Bent Street dethroned, new champion to be crowned
A new champion will be crowned in the 2nd Annual NSC/Magnum Futsal Championship, as Back Circle dethroned titlist Bent Street in their semi-final clash on Sunday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
A marathon penalty shoot-out which ended 6-5 in favour of the East Ruimveldt outfit completed the come from behind win and sealed their place in the March 2nd finale.
Sheldon Holder failed from the distance, as his effort was denied by the Back Circle custodian, sealing his team’s exit from the event.
A penalty shoot-out was required to settle the outcome after Back Circle overcame a two goal deficit to level the match at 2-2 at the end of normal and extra time.
Stephon McLean bagged a brace in the 20th and 27th minute to equalise the score, after Daniel Wilson had recorded a double in the ninth and 13th minute.
Meanwhile, Sparta Boss sealed their consecutive final’s appearance, dismantling arch-rival Gold is Money 9-3.
It was historic win for the North East La Penitence, who recorded the largest ever margin of defeat to the West Front Road outfit.
Sparta Boss was in an unforgiving mood, as they aimed to thwart a three game losing streak to their nemesis, effectively ending the contest and leaving the mammoth crowd in disbelief by recording four goals in the first half.
Jermin Junior commenced the assault with a double in the second and 11th minute, while Gregory Richardson tallied a brace in the 12th and 15th minute.
Hubert Pedro recorded the only noteworthy moment for Gold is Money with a seventh minute strike.
The carnage and embarrassment continued in the second half, as a further five goals were tallied by the Spartans.
New recruit Ryan Hackett amassed a hat-trick in the 33rd, 35th and 38th minute, while Sheldon Shepherd accumulated two goals in the 21st and 36th minute.
Randolph Wagner scored consolation goals in the 30th and 39th minute. The victors will now face-off in what is expected to be a mouth-watering finale.
On the other hand, the two losing semi-finalists will face off in the third place playoff.
Winner of the tournament will pocket $600,000, with the second and third place receiving $350,000 and $200,000 respectively. The fourth place side will collect $100,000. Complete Results
Semi-finals
Game-1
Back Circle-2 vs Bent Street-2
Back Circle won 6-5 on sudden death penalty kicks
Back Circle Scorer Stephon McLean-20th and 27th
Bent Street Scorer Daniel Wilson-9th and 13th
Game-2
Sparta Boss-9 vs Gold is Money-3
Sparta Scorers
Ryan Hackett-33rd, 35th and 38th Jermin Junior-2nd and 11th Gregory Richardson-12th and 15th Sheldon Shepherd-21st and 36th Gold is Money Scorers Randolph Wagner-30th and 39th Hubert Pedro-7th