Sparta Boss secured a quarter-final berth in the Xtreme Cleaners/GT Beer Gold Rush Futsal Championship after defeating Sophia 3-0 on Thursday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Goals on either side of half-time silenced the large partisan crowd. In the process, Sparta Boss secured their passage to the ‘Elite Eight’ round in what was effectively a must-win encounter.
Solomon Austin opened the scoring in the fourth minute, bundling the ball over the goal-line after an initial strike from Gregory Richardson struck the crossbar and fell into his path.
Sophia had their moments with Desmond Cottam forcing two brilliant saves from custodian Troy Carrington.
The first occurred in the seventh minute when Cottam’s right foot shot from the left of the penalty area, was tipped around the right post by the goalkeeper.
In the second incident in the ninth minute, Cottam uncorked a powerful right foot volley from the center of the field which forced an acrobatic save over the crossbar from Carrington.
Upon the resumption of the second period, Sparta Boss increased their lead in the 12th minute with Richardson making his presence felt once more, lashing a powerful effort through the legs of the ‘shot-stopper’ from the left side, following a right side pass from Devon Millington.
The outcome was sealed two minutes later when Dennis Edwards found the back of the net. Despite the loss, Sophia still progressed to the elimination section.
Meanwhile, Bent Street, Back Circle and Tucville clinched places in the knockout round compliments of contrasting results. Bent Street edged Broad Street 3-2 with Keith Caines, Job Caesar and Daniel Wilson netting in the ninth, 11th and 16th minute respectively. For the losers, Daniel Favourite and Rocky Gravesande scored in the fourth and 10th minute each.
Back Circle whipped Tiger Bay 3-0. Selwyn Williams scored twice in the second and fourth minute while Jermaine Beckles netted in the seventh minute.
Tucville overcame a 4-1 deficit to draw 4-4 with Agricola. Orson Francois bagged a brace in the third and fourth minute for Agricola while Domini Garnett and Lloyd Matthews netted in the first and eighth minute respectively.
For Tucville, Jermaine Junior recorded a double in the seventh and 15th minute, while Jahaal Greaves and Raphael Edwards scored in the 12th and 17th each.
The quarter-final stage will now commence on Tuesday at the same venue. Albouystown will oppose Broad Street at 20:00hrs, while Sophia will engage Bent Street from 20:30hrs.
At 21:00hrs, Back Circle will lock horns with Tucville, while Sparta Boss will engage Future Stars from 21:30hrs. The semi-final round kicks off on June 15th, with the grand final slated for June 17th.
Winner of the tournament will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runners-up will receive $200,000 and the respective accolade.
The third and fourth place finishers will pocket $100,000 and the $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.
On the individual side, $50,000 will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Other sponsors of the event include Fas Grafix, Jefford’s Distribution and Sales, Giftland Distribution Store and FARMSUP Mining Investments Inc.
