ball through the legs of an advancing Biggette to make it 2-0 following a quick burst on the left and into the penalty area.

Rangers had turned the game on its head after Jabloteh got close in the opening moments when St. Vincent midfielder Nical Stephens, from 30 yards out, forced a brilliant save out of debut ‘keeper Jabari St. Hillaire before defender Kwame Hazel had to clear at the goalmouth following a diving header from Keron Bethelmy.

Jabloteh are with one point and must rebound against Rangers in the rescheduled 30 minutes if they are to improve their mathematical chance of advancing into the semi-finals with a top-two group finish.

Defence Force FC and Central FC are tied on 6 points while Club Sando are third with four points. Central and Sando will clash from 6:30pm on Tuesday in the first game of a double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Results

San Juan Jabloteh 0 v St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Saleem Henry 40’ pen., Allister Bernard 42’), (30 minutes to be rescheduled after torrential rainfall suspended play at Hasely Crawford Stadium).

Morvant Caledonia United v Police FC (to be rescheduled after torrential rainfall suspended play at Hasely Crawford Stadium).

Game 1

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Christopher Biggette (GK); 4.Nical Stephens, 5.Raymond Alleyne, 10.Jomoul Francois, 12.Keron Bethelmy (8.Xae-Pierre De Fou 50th minute), 14.Tyrese Bailey, 15.Dellon Jagessar, 16.Jamal Spencer, 17.Sean Bonval, 18.Jevon Morris (Capt), 24.Kareem Baptiste.

Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 2.Nicholai Orr, 6.Josiah Baird, 22.Adrian Martyr, 13.Kristoff John.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers: 22.Jabari St. Hillaire (GK); 3.Andel Brown, 6.Saleem Henry, 7.Jamal Gay (Capt.), 12.Kwame Hazel, 14.Jabari Mayers, 16.Maliq Gumbs, 24.Ethan Bonaparte, 26.Isiah Mc Lean, 28.Holan Joseph (20.Allister Bernard 33rd minute), 31.Tyrell Cameron.

Unused substitutes: 1.Cleon John (GK), 2.Kevin Pilgrim, 11.Gerald Meloney, 15.Renaldo Alexander, 23.Jeremiah Vidale, 34.Lukeman Brooks.

Coach: Adrian Romain

Referee: Quincy Williams

Upcoming Games.

(Tuesday 3 July 2018)

Club Sando FC v Central FC, 6:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Point Fortin Civic F.C v North East Stars, 8:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

W Connection & Defence Force FC (Bye).

(Friday 6 July 2018)

Central FC v San Juan Jabloteh, 6pm at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Defence Force FC v Club Sando, 8pm at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

(Saturday 7 July 2018)

Police FC v Point Fortin Civic, 4pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection Football Club Ltd. vs Morvant Caledonia United, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

North East Stars & MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers (Bye).

Semi-Final Round

(Friday 13 July 2018)

Abercrombie winners vs Immortelle runners-up
Immortelle winners vs Abercrombie runners-up

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 3 2 0 1 12 4 8 6
2 Central FC 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
3 Club Sando 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 4
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 W Connection 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
3 Morvant Caledonia United 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3
4 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
5 North East Stars 3 0 0 3 1 9 -8 0

[Flex]

Michael Basdeo winner lifts Sando top and Civic also step up chase of First Citizens semis spot with 4-1 win.
ttproleague.com.

Club Sando came from behind to stun two-time former champions Central FC 2-1 to take lead of Immortelle Group in the first match of a 2018 First Citizens Cup Match Day Four double-header on Tuesday night at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Point Fortin Civic in the second game of the entertaining double hammered North East Stars 4-1 to climb two spots into second on Abercrombie Group where the Reynold Carrington coached-side joins Police FC and W Connection on 6 points with one round of matches left.

Justin Sadoo and Shaquille John cushioned Civic before the break and substitute Nion Lammy and Nathaniel Garcia, with a scorching free kick from 30 yards out, completed the comfortable victory in the second half after teenager Rivaldo Coryat netted his first top-flight goal from the penalty spot for North East Stars.

The top two teams from each group will advance into the semi-finals on July 13 with Abercrombie winners facing Immortelle runners-up and vice versa. The final is carded for July 20.

Tuesday night’s entertainment began with Rhondel Gibson putting Central ahead on the half-hour mark, but Kevon Piper levelled the Angus Eve coached-Sando with his second goal of the tournament coming seconds into the second half before Michael Basdeo snatched the Oranges’ winner with seven minutes from the end of regular time.

“When you think of the type of players we were playing against [tonight] and probably a whole national team staff, I’m very proud of the guys,” said Eve after the win. “They really fought.”

Eve said the Couva Sharks coached by Trinidad and Tobago senior team assistant coach Stern John were outplayed by Sando’s tactical changes in the second half and it showed in the result.

The win lifted Sando top of Immortelle Group with 7 points with Defence Force FC and Central in second and third respectively on 6 points, while San Juan Jabloteh and MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers are below with one and zero point respectively.

Rangers, despite being unable to progress, have 30 minutes of action left and a 2-0 cushion over Jabloteh scheduled for July 10 along with a crucial clash between Police FC and Morvant Caledonia United after torrential rainfall last Sunday forced match officials to suspend play at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

But first Jabloteh must face Central on Friday from 6pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in a must-win situation for both sides before Defence Force and Sando lock horns in their final group clash from 8pm at the same venue.

“[For now] we (Sando) have a final basically to play against Defence Force,” added Eve.

Russell Alfred forced his way into Sando’s starting line-up following a match-winning performance—a goal and an assist—off the bench two Sunday’s ago against Rangers in a 2-0 result and twice got close to putting his name on the scoresheet against Central in the opening twenty-five minutes.

But it was the Couva Sharks that took a 1-0 lead on 30 minutes—with virtually their only attempt of the half—when defender Gibson sent a shot beyond goalkeeper Kelvin Henry and into the back of the net.

Piper however levelled Sando 1-1 eighteen seconds into the second half, beating goalkeeper Marvin Phillip from close range after Quinn Rodney, who replaced Alfred at the break, pulled back a pass to the diminutive forward.

Basdeo would later celebrate the eventual winner in the 83rd minute when he found the top right corner of Phillip’s net against a side that had fielded three former Sando players: Akim Armstrong, Tyrone Charles and T&T national defender Jared London.

Later on, another T&T national, Nathaniel Garcia, sealed an important win for Civic who must complete their group play against Police FC from 4pm on Saturday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

It was the fourth time on the night goalkeeper Javon Sample had to fetch the ball out of his net on a night it could have been five had substitute Jared Bennett not been denied by the post, as the Zoran Vranes coached-North East Stars suffered a fifth straight loss in all competitions this term.

Sadoo put Civic ahead after 20 minutes with his second goal of the competition when he rolled a shot into the far bottom corner of Sample’s net after being allowed free passage on goal by North East’s defence.

Sample, who had denied Hughtun Hector, Akeem Redhead and Akinola Gregory early on and kept out another Sadoo attempt in the second half, made a heroic save in the 27th minute to keep out a powerful Ronell Paul header, but North East ‘keeper was beaten at full stretch by a 30-yard strike from Shaquille John who cushioned Civic 2-0 five minutes from the half.

Coryat, who joined North East from Jabloteh where he served through the youth ranks, sliced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 68th minute by wrong-siding goalkeeper Miles Goodman after a handball was ruled against veteran utility player Bevon Bass.

But substitute Lammy restored Civic’s two-goal cushion by hitting beyond a hapless Sample on a second bite in the 83rd minute before Garcia (N) ended the 4-1 win in spectacular fashion.

Results

Club Sando 2 (Kevon Piper 46’, Michael Basdeo 83’) v Central FC 1 (Rhondel Gibson 30’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Point Fortin Civic 4 (Justin Sadoo 20’, Shaquille John 40’, Nion Lammy 83’, Nathaniel Garcia 87’) v North East Stars 1 (Rivaldo Coryat 68’ pen.), 8:30pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Game 1

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Trevin Latapy, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper, 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Russell Alfred (19.Quinn Rodney 46th minute), 12.Michael Basdeo, 13.Shakiyl Phillip (4.Shawndell Augustus 72nd minute), 18.Aaron Kennedy (7.Akeem Humphrey 46th minute), 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jayson Joseph (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 21.Derron John, 39.Renaldo Mc Intosh, 40.Isa Bramble.

Coach: Angus Eve

Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 5.Dwight Pope, 8.Akim Armstrong, 9.Tyrone Charles (15.Kaydion Gabriel 79th minute), 10.Keron Cummings (24.Duane Muckette 71st minute), 12.Taryk Sampson, 13.Rhondel Gibson, 17.Anthony Wolfe, 18.Densill Theobald (Capt.), 22.Jameel Neptune. 27.Anthony Charles (19.Jared London 56th minute)

Unused substitutes: 29.Kerry Baptiste.

Coach: Stern John

Referee: Crystal Sobers

Game 2

Point Fortin Civic: 22.Miles Goodman (GK); 7.Hughtun Hector (Capt.), 11.Akeem Redhead (6.Judah Garcia 77th minute), 14.Shaquille John, 19.Nathaniel Garcia, 20.Bevon Bass, 21.Ronell Paul, 24.Akinola Gregory (9.Jared Bennett 71th minute), 27.Darnell Hospedales, 32.Jerren Jackie (30.Nion Lammy 58th minute), 33.Justin Sadoo.

Unused substitutes: 1.Jasse Aguillerra (GK); 8.Jamal John, 17.Kestwin Goolie, 25.Shaquille Dublin.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

North East Stars: 21.Javon Sample (GK); 2.Jabari Brathwaite (19.Kerdell Sween 17th minute), 3.Raheim Jawahir (16.Daniel La Croix 59th minute), 4.Sean Bateau (Capt.), 7.Hayden Tinto, 10.Rivaldo Coryat, 11.Kyle Bartholomew, 17.Shaqkeem Joseph (15.Lashawn Roberts 46th minute), 18.Josiah Daniel, 32.Keithen Carter, 24.Rakim Cabie.

Unused substitutes: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 5.Sowande Preito, 20.Jaydon Prowel, 23.Sherwyn Williams.

Coach: Zoran Vranes

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

Immortelle Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Club Sando 3 2 1 0 4 1 3 7
2 Defence Force FC 3 2 0 1 12 4 8 6
3 Central FC 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0

Abercrombie Group

Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 Point Fortin Civic 3 2 0 1 8 5 3 6
3 W Connection 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
4 Morvant Caledonia United 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3
5 North East Stars 4 0 0 4 2 13 -11 0

Upcoming Games

(Friday 6 July 2018)

Central FC v San Juan Jabloteh, 6pm at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Defence Force FC v Club Sando, 8pm at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

(Saturday 7 July 2018)

Police FC v Point Fortin Civic, 4pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection vs Morvant Caledonia United, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Rescheduled Match Day 4 of 5 fixtures

(Tuesday 10 July 2018)

San Juan Jabloteh 0 v MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Saleem Henry 40’ pen., Allister Bernard 42’), (30 minutes left to play) at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Morvant Caledonia United v Police FC, at Hasely Crawford Stadium.