‘Champion of Champion’ Futsal
– North East, Gold is Money, Stabroek Ballers advance
Another major upset occurred in the inaugural edition of the Bent Street ‘Champion of Champion’ Futsal tournament, as favourite Back Circle was eliminated by North Ruimveldt, losing 1-4 on Saturday evening at the quarterfinal round at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Back Circle was the third major team to be sent packing from the event, following the exits of Sparta Boss and Bent Street.
A dogged defensive plan coupled with swift counterattacking forays engineered the win for North Ruimveldt, who were also responsible for the exit of Sparta Boss.
Stephon Walton opened the scoring for the eventual victor in the third minute. His conversion was followed by a Tyrese Louis strike, who found the back of the net in the 20th minute to double his side’s advantage.
North Ruimveldt’s position was further strengthened in the form of Leandre Arthur, who etched his name on the score-sheet in the 22nd minute.
Simeon Moore eventually reduced the deficit for Back Circle, as he made his presence felt in the 25th minute. However, North Ruimveldt would not be denied, as Louis completed his brace in the dying moments of the contest in the 40th minute to secure the result.
North Ruimveldt will now oppose North East La Penitence in the semifinal segment after the latter dismantled Team Cruel of Beterverwagting 4-1.
A double in the third and 26th minutes from Kelvin Moore led the rout, with Carl Griffith adding to the score in the seventh minute. Completing the score for North East La Penitence was an own goal in the 29th minute. The East Coast Demerara unit netted a consolation goal in the 19th minute via Tiquan Taylor.
Meanwhile, Stabroek Ballers will lock horns with Gold is Money in the second semifinal following contrasting quarterfinal wins.
Lionel Holder commenced the rout with a 13th minute, as the Stabroek Ballers downed California Square 3-0. Mark Jhalu doubled their advantage following a 21st-minute strike. The win was then sealed as Jamal ‘Sonna Boy’ Cozier made his presence felt in the 29th minute.
On the other hand, Gold is Money overcame Mocha 4-3. Shamar Koulen amassed a hat-trick in the second, 15th, and 17th minutes respectively for the victor, with Andrew Murray adding to the score in the sixth minute.
On the other side, the quartet of Lloyd Matthews, Ian Mars, and Devon Padmore netted in the fifth, 16th, and 19th minutes, respectively.
The winner of the event, which will resume on Saturday, will pocket $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 and the corresponding accolade, respectively. On the individual side, prizes will also be given to the highest goal scorer, most valuable player, best defender, and goalkeeper, respectively.
Complete Results
Quarterfinal 1
North East La Penitence-4 vs. Team Cruel-1
North East scorers
Kelvin Moore-3rd and 26th
Carl Griffith-7th
Own Goal-29th
Team Cruel scorer
Tiquan Taylor-19th
Quarterfinal 2
Gold is Money-4 vs. Mocha-3
Gold is Money scorers
Shamar Koulen-2nd, 15th, and 17th
Andrew Murray-6th
Mocha scorers
Lloyd Matthews-5th
Ian Mars-16th
Devon Padmore-19th
Quarterfinal 3
Stabroek Ballerz-3 vs. California Square-0
Lionel Holder-13th
Mark Jhalu-21st
Jamal Cozier-29th
Quarterfinal 4
North Ruimveldt-4 vs. Back Circle-1
North scorers
Tyrese Louis-20th and 40th
Stephon Walton-3rd
Leandre Arthur-22nd
Back Circle scorer
Simeon Moore-25th
Day 5 Semifinals
(5): Stabroek Ballerz vs. Gold is Money
(6): North East La Penitence vs. North Ruimveldt
