Defending champions Bent Street, Sparta Boss, Future Stars, Sophia, Gold Is Money and Back Circle secured their berths to tonight’s quarterfinal round following victories in the 2nd Annual NSC/Magnum Mash Futsal Championships yesterday.
On an evening which witnessed the exit of tournament contender Leopold Street, the mammoth crowd which descended on the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, was treated to several thrilling matches.
Bent Street survived a dogged performance from relative newcomer Stabroek Ballers, prevailing 3-2 on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time ended 1-1.
It was another uninspiring performance from the holders who have failed to assert their dominance since the inception of the event. This does not bode well for their chances of repeating as champions.
An own goal in the 10th minute handed Bent Street the lead, only for Seon Taylor to equalise in the 23rd minute. They will now oppose Sophia who dismantled Broad Street 5-1.
Dwayne McLennon led the rout with a hat-trick in the first, third and 17th minute while Sherwin Charles and Shem Arthur scored in the 12th and 21st minute.
For the losers, Joel McGarrell found the back of the net in the 23rd minute. Meanwhile, Sparta Boss downed North East La Penitence 3-1. Ryan Hackett fashioned a double in the seventh and 22nd minute while Jermain Junior added a goal in the 19th minute.
For the losers, Keifer Brandt scored in the 16th minute. With the win, Sparta Boss sets up a mouthwatering clash with Future Stars who upset Leopold Street 1-0.
William Europe was the difference against Leopold Street as he found the back of the net in the 12th minute.
In another fixture, Gold is Money dismissed Melanie 3-1. Randolph Wagner, Colin Nelson and Hubert Pedro scored in the fourth, eighth and 10th minute respectively while Rondell Assanah netted in the sixth minute. Gold is Money will now face-off with Tiger Bay following their 6-2 demolition of Showstoppers.
Deon Alfred was the primary threat for Tiger Bay with a hat-trick in the second, 18th and 23rd minute with Alpha Fletchman bagging a double in the sixth and eighth minute.
Adding a goal in the fourth minute was Keoma Gravesande. For Showstoppers, Dexroy Adams and Trayon Bobb scored in the first and third minute respectively.
Also, Back Circle grounded North Ruimveldt 2-0. Stephon McLean and Selwyn Williams scored in the 10th and 25th minute respectively. Back Circle will now meet Ansa McAl, who edged Buxton Diamond 1-0.
An own goal in the 13th minute sealed the exit for the Buxtonians. The semi-final round of the event will commence at the same venue on Sunday. Winner of the tournament will pocket $600,000, with the second and third place receiving $350,000 and $200,000 respectively.
The fourth place side will collect $100,000. Below features the fixtures for the opening night of the knockout round.
Fixtures-Thursday
February 21st
Back Circle vs Ansa McAl
Gold is Money vs Tigerbay
Bent Street vs Sophia
Sparta Vs Future Stars
