Vieux Fort South emerged victorious in the Free Kick Foundation / St. Lucia Football Association Inc. Easter Under-19 District Tournament by defeating Mabouya Valley 2-1, in the finals played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds [DSCG], last Sunday.
Ultimately, Vieux Fort South now qualifies as Saint Lucia’s representative team to compete in this July’s soccer bonanza – the Free Kick Youth Cup- slated to be held at the DSCG.
In Sunday’s finals, Mabouya Valley had taken the lead to break the deadlock in an intense action-paced match from the opening whistle. It was a tight tussle to nose ahead in the earlier session of the 80 minute encounter and both teams showed that they were up to the task.
Mabouya Valley went ahead from the penalty spot in the first half of play; but Vieux Fort stormed back in the latter session with two crucial goals to tilt the victory in their favour .
The southern-based team would go on to prove their worth with their goal –scoring prowess. A striker shot in low into the corner of the nets from inside the box, before a central defender exploded from the back to drive a powerful strike into goal.
Though Mabouya Valley put on some impressive play, they lacked ‘the bite’ to bring off more effective finish. Vieux Fort South, on the other hand, was more forceful with the buildup in their offensive play to continuously pose a threat to Mabouya Valley.
Matters were compounded for the eastern side, with a susceptible substitute goal keeper in play and having to bring on at least three more substitutes during the match.
Twelve teams competed in three groups of four in a single preliminary round robin format of the two-day event; following which the group leaders and best overall second place team advanced to the semifinals.
After completion of the group stage the qualifiers were as follows –
Group A – Vieux Fort South topped with an impressive tally of 9 points, as they got past Anse La Raye 7 – 1, Mabouya Valley 2 – 1 and Babonneau 5 – 2.
Group B –Marchand lead with 7 points, earning wins over Desruisseaux 1 – 0, played to a goalless draw with Gros Islet and in their final game clinched a decisive 2 – 1 victory over Soufriere who were unbeaten until then, to eliminate the Sulphur City lads .
Group C –Dennery dominated to claim the maximum 9 points following a 2 – 0 victory over Canaries, 2 – 1 win over Central Castries and a come from behind 3 – 1 victory over an impressive Roseau Valley team.
Joining the group winners in the semi-finals was Mabouya Valley the best overall second placed team. They earned their spot with clinical 5 – 0 and 4 – 0 victories over Babonneau and Anse La Raye respectively, while going down to Vieux Fort South 2 – 1.
Sunday’s semi-finals featured Vieux Fort South against Marchand and Dennery going up against Mabouya Valley.
In the third place playoffs, Dennery overcame Marchand via penalty kicks to earn that spot.