– four players dismissed in heated final
Tourney hosts Fruta Conquerors were crowned the inaugural Turbo Energy Drink U19 Academy Football League Champions, overcoming Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 1-0 on Wednesday at the Tucville ground.
Following a scoreless opening half, the home side took the lead, as former GFC player Isaiah Reddy found the back of the net in the 55th minute. Despite taking the lead, Fruta Conquerors were reduced to 10 players as, Nicholas McArthur received a red card.
GFC quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Ralph Parris recording the equalizer, compliments of a 65th minute strike. However, the hosts retook the lead two minutes onward, with Leon Richardson making his presence felt as, he netted.
Tempers started to flare due to the physical nature of the contest as, three players were issued with red cards in the 74th minute. Reddy was given his marching orders for the hosts, while Marvin Carter and Dwayne Robeiro were sent off for the visitors. With both teams reduced to nine players, the hosts eventually hung on in the remaining minutes to clinch the title.
Meanwhile, Uitvlugt edged Santos 7-6, on sudden death penalty kicks, after normal and extra time had ended 1-1 in the third place playoff.
Keith Caines gave Santos the lead in the 22nd minute, only for Daniel Floyd to level proceedings in the 30th minute. With the win, Uitvlugt walked away with the respective trophy and medals. On the other hand, the loser collected the corresponding accolade.
In the individual section of the presentation, Delroy George of Fruta Conquerors received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade while team-mates Simeon Moore, Leon Sealey and McArthur copped the Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper and Golden Boy awards respectively. Curtis Kellman of GFC copped the Most Disciplined Player accolade.
