THE inaugural Mayor’s Football Cup will come to a close tomorrow at the Marchand Grounds and will kick off with a series of fun sports before the main attraction.
On the pitch for the third place silverware will be Flow Lancers FC and NYAH clashing from 2:00 p.m., while VSADC and Big Players FC will clash in the grand finals at 4:00 p.m.
The inaugural champion team will take home $5000, the championship trophy and gold medals, while the second place finishers receive $3000, a trophy and silver medals, and the third place team $2000, a trophy and bronze medals.
Other awards to be presented are Golden Boots (most goals) — $300 and a trophy; MVP of the tournament — $200 and a trophy; Most Discipline Team — a trophy and two cases of products; Best Defender — $100 and a trophy; Best Midfielder — $100 and a trophy; Best Striker — a trophy and $100; Best Goalkeeper — $100 and a trophy; Best Fan Support — a trophy and four cases of products.
Meanwhile, last Sunday, in the first semifinal, VSADC rushed to an early 2-0 lead against Lancers with Jervis Valcin and JervierCharlouis scoring in the 10th and 12th minutes respectively. From then on, a spirited Lancers team kept them at bay as the half ended 2-0.
In the second half, a more purposeful and determined Lancers FC took the fight to their opponents and were rewarded as Lynch Isidore scored in the 45th minute. As the game meandered back and forth, neither team was able to capitalize on the opportunities afforded them, and in the end it was a relieved VSADC team which soldiered on to the final.
The second final was a much more mouthwatering affair as NYAH, playing their best football to date, gave a commanding display against one of the pre-tournament favourites Big Players. From the onset, NYAH FC took control of the game and had their opponents on the back foot to go ahead with a shocker from Anthony James in the 24th minute.
NYAH were presented with further opportunities to extend their lead but were denied by a robust Big Players defence. Big Players fought gallantly for the equalizer which didn’t materialize as the half ended 1-0.
Following the resumption, patrons were treated to some exciting football as both teams looked to dominate. NYAH continued pressing forward in an effort to extend their lead but were guilty of squandering their opportunities. On the other hand, Big Players made good use of their opponents’ lapses and were rewarded for their determination and effort with Jordan St. Ange leveling in the 68th minute.
Both teams fought desperately for the illusive go-away goal but in the end when the final whistle sounded, the score was locked at 1-1.
It was now time for the dreaded penalty shootout, which resulted in NYAH placing quite a bit of pressure on themselves by failing to convert their first kick. As the suspense continued to unfold, it was a very relieved Big Players team which breathed a sigh of relief as they joined VSADC in the first-ever final of the Mayor’s Cup.