Uitvlugt will oppose Eagles in the final of the inaugural Big Yard Auto Sale ‘West Side Super 4’ Knockout Championship on Friday following their semi-final wins over Vergenoegen and Eagles respectively on Monday.
The large crowd that descended on the picturesque Vergenoegen Sports Club ground was treated to a goal rush as a combined nine goals were scored in the two matches.
Eagles FC created the major upset of the four team event, edging traditional giant Den Amstel 4-3 on penalty kicks, after the match ended in a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation and extra time.
Barring poor shot in their second attempt, Eagles were clinical from the distance as they converted their remaining four penalty kicks with aplomb.
Eagles were also aided by brilliant goalkeeping as two Den Amstel penalty kicks were denied by their lanky custodian.
Prior to the dramatic conclusion, Den Amstel took the lead in the 12th minute through Delon Lanferman.
Eagles responded in the 48th minute when Seon Miller scored with a well-placed shot to the right corner.
The youthful unit then took the lead five minutes later with Miller recording his second, a clinical strike into the lower right corner, after collecting a pass inside the left of the 18-yard area. Den Amstel was aided in their attempts to stage a comeback as Miller was red carded for using abusive language to the official in the 70th minute.
The numerical advantage eventually proved vital with Lanferman leveling proceedings in the 76th minute to send the match into the extra time.
Latching onto a through pass, the speedy forward calmly slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper while fighting off the challenge of his marker.
Meanwhile, Uitvlugt bested the home side 4-1 in the opening match.
The home side should have taken the lead in the ninth minute but Domini Garnett spurned a great chance, striking a tame effort straight at the goalkeeper after being unchallenged inside the penalty box. The hosts would be punished for their earlier failure as Trayon Bobb scored in the 16th minute.
The goal started from the right side, as a cross evaded the entire back-line and fell into Bobb’s path, who uncorked a powerful left foot shot into the centre of the net.
Bobb doubled his tally in similar fashion in the 30th minute, as another right side cross eluded the rearguard once again, allowing the nippy forward to slot home into the lower right corner.
Kevin Padmore came close to reducing the deficit in the 33rd minute, curling a 26 yard free-kick that fizzed over the crossbar.
Garnett also came close with a free-kick from 24 yards out in the 37th minute, which sailed inches over the top left corner, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Following the start of the second period, a huge blunder by the goalkeeper gifted Uitvlugt their third goal in the 55th minute, inexplicably spilling the ball and allowing the onrushing Seon Bobb to slot home into the empty net.
The home crowd was eventually given a reason to celebrate in the 69th minute, as Garnett scored, racing onto a through pass inside the left of the box, before finishing pass the onrushing goalkeeper.
Nevertheless, the scoreline was sealed in the 76th minute compliments of a Jamaal Harvey placed strike into the lower left corner, from inside the centre of the area. The respective losers will face-off in the third place playoff.
Winner of the event will pocket $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up collects $40,000 and the corresponding accolade.
The third and fourth placed unit will receive $20,000 and $10,000 apiece and the respective trophy.
Sponsors of the event are Dwayne Steven Auto Sale, Dans Snackette Parika, Anita’s Fast Food Parika, Nicola’s Guinness Bar Tuschen, Naem Poultry Supply and Fat Head Guinness Bar Parika.
