New York Caribbean Cup. 
ENY State Soccer Association.
Fish Eye Bar and Grill.
Team Jamaica produced a clinical performance this afternoon to win the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Championship against Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines while Team Guyana failed to show for their third place game against Team Grenada which must have disappointed their few fans in attendance who braved the rain to attend them play on Championship Day.
As a result of the Team Guyana no-show, and based on Caribbean Cup tournament rules and regulations, Team Grenada was awarded third place in this year’s tournament.
Brooklyn is truly Caribbean Cup Soccer country as despite intermittent showers and the Team Guyana no-show, an appreciative crowd turned up at the Jefferson High School field this afternoon to watch Team Jamaica dismantle Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0.
Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines kicked off the Championship game under a threatening drizzle that saw fans scamper for cover as the drizzle escalated into a downpour. However, as the rain held up and action heated up on the field fans ignored the rain to watch one of the better Caribbean Cup finals in years.
Both teams spent the first few minutes trying to gain the ascendancy and in the ninth minute Jermaine Christian watched his volley kick just skim the horizontal that may have sent Team Jamaica in front.
Six minutes later, however, the littlest man on the field and the marshal in the Reggae Boyz defense, Asrick Samuels, patrolling just shy of the area line raced in and buried a Denzil Watson corner kick.
Ten minutes later Watson, who has been the trigger in the Team Jamaica attack this tournament missed increasing the Reggae Boyz advantage as his shot on goal ricocheted off a defender and slid off the near upright.
Vincy Heat survived a very testy opening thirty minutes before settling down as the game marched toward half time.
Sitting on a 1-0 advantage Team Jamaica got the second half going kicking towards Egan Street and for the first few minutes appeared to be at a disadvantage with their passing game on the wet field as several of the passes slowed considerably trying to make their way through puddles of water caused by the heavy downpour. In addition, the offside trap employed by Vincy worked effectively against the speedy and perhaps sometimes over anxious Denzil Watson. However, the experienced Jermaine Hue soon settled things down for his troops.
Around the sixtieth minute or so as the rains held up and the skies cleared you could see the game tempo heating up.
Whether out of desperation or not, and with the clock ticking toward full-time, between the eightieth and eight-sixth minutes Myron Samuel and Darren Francis were disqualified by the referee for reckless fouls. Perhaps the Myron Samuel’s foul was the more severe of the two as Asrick Samuels, who lay motionless for awhile, had to be treated for an ankle injury by Team Jamaica’s trainer Shel Robinson. Both the Team Jamaica fans and coaching staff breathed a sigh of relief when Samuels regained his feet and was able to continue. A few minutes earlier they lost their other central defender O’Neil Thompson to an apparent groin injury.
Shortly after the second disqualification, marksman Denzil Watson sealed the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Championship for Team Jamaica when he was on the end of a Dannie Shaw cross. Team Jamaica 2 Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 0 as the celebration started.
Despite the rain it was one of the better New York Caribbean Cup Championship games in a while. Vincy played well, in fact very well, but Jermaine Hue, Asrick Samuels and Denzil Watson showed they were a cut above the rest on this day.
Individual awards were as follows:
Most Goals – Anthony Abrams (Team Guyana)
Outstanding Goalkeeper – Devon Haughton (Team Jamaica)
MVP – Asrick Samuels (Team Jamaica)
Eastern Zone Champions – Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Western Zone Champions – Team Guyana
Some weeks ago there were suggestions in some quarters that Team Jamaica was placed deliberately in the easy zone of the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament. There were also those who suggested that the Western Zone teams were the best teams in this year’s tournament. This afternoon’s results tell a different tale. Not only did the East win the 2014 All-Star game 4-1 on August 3, 2014, but this afternoon the beasts of the East decided the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup soccer finalists would be.
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 2 Team Grenada 1
Under blue skies and a day perfect for a great soccer game Team Grenada kicked off toward the Flatlands goal and within the first few seconds of the game they were celebrating goal number one when Millon Prescott’s lazy clearance only succeeded in seeing the ball fall at the feet of a waiting Kimron Redhead.
Vincy almost succumbed to the early Spice pressure when Prescott failed again to clear his zone properly. Anyway this time, no harm.
The Spice team continued to dominate play over the next twenty minutes or so but you could see the game beginning to change as the more muscular Grenadians appeared to be tiring. There was no further damage, however, and at the whistle to end the half it was Team Grenada 1 Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 0.
Despite Team Grenada having the better of the first half Vincy Heat was gaining momentum and those of us who have watched them play over the years anxiously waited to see what adjustments they would make in the second half as is their custom when things aren’t going right.
On resumption the equalizer was gifted when Mark Marshall trying to head a ball out of his defense off a free kick only succeeded in guiding the ball pass his goalkeeper.
With the score tied at one apiece Vincy took control of the game and in the sixty-third minute appeared to take the lead on another ‘own goal’ but the flag had gone up earlier for offside. The octave levels of the drums and the horns immediately went up decibels as both teams tried to avert the dreaded penalty shootout.
The winning goal came in the eighty-second minute when Anselmo Cox pounced on a Mike Collis pass to start a wild but glorious Vincy celebration.
Vincy Heat was through to their first final in years. In fact, in speaking to coach Desmond Morris after the game, his recall is that they last got to New York Caribbean Cup Soccer final in 2005 when he played, however, this is Vincy’s first trip since 2009.
Team Jamaica 4 Team Guyana 1
Prior to the kick-off of the Team Jamaica and Team Guyana clash this afternoon there were several persons who felt the Western Zone winners would run the young Reggae Boyz out the park. Jamaica’s problem was compounded by injuries to Jermaine Hue, Irvino English and Desmond Breakenridge, key figures in their defense and midfield structure.
Both teams tried to find their rhythm in the first few minutes and in the seventeenth minute Jermaine Christian should have sent Jamaica ahead only to see his volley kick just shave the horizontal.
It didn’t take long for the Reggae Boyz to get on the board, however, because shortly after that miss Andre McFarlane received a pass thirty five yards out, looked up, saw goalkeeper Richard Reynolds off his line and took a shot. Reynolds watched helplessly as the ball settled in the back of the net.
The rhythmic drumming and the blaring of horns missing for most of the tournament were evident and remained constant throughout the game.
Following the opening goal, the game was interrupted several times as players went down with one injury or another. The interruptions seemed to have affected the flow of the Reggae Boyz and you could hear coach Mikes barking instructions from the bench. With halftime approaching, a one-two-three movement between Andre McFarlane, Denzil Watson and Jermaine Christian saw Christian sneaking the ball pass Reynolds to increase the Reggae Boyz lead.
Team Guyana kicked off the second half hoping to pull a goal back, but it was Team Jamaica who had them reeling as the ‘Boyz’ got into their slick passing game. A goal front melee accounted for the third goal by Denzil Watson who missed a couple difficult opportunities earlier.
Leading 3-0 the Reggae Boyz gave the Golden Jaguars some oxygen when one of their defensive players was called for a hand ball in the box. Some referees may not have made that call but on this occasion the ref spotted the ball.
There was some drama even with the penalty as the official waived off the first scoring attempt when players stepped into the box prior to the shot. No problem however for the re-take as Tichard Joseph placed the ball high into the left right-angle.
Fans started heading for the exit when Daniel Shaw sealed the issue with a booming right footer from a free-kick that gave Richard Reynolds no chance.
The 2014 Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament could not have asked for a better final, the two winningest teams in the twenty three year history of the cup, Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Team Jamaica, to meet in the 4:45pm final, Sunday, August 31, 2014. Team Grenada and Team Guyana will play for third place at 2:30pm.
Congratulations Eastern Zone Champions Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Western Zone Champions Team Guyana.
The drums and horns that have been part of the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament in years past returned to the park this afternoon as 10-man Team Grenada clipped Team Haiti 1-0, while Team Guyana outclassed Team Barbados 3-0 in quarter-final action.
Team Grenada 1 vs Team Haiti 0
The lack of discipline, both with Team Haiti players and their management personnel, that has plagued them in years past showed up again this afternoon and may have carried over into their game. Psychologically it is difficult to warm up properly and go through a game plan when players arrive late for their game. Add to that, the coach is unable to put his best eleven on the field to start the game and that was the case with Team Haiti this afternoon.
One however, must not discredit the performance of Team Grenada, because after losing Michael Richardson in the sixteenth minute to a second caution Team Grenada didn’t miss a step. Matter of fact, many patrons who arrived after the dismissal of Richardson, were surprised the ‘Spice’ team was playing with a man down.
Team Haiti had first touch going downhill toward Flatlands Avenue and for the first quarter hour or so the battle of midfield was on. Suddenly, at the fifteen minute mark Shane Rennie sent Team Grenada ahead with a shot that seemed to surprise Team Haiti goalkeeper Montrevil Frandy.
Following the goal the unthinkable happened to the ‘Spice Boyz’, Michael Richardson was expelled from the game after a second caution. Early in the game he was cautioned for “unsporting behavior”, then following the goal was issued a second caution for, in the eyes of the game official, deliberately handling a ball. In many cases, this early in a game, losing a key player would have disrupted team chemistry, however, credit to coach Ziggy Felix and Team Grenada they made their defensive adjustments and played the rest of the way without conceding a goal.
It was a wonderful display of discipline and team play by the ‘spice team’ that made Les Grenadiers look inept in trying to break down the ‘spice’ defense.
Team Grenada will play Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the first semi-final in one of the golden match-ups in New York Caribbean Cup history, at Jefferson High School field, Flatlands & Shepherd Avenues in Brooklyn, Sunday, August 24, 2014, at 3:15pm.
Team Guyana 3 vs Team Barbados 0
As happens when New York Caribbean Cup playoffs begin there’s an air of uncertainty as to how teams will perform, there’s a different chemistry, a different nervous energy among players and although Team Guyana are the 2014 Western Zone winners there was that air of reserved uncertainty within the ranks.
From the whistle the Golden Jaguars looked more organized as Team Barbados looked tentative, as if their minds were somewhere else.
The opening goal was the result of lazy defensive work by the Bajan Tridents. Bevon Moseley picked up a ball just pass the half line and easily beat Rodney Griffith down the right side. While Griffith took his time getting back into a defensive position, Jonathan Straker was a tad slow in coming across to challenge for the ball and just as he got there his attempted block only resulted in deflecting Moseley’s cross that caught goalkeeper Andre Griffith out of position and all he could do was watch the ball nestle in the back of the net.
Following that goal Team Barbados had opportunities to bring the game back on even terms but were denied by poor finishing as the half ended Team Guyana 1 Team Barbados 0.
The Bajans did not look the well-oiled machine we saw in the preliminary rounds and must have been of concern to the coaching staff so adjustments were expected for the second stanza to shake things up.
Whatever adjustments were made by the Bajans wasn’t evident as their lethargy carried into the second half that allowed the Golden Jaguars to hold on to their 1-0 lead until the sixtieth minute when leading goal scorer Anthony Abrams doubled their lead on a defensive breakdown. Less than a minute later Marlon Benjamin sealed the issue when he found the back of the net from a goal mouth scramble.
The win by the Golden Jaguars added fodder to the fuel in the expectation of their first New York Caribbean Cup championship and there are many who feel Team Guyana will easily get by Team Jamaica in their semi-final clash, Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 5:30pm.
All games played at Jefferson High School field, 12508 Flatlands Ave at Shepherd Ave., Brooklyn, NY
The knockout round of the 2014 Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament kicked off this afternoon with 2013 finalists Team Jamaica USA and Team St. Lucia USA in the opening game while 2014 Eastern Zone winners Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines USA played Team Trinidad and Tobago USA in the nightcap at the Thomas Jefferson High School field.
Team Jamaica USA 4 vs Team St. Lucia USA 0
There was an air of unexpected excitement floating in the air prior to this afternoon’s games as politics appear to be underpinning the tournament. However, that as it may fans came to see the beginning of the end of another New York Caribbean Cup Tournament and to begin the debate as to who will win the twenty-third edition of the Cup.
The psychological battle started even before the referee blew his whistle when Team St. Lucia decided to wear a yellow top forcing Team Jamaica to dress in a white top away from their customary gold.
Neither team have had an outstanding seasons so far, but traditionally Team St. Lucia bring their best when it matters especially come playoff time. And the last three years will attest to that.
Meanwhile, Team Jamaica has looked very ordinary this season and in fact not favored to win another championship. On top of that they started without central defense man Desmond Breakenridge once more, who has been at the heart of their championship teams over the years.
Anyway this was where the 2014 championship run begins and for the first twenty minutes or so both teams fought for ascendancy in midfield with neither dominating. Suddenly Jermaine Hue flicked a onetime pass to O’neil Thompson wide on the right side and after a few touches Thompson crossed to a waiting Denzil Watson just shy of the 6-yard box who drove the ball home.
That opening goal seemed to set that table for the New York Reggae Boyz with Hue a lot more active in the middle than he has been all season. In fact, the midfield maestro was in the midst of goal number two when he picked up a pass down the right side and rather than cross the ball with his right foot, turned on his marker and played the ball across the goal with his left foot for Jermaine Christian to head home.
Team Jamaica was forced to sit Denzil Watson for the start of second half after he complained of a headache following a collision earlier in the game.
The goal that broke the ‘camel’s back’ came within a minute of the start of the second half when Christopher Banner found the back of the net from a goal front melee.
Following that third goal and for the first time this season Team Jamaica showed some of the finesse and passing we’ve become accustomed to over the years as they took control of the game.
Just when Team Jamaica seemed to be taking their foot off the throttle Dannie Shaw extended their lead by blasting a right-footer beating Chad Amari Phillip to his left. Phillip in an effort to save the ball injured his hip and had to leave the game shortly thereafter.
Following the game I pointed out to Team Jamaica coach Arthur Mikes that this is the best we’ve seen his team play all summer. He agreed, and said his team has been practicing a lot more together but that there was still a lot of work to do. Team Jamaica awaits the winner of the Team Guyana/Team Barbados quarter final.
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 3 Team Trinidad & Tobago 0
This was a game of two teams that have shown marked improvement this season over the last few years and while Team Trinidad and Tobago has had a roller coaster season they played well enough in the preliminary round to get to the playoffs for the first time in a few years.
Vincy hearts skipped a beat on a couple of occasions in the first half as McZiggy Richards watched a couple shots rebound off his upright, while Soca Ballers’ Marcus Maurice scrambled to his left to punch away a ball that seemed headed for the rat hole. Other than those anxious moments there was no scoring in the first half.
As so often happens in these games, half time adjustments are crucial and Vincy Heat demonstrated this almost immediately in the second half. In less than a minute into the half Kemmy Christopher overlapping beautifully raced down the right side picked up a pass in full stride and had TNT custodian Marcus Maurice at his mercy. It was an excellent goal that led to a wild gleeful celebration by Christopher.
Following the goal the Soca Ballers seemed to be losing their defensive poster and while part of that may have been attributed to the coaching adjustments by Vincy, Team TNT seemed to be fatigued.
Vincy was now playing ‘Vincy ball’ as TNT tired and when Marcus Maurice failed to handle a shot cleanly Mike Collis came racing into the box to double the lead for Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
With the clock ticking down and fans beginning to find the exits Myron Samuel sealed the issue coming down the left side and beating Maurice to his right.
Following the game coach Desmond Morris, who is a Dutch trained coach, talked about the adjustments he made in the second half having Christopher overlapping more while using the whole field to pass the ball around.
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines is in the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament’s semi-finals for the first time in five years and they believe they can reward their fans with the 2014 championship. They await the winner of the Team Grenada/Team Haiti quarter final next Sunday.
Games played at Jefferson High School field, 125-08 Flatlands Ave at Shepherd in Brooklyn.
Despite the problems surrounding team selection for the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup Mid-Season Classic the third annual All-Star game was played at the spacious Thomas Jefferson field before an appreciative Sunday afternoon crowd.
Perhaps early morning showers kept some fans away but the 2014 All-Star game kicked off under the cover of blue skies and brilliant sunshine. Interestingly this afternoon was not as cool as previous Sundays, nor was there that cooling breeze blowing across the pitch.
Referee Miguel Verria got the game going with the East kicking toward the Flatlands goal and the West going uphill toward Egan Street. As expected and for the most part the game was easy paced lacking the venom of a regular Caribbean Cup encounter. However, in the thirty-fifth minute a Tyrone Crosby error gifted Alte Jacques Samuel the first goal of the match and gave the East 1-0 lead.
Following the break Rhenson Haynes stole a ball from a lazy defender and doubled the East lead. However, five minutes later Corey Barrow cut into the lead with a fancy run through the East defense and beat teenage goalkeeper Nathaniel Francis easily.
Dannie Shaw sealed the issue for the East All-Stars in the 70th minute when he converted a cross from Rhenson Haynes.
Perhaps the most satisfying and as it turned out to be the final goal was scored by Curtis Jno Baptiste who capitalized on a rebound that generously rolled in his direction.
Caribbean Cup All-Star enthusiasts were treated to curtain raisers among under-19 girls and boys from our area. Under-19 girls Cambria Heights Panthers played a split squad game that ended 1-1. Iyesha Olivierre scored for the White team while Shaniel Morgan equalized for the Blue team.
The boys’ under-19 game between Brooklyn Soca Lions and Brooklyn United also ended in a 1-1 draw. Victor Ogunwale put the finishing touches on a cross from Jamel Mitchell to send the Soca Lions into the lead, while Bradley Nestor headed home a cross from Akeem McLean to equalize for United midway through the second half.
The management and staff of New York Caribbean Cup soccer tournament wishes to thank Island CZ Café for generously donating the All Star Challenge Trophy.
In addition, and as advertised, for the second consecutive year, Caribbean Cup distributed back packs with some school supplies to youngsters who attended the game with their parents. The back pack give-away is part of the Caribbean Cup’s Community Outreach Program (COP).
East All-Stars: Nathaniel Francis (goak-keeper) Jamaica, Kemmy Christopher – SVG, Asrick Samuels – Jam, Millon Prescott – SVG, Irvino English – Jam, Alte Jacques Samuel – Hai, Jermaine Hue – Jam, Anselmo Cox – SVG, Gemsley Junior – Hai, Charles Herod – Hai, Curtis Jno Baptiste – Dom, Daniel Shaw – Jam, Rhenson Haynes – SVG, Denzil Watson – Jam, Fritzson Jean Baptiste – Hai, Coach Arthur Mikes.
West All Stars: Odayne Sangster (goalkeeper), Brian De Verteuil – TNT, Corey Barrow – Bds, John Perry – STL, Oneil Thompson, Nazie Hippolyte – STL, Ian Gray – TNT, Richie Sumra – STL, Floyd Dublin, Keston George – TNT, Germal Valcin – STL, Jameroquan Aaron – ANB, Rohan McDonald, Joseph Fraser – TNT, Tyrone Crosby, Coach Tony Henry.
The 2014 preliminary round of the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament ended disappointingly this afternoon. Team Antigua and Barbuda disqualified themselves by walking off the field in dispute with a referee’s call with ten minutes remaining in their game against team Trinidad and Tobago, while Team Panama was a no-show for their schedule against Team Grenada.
Amidst the disappointment of the early games the nightcap between Team Jamaica and Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines perhaps saved the afternoon with an exciting 0-0 draw as Vincy crowned themselves Eastern Zone champions.
Team Trinidad & Tobago 2 Team Antigua & Barbuda 1
Team Antigua & Barbuda went into this afternoon’s Caribbean Cup game knowing only a win would get them into the playoffs. Team Trinidad & Tobago had a one point advantage over them.
While the Benna Boyz started well, kicking toward the Flatlands goal, it was the Soca Ballers who drew first blood. Keston George latched on to a long pass down the right side from Jelani Felix, and before the defender could recover, he crossed to an unmarked Kareem Joachim who made no mistake.
The tempo and temperature of the game rose following the goal as both teams attacked and counter attacked with vigor. However, there was no further damage as the whistle brought the half to a close.
When play resumed you could see a much more intense Benna Boyz on the field and was rewarded in the fifty-eighth minute when Milton Byfield laid a ball through the Soca Ballers defense for Peter Byers who beat Marcus Maurice easily to level the score.
Team Antigua & Barbuda was playing inspired football now but with ten minutes to go over-exuberance in a tackle by Tnoy Andrew resulted in his second caution in the game and automatic expulsion. This did not sit well with goalkeeper and captain Omari Joseph and whatever was said he also drew a red card and immediate expulsion from the game.
Things eventually settled a bit and Ian Gray stepped up to take the penalty for Team TNT. His shot was brilliantly saved by the substitute goalkeeper. However, the Benna Boyz celebration soon took a u-turn when the referee said the kick had to be retaken because the goalkeeper moved too early. The penalty was retaken and this time Gray made no mistake.
Elation turned to disbelief and anger resulting in the issuance of more red cards by referee Sima Draguca. At this point the Benna Boyz threw in the towel and headed for the dressing room.
For the fans and Caribbean Cup soccer it was a poor display by the Team Antigua & Barbuda particularly when they were playing so well.
Anyway, congratulations Team Trinidad & Tobago who have made it to the playoffs once more after several years of disappointment and management problems.
Disappointing: No-Show Team Panama
One of the lessons I believe Team Panama should have learned since their entry in the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament is that it is tough and you better come with your best.
The mettle of a team, however, is easily assessed by how they react when adversity sets in. It also tells you something about their leadership.
This afternoon, Team Panama was a no-show for their game against Team Grenada. True they were eliminated from the playoffs a couple Sundays past, but the players ought to understand they have a responsibility to their fans and to the prestige of New York’s premier Caribbean soccer tournament.
The Los Canaleros’ no-show means the Spice Boyz got an automatioc 3-points that helped them draw level on points with Western Zone champions Team Guyana.
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Team Jamaica in Stalemate
After the Team Antigua & Barbuda first game indiscretion and the Team Panama’s no-show, the Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Team Jamaica nightcap was the saving grace of what had promised to be a wonderful afternoon of Caribbean Cup soccer.
The Eastern Zone title was up for grabs and all Vincy Heat needed was a draw to be crowned zone champions.
Very early in the tournament Vincy showed signs of championship hunger when they won a tough opening game against Team St. Kitts & Nevis, then followed that up with a 0-0 draw against a championship minded team Haiti.
On the other hand Team Jamaica has not exhibited the zest of previous seasons. The smooth passing has not been there this season, there is some sloppiness defensively and they lack a worker in midfield.
Neither team dominated play for any extended period throughout the game, and chances were few and far between.
The game itself had a championship feel to it. Several cautions were shown by the referee but perhaps the most harmful for Vincy Heat was the second yellow to Millon Prescott midway through the second half. For sure Team Jamaica would have taken over the game now, but that didn’t happen as Vincy locked shop and defended stoutly.
At the shrill of the final whistle Vincy, for the first time in years was division champions.
This brought a close to the preliminary round of the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup soccer tournament and following the Sunday, August 3, All-Star Day, the playoffs begin.
Congratulations Eastern Zone Champions Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Western Zone Champions Team Guyana.
It was another glorious afternoon of New York Caribbean Cup soccer at Jefferson High School Sports Complex this afternoon that saw Team Haiti disarm Team Dominica 6-0, that saw team St. Vincent and the Grenadines overcome Team Barbados 3-0 and Team Guyana get by Team St. Lucia 2-0.
Team Haiti 6 Team Dominica 0
In the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament Team Dominica is the little train that tries, and while they may one day evolve into a championship team, right now and week after week they’re just over matched by other teams. Perhaps with better coaching they could be a better prepared team but at the moment they lack fundamentals in finishing skills, while at the other end are short on defensive know how. They chase balls where ever played, totally ignoring defensive responsibilities and time after time this afternoon the long pass from either left or right side by Team Haiti caught their entire defensive line out of position.
It didn’t take Team Haiti long to score. At the twelve minute mark Jovin Vilma turned inside his marker and his left footed scorcher settled in the back of the net. It was soon 2-0 when Vilma ran on to a cross from Jean Gary Rubin to head home. There was no further scoring as the whistle sounded to close the half with Les Grenadiers leading 2-0.
The long ball continued to be the undoing of Team Dominica in the second half. Soon after the whistle sounded for play to resume Prophet Evens raced to a long ball through the heart of Dominican defense and had the presence to tap the ball over an advancing goalkeeper Ian Bedminister’s head despite being harassed by defender Wayne Walker.
Defensive ineptness by Team Dominica was partly responsible for Les Grenadiers increasing their advantage to 4-0. On this occasion central defender Wayne Walker got to a ball through the right side first and rather than play it back to his goalkeeper or out of bounds he was muscled off the ball by Ronald DeMadet as he attempted fancy footwork in the box.
Following the fourth goal Team Haiti seemed to lose interest in the game and seemed content to pass the ball around. The question as to whether they’d score more goals was soon answered however as Dominique Marvens and Jean Gary Rubin tallied goals five and six to close the scoring. Now it’s ‘wait and see’ for Les Grenadiers as to who they’ll meet in the quarterfinals.
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 3 Team Barbados 0
The Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Team Barbados game is one of the most highly anticipated games on the New York Caribbean Cup soccer calendar. It was littered with playoff positioning, because while Vincy Heat had two games to play a loss to Team Barbados would have denied them an opportunity to play for a division championship in their final game against Team Jamaica.
As it turned out Team Vincy won this afternoon against a true to form tough tackling give no quarters Team Barbados.
The whistle sounded with Team Barbados kicking toward Flatlands Ave and for much of the first twenty minutes had Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines under pressure. The Bajans were attacking in waves, but that changed almost suddenly when much against the run of play a moment of indecision on the Bajan defensive left side allowed Damal Francis to slip through to send Vincy ahead 1-0.
It was a good fast paced half of football with both sides getting their fair share of chances but the Vincy goal stood up as their midfielders took control of the contest.
Team Barbados came out in the second half hunting the equalizer but hearts were broken when Darren Francis latched on to another Bajan defensive miscue and extended the Vincy lead.
Perhaps the goal of the game came from Steve Henry. Henry barreled down the right side disposed of Jeffrey Williams and tapped the ball over the head of an advancing Andre Griffith.
The Vincy win has set them up nicely for the final game of the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup preliminary round against Team Jamaica. Any points by Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines will give them the Eastern Zone title.
Team Guyana 2 Team St. Lucia 0
The Team Guyana and Team St. Lucia game lived up to all its pregame expectations. It was a hard fought eighty minutes of intense football.
For much of 2014 the injured Adrian Alfred has been missing between the sticks for the Golden Jaguars and while his start this afternoon was only cameo it was good to see him.
Alfred was in goal long enough to see leading New York Caribbean Cup goal scorer Anthony Abrams put his team in front capitalizing on a defensive miscue five minutes after the whistle.
Right after the opening goal Richard Reynolds replaced a visibly limping Alfred in goal.
Team St. Lucia still smarting from the early deficit fell even further back three minutes later when Abrams pounced on a ball in a goal front melee and dispatched it into the back of the goal.
The tempo of the game picked up significantly in the second stanza but in the fifty-fifth minute Lucian hearts were broken when a shot that had goal written all over it ripped off the right post and bounded into the open arms of Richard Reynolds. Then with seconds to go in the match St. Lucia’s Chad Amari Phillip came up big blocking a shot from Collie Hercules close in.
An interesting side note on this game, normally in the day’s final game you’d see fans begin filing out toward the end of the game. This afternoon that was not the case and in fact the action was so intense that the final whistle seemed to have come too early.
The win places the Golden Jaguars atop the Western Zone and while Team Grenada could join them on points atop the zone they will have to win by 15 goals vs Team Panama to win the zone.
All games played at Jefferson High School field, 12508 Flatlands Ave at Shepherd Ave., Brooklyn, NY
It was a hazy, lazy Caribbean Cup soccer Sunday afternoon at Thomas Jefferson High School field that saw Team Grenada in a dog fight with Team Antigua and Barbuda that saw Team Guyana swamp Team Trinidad and Tobago, while Team St. Kitts and Nevis failed to honour their fixture against Team Jamaica.
Team Grenada 3 Team Antigua and Barbuda 2
Two red cards late in the second half probably denied Team Antigua & Barbuda points that may have placed them in playoff contention.
The game kicked off in hazy conditions with a steady wind blowing across the field. For the first twenty-five minutes it was evident that Team Antigua and Barbuda came to play as the game was evenly poised, but just when it appeared that teams would go to the half tied at zero, Marcus Julien beat his man down the right side, crossed to an unmarked Shane Julien who beat the goalkeeper easily.
Six minutes after the resumption, goal keeper Omari Joseph partially blocked a Chevy Augustine free kick but watched in agony as the ball spun off his fingers and headed for goal. One of his defenders tried valiantly to clear the ball off the line but only succeeded in knocking the ball into the roof of the goal. It appear to be an own goal but the referee credited Augustine with the goal.
Despite the early setbacks in the second half Team Antigua & Barbuda had no quit in them and was rewarded when Jameroquan Aaron pulled one back for his Benna Boyz.
Shortly after it was Jameroquan Aaron again, this time running onto a loose ball spilled by ‘spice’ goal keeper Ken Searles in a collision with his defender in the box. That goal made it Team Grenada 2 Team Antigua & Barbuda 2 but it was the Benna Boyz who seemed to be riding the waves. They smelled blood. Their confidence went up decibels.
This was where it fell apart for the twin island. First Delbert Williams was red carded for swinging an elbow in the box while waiting on a corner kick. Not long after Ken Pennyfeather received his marching orders for what the referee called violent conduct. The two moments of indiscretion were probably the undoing of the Benna Boyz.
Seconds after the exit of Pennyfeather, Shane Rennie miscued a sitter just in front of the goal that would have put the Spice Boyz ahead. However, he made amends when he played a ball to an unmarked Kimron Redhead who tapped home the winner.
Team Antigua and Barbuda can still make the playoffs but must beat Team Trinidad and Tobago Sunday, July 27, the final afternoon of the preliminary round.
Team Guyana 8 Team Trinidad & Tobago 1
The Team Guyana and Team Trinidad & Tobago Caribbean Cup game this afternoon was a game of two halves. This was an important game for both clubs more so for the Soca Ballers than the Golden Jaguars. For while both had blemishes on their records, Team Guyana had only dropped 3 points to Team Trinidad & Tobago’s 5.
Very early in the contest the Soca Ballers showed signs of defensive problems when Michael Holder miskicked a ball heading for goal but was lucky to have Orie Larode clear the ball just before it crossed the goal line.
Much against the run of play it was Team TNT who opened the scoring when Richard Reynolds failed to clear a ball properly from a free kick only to see the ball fall at the feet of Keron Doldron who squeezed it through a wall of players.
Team Guyana soon got the equalizer when Michael Holder was beaten through the middle and allowed leading goal scorer Anthony Abrams to run on and guide the ball into the goal. Two minutes later Hubert Anthony put them ahead when he deftly cut inside his marker and blasted a right footer that gave goal keeper Ryan Seaton no chance.
At the half it was Team Guyana 2 Team Trinidad & Tobago 1.
Kicking toward Egan Street at the sound of the whistle for the second half, the Soca Ballers were on the hunt for the equalizer, but in the seventeenth minute Marlon Benjamin extended the lead for the Golden Jaguars with a driving right footer and in the space of twenty minutes they scored five more goals to demoralize Team TNT. Hubert Anthony completed his hatrick, leading goalscorer Anthony Abrams got his second, also completing a brace was Marlon Benjamin, while Bevon Moseley completed the scoring.
Team Guyana, Team St. Lucia and Team Grenada all have 9-points atop the Western Zone and so sets up a very interesting scenario for the last 2-preliminary rounds of the competition.
No-Show St. Kitts and Nevis
The management and players of the twin island of St. Kitts and Nevis should be ashamed of themselves for their non-appearance for their game against Team Jamaica. Their absence simply identifies why some teams are successful in the New York Caribbean Cup soccer tournament while others continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.
While it was true that they were already out of playoff contention, there is a thing called commitment and responsibility to the Caribbean community, the fans who sacrifice to come to the park to see them perform and to the Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament organizers who are trying to build a soccer program in Brooklyn that Caribbean nationals can be proud of.
Their non-appearance/forfeiture means Team Jamaica gains a win for 3-points and 2-points.
Certainly thanks to the Brooklyn Soca Lions for stepping up to the plate on short notice to play an exhibition game against Team Jamaica. And while they were no match for the wily Team Jamaica, the youngsters advertised themselves excellently. Perhaps some of them should be given a chance with respective Caribbean Cup teams.
Games played at Jefferson High School field, 125-08 Flatlands Ave at Shepherd in Brooklyn.
It was another interesting afternoon of Caribbean Cup soccer this afternoon as the tournament marches through the preliminary round. Team Barbados consolidated their position with a 2-0 win over Team Dominica, Team Haiti continue to make up for their opening day indiscretion with a 5-0 win over Team St. Kitts and Nevis, while Team St. Lucia cruised pass Team Panama 5-1.
Good to see candidate for Civil Court Judge Isela Isaac in the park enjoying Caribbean Cup soccer this afternoon.
Team Barbados 2 Team Dominica 0
Team Barbados put themselves in strong playoff contention easing pass Team Dominica this afternoon with a 2 goal to zip margin.
No surprise that it turned out to be a much tougher game than expected for the Bajans as Team Dominica turned up with a much stronger squad than in earlier games.
Team Dominca was under pressure almost immediately but outstanding goal keeping by Arminex Carbon stymied the Bajans onslaught on goal. Once he left his line to block a shot from a break away Charles Critchlow, while on a second occasion guided a shot from Critchlow inside the box over the horizontal.
As happens to goalkeepers sometimes, who are having an outstanding game, a moment’s lapse in concentration and the next moment they are retrieving the ball from the back of the net. At the 35 minute mark of the half, Team Barbados was awarded a free kick just outside the box on the right side. Up steps Corey Barrow whose shot was directed to the near upright. Carbon failed to collect the ball cleanly and watched helplessly as the ball spun off his fingers, hit the post and into the corner of the goal. That was all the scoring as the Bajans went in with a 1-0 lead at the break.
Kicking toward the Flatlands goal in the second stanza poor shooting denied a determined Team Dominica the equalizer. In the 55th minute Omar Marshall extended the lead for the Bajans when he latched on to a loose ball from a defensive error and drove the ball home. That concluded the scoring in the game as Team Barbados went home with a 2-0 win.
Team Haiti 5 Team St. Kitts and Nevis 0
Certainly wasn’t the best we’ve seen Team Haiti play but as it turned out the superior team, Team Haiti came away winners. Consecutive wins for Team Haiti who is beginning to look like a strong championship contender. So much so that one of their team managers was talking 2014 championship following the game.
Team Haiti always had good players but never seemed willing to work together. Perhaps they are in position now because of their first game forfeiture, but whatever the reason they are beginning to look like a destined team.
Le Rouge de Bleu scored almost immediately when at the 9 minute mark Prophet Evens was left unmarked and while he had difficulty rolling the ball home eventually got it done.
Evens got his second minutes later when he beat goalkeeper Richard Francis to a loose ball and just tapped home.
Prophet Evens completed his hat-trick at the 24th minute when he danced around a couple defenders with disdain and drove the ball pass a stranded goalkeeper.
Team St. Kitts and Nevis always seemed a step slower than Team Haiti, as well as, showed little knowledge of defensive play. The players were doing more ball chasing and very little positional play.
Dominique Marvens and Johny Exantus completed the first half scoring for Le Rouge de Bleu as they went to the half leading 5-0.
There was no scoring in the second half as Team Haiti appeared to have taken their foot off the pedal thus sending them home 5-0 winners.
Team St. Lucia 5 Team Panama 1
Over the past few seasons Team St. Lucia has proven to be a thorn in the flesh for many teams in the New York Caribbean Cup tournament and no matter how poorly they may look in their opening game or two, they improve incrementally as the season progresses and come playoff time are right there as a championship contender.
This afternoon they came up against a team that while they have not played well this year because of coaching problems seemed much improved in their last game and was expected to give an even better account of themselves against Team St. Lucia.
While St. Lucia dominated the first half and may have scored on a couple occasions had Daran Fedee have his shooting boots on, overall it was a good half for the 2012 champs.
Throughout the first several minutes John Perry was allowed to come down the right side and send long crosses harmlessly across the goal. However, in the 20th minute Dujon Verneige met one of these crosses head on and deposited the ball in the top right, right angle of the goal. It was an exceptional header.
The half ended with Team St. Lucia leading 1-0 over Los Canaleros.
Team St. Lucia was held in check for much of the second half until the twenty fifth minute when Dujon Verneige headed home a free kick to double the lead.
One minute after Daran Fedee caught the defense napping for goal number three while Dujon Verneige completed his hat-trick to put St. Lucia up 4-0.
Los Canaleros’ lone goal came via the penalty spot when Eduardo McCalla was brought down in the box and Rogelio Clarke Wilson stepped up to drive the ball home. Just before the final whistle Chad Bennett re-established the 4-goal margin for a St. Lucia 5-1 win.
Before the smallest crowd this season Team Haiti upset defending New York Caribbean Cup champions Team Jamaica 3-2 in a game marred by a couple of expulsions. Meanwhile Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines continued their march toward a possible championship date with a smooth 6-2 win over Team Dominica, while Team Trinidad & Tobago came from 3-1 down to scratch a 3-3 tie against Team Panama. This was Team Panama’s first points for the season.
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 6 vs Team Dominica 2
Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines remain unbeaten this year after a 6-2 spanking of Team Dominica this afternoon. Kicking toward Flatlands Avenue goal it didn’t take long for Vincy to open the scoring as Wayne Walker tried desperately to out muscle Rhenson Haynes for a ball heading toward goal but only succeeded in miskicking and allowing Haynes to roll the ball pass the goalkeeper.
It didn’t take long for Vincy to get a second goal as Kemmy Christopher outraced his defender down the left flank and played the ball beautifully into the middle for the hard charging Rhenson Haynes to drive home. But for the couple of defensive flaws Team Dominica wasn’t really playing badly, in fact, they did get a couple of attacking movements going but lacked finishing skills.
There was no further scoring as the teams went into the break with Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines leading 2-0.
Just after the break Vincy Heat extended their lead when Rayvon Jack laid off a ball, text book like, for Rhenson Haynes to complete his hattrick. Shortly after goalkeeper Marlo Marshall had the small crowd cheering in approval when he dived low to his left to deny Roseveldt from pulling one back for Team Dominica. However, fate was on Team Dominica’s side when a ball played back to the unsuspecting Marlo Marshall by Mike Collis caught the keeper flat-footed as he desperately tried to prevent the ball rolling across the line.
The jubilation didn’t last long for Los Pericos as Kiko Lorraine pounced on a rebound off goalkeeper Ergel Smith to drive home and re-establish the 3-goal advantage. Perhaps the goal of the match was scored by Denzeyl Morris who picked up a ball about at half line easily went pass his marker and let fly a fierce right footer that gave Ergel Smith no time to react. Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines was in full control now leading 5-1.
Sometimes, however, you wonder what goes through players’ heads in the heat of action and goal number two for Los Pericos was one of those instances. Both Rayvon Jack and Marlo Marshall collided trying to clear a ball in the box and while they argued as to whose ball it was Ethan Thomas made no mistake as a gift rolled toward him. As the clock ran down and just like their fourth goal Vincy Heat responded immediately. Mike Collis who was responsible for the Team Dominica own goal broke down the left side and scored the final goal of the match. Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 6 Team Dominica 2.
Team Panama 3 vs Team Trinidad & Tobago 3
Both Team Panama and Team Trinidad and Tobago have had contrasting fortunes this season. Team Panama has not played with the same intensity of previous seasons but need to get points with playoff opportunities dwindling, while Team Trinidad and Tobago has played with a lot more fire this season.
Team Panama got things going at the sound of the referee’s whistle, kicking toward the Egan Street goal. Both teams enjoyed sporadic attacking moments as the battle for midfield developed. It was the ‘Soca Ballers’ who drew first blood when Orie Larode surprised the ‘Los Canaleros’ defense by out jumping them on a corner kick and squeezing the ball past Fernando Philis who was guarding the vertical. The half ended with Team Trinidad & Tobago hanging on doggedly to the one goal advantage.
Just after the resumption Eduardo McCalla, visibly showing some discomfort from a leg injury, brought ‘Los Canaleros’ on even terms. Always busy in the heart of their attack, McCalla came down the right side shed Peter Jeffrey easily and beat Romarto Romain to his right.
Soon after it was Team Panama 2 Team Trinidad & Tobago 1 as the man of the match, Eduardo McCalla beat the defenders to a ball coming over the middle and headed home.
At this point the game seemed to be getting away from the ‘Soca Ballers’ until Claudio Prince picked up a return pass coming through the middle and drove home.
This was where the game changed, thanks to lady luck and an own goal when Joel Altamiranda misplayed a ball bring Team TNT within one. With the clock running down a revived Team TNT was flying now and with seconds left in the game Andrew Holder played a free kick into the box only to see Ryan Seaton head home for the tie. Jubilation for the ‘Soca Ballers’ who had come hopelessly from two goals down to split the points as the final whistle sounded to end the game.
Team Haiti 3 Team Jamaica 2
The Team Haiti vs Team Jamaica clash has always been a perennial must see game on the Caribbean Cup soccer calendar and while this was not the best technically played game it remained what it has always been, a game to see. And for this encounter no matter how Team Haiti performs against other teams, for Team Jamaica they bring their best.
The free flowing passing game identified with Team Jamaica over the years has been absent so far this season but many hoped this game would see a return of their beautiful game.
It’s not often you see Team Jamaica and Devon Haughton give up 3 goals in a game. In fact you would have to go back to 2012 when they played to a 3-3 draw with Team Trinidad and Tobago.
As has been their habit Team Jamaica started slowly, nonchalantly, but this time it caught up with them as in the sixth minute Fritzson Jean Baptiste sent Team Haiti flying by knocking a free kick over the line.
The setback seemed to get the attention of the slow starting Team Jamaica for not long after Dannie Shaw brought things even on some slick passing between Irvino English, Denzil Watson and himself.
Team Haiti stepped up their game as Team Jamaica seemed unable to cope with the pressure. Sporting some new players defensively they seemed out of sync while almost seem to be resorting to a lot of desperation tackling. Team Haiti soon grabbed the initiative once more when Ronald DeMadet capitalized on another defensive error. Three goals in the first 20-minutes of the game and Team Jamaica down 2-1.
Thirty minutes into the contest, David Daous made a crunching tackle on Denzil Watson and rather than allow the referee to handle matters Watson writhing in agony retaliated and both players were shown the locker room.
A bruising first half came to an end with Les Grenadiers enjoying a 2-1 advantage. To this point Team Haiti was in full control and didn’t allow the skillful Team Jamaica to hit their stride.
Surprisingly, coach Arthur Mikes made some interesting substitutions to begin the second half. Both Romario Campbell and Irvino English were benched for Javid Morris and Garfield Gillespie. The changes seemed to infuse new life into Team Jamaica, however, it was Team Haiti who struck the decisive blow when Fritzson Jean Baptiste got his second goal of the match and extended their lead to 3-1.
For much of the second half Team Jamaica created numerous chances but just couldn’t finish. O’Neil Thompson didn’t look comfortable in the strikers role and made a hash of several chances that came his way. Finally, and with the clock running down, substitute Javid Morris crossed a ball to Garfield Gillespie who brought Team Jamaica close but this time no cigar.
1:30pm - Team Barbados vs Team Dominica
3:30pm - Team Haiti vs Team St. Kitts and Nevis
5:30pm - Team St. Lucia vs Team Panama
All games played at Jefferson High School field, 12508 Flatlands Ave, (Shepherd), in Brooklyn.
Perhaps at season’s end we’ll look back on this afternoon’s Team Grenada win over Team St. Lucia to confirm how the New York Caribbean Cup West was won. Meanwhile Team Guyana kept a pace with their win over Team Antigua & Barbuda while Team Barbados consolidated their position in the Eastern Zone with a win over Team St. Kitts & Nevis.
Team Guyana 5 Team Antigua & Barbuda 1
For the first ten minutes or so you could not tell that Team Antigua/Barbuda was playing a man short as they ran from end to end with Team Guyana with wild abandon. Ironically, they gave up the first goal just after they were at full complement of players. That goal came courtesy of leading goal scorer Anthony Abrams who was gifted a loose ball from a goal mouth scramble and all he had to do was push the ball across the line.
Five minutes later Clive Nobrega doubled the lead for the Golden Jaguars. Goal keeper Omari Joseph blocked a shot on goal only to see the ball rebound to Nobrega. Nobrega’s shot slid off the horizontal into the back of the net.
Goal number three was probably the easiest goal of the match. Joseph left his line a tad late to clear a ball only to be beaten to the ball by Kevin Beaton who crossed the ball to a wide open Anthony Abrams who split the uprights.
Despite being down 3-0 there appeared to be no give-up in Team Antigua/Barbuda, however, their strategy of playing the long ball through the middle was not working as Jameroquan Aaron was not catching up to passes..
Clive Nobrega made it 4-0 when his shot from just outside the box sneaked through a crowded defensive wall into the right corner of the goal.
The Benna Boys were not about to give up and just before half time a switch in their attack almost immediately paid dividends. Aaron was moved to the outside right position and Tamarley Thomas moved to the middle to do the chasing of the long balls through the middle. It was on one of these runs that Thomas caught up with the ball and was able to put Antigua/Barbuda on the score sheet.
Team Antigua/Barbuda came out with zest in the second stanza and it wasn’t until the sixty fifth minute of the game before Team Guyana was able to extend their lead. Kevin Beaton picked up a pass just outside the area dribbled down the left side crossed the ball to Anthony Abrams who tapped it to substitute Roger Cambridge who returned the ball Abrams who just tapped home to close the scoring. Team Guyana 5 Team Antigua/Barbuda 1. That goal was Abrams’ eight of the season.
Team Barbados 4 Team St. Kitts and Nevis 1
Team Barbados went into this afternoon’s game against Team St. Kitts and Nevis as the slight favorites and while the ‘Sugar Boys’ gave the Bajans a good run, in the end the strong tackling no nonsense Bajans prevailed.
Kicking toward the Flatlands Avenue goal with more luck than anything else Dwayne Sealy opened the scoring for Team Barbados after almost losing the ball on the goalline.
Up to this point there was very little between the teams as both teams attacked and counter attacked. However, fifteen minutes after Team Barbados scored the twin island tied things up through an alert Jamie McKoy. Bajan goal keeper Andre Griffith failed to clear a ball properly and that allowed McKoy to out jump the defense to nod the ball home. It was an excellent half of attacking and defending by both teams as they went to the break with the score tied at one apiece.
Both teams came out in the second half hunting for the go ahead goal which eventually came in the sixty first minute when Corey Barrow broke down the right side and hit a powerful right footed drive that beat Richard Francis to his right. That score seemed to knock some of the wind out of the ‘Benna Boys’ sail and shortly after Akeem Broomes sent a left footer flying to increase the lead.
It was obvious that Team St. Kitts and Nevis was beginning to tire and just before the final whistle Omar Marshall completed the scoring to give the Bajans a 4-1 win.
Team Grenada 2 Team St. Lucia 0
This afternoon’s Team Grenada and Team St. Lucia match is one of the dream matches in the New York Caribbean Cup soccer tournament and at the final whistle this afternoon that opinion was not altered.
For much of the first half the ‘Spice Boyz’ looked the more purposeful, as well as, the more aggressive team. In fact, their aggressiveness seemed to throw Team St. Lucia off their game a bit and rather than staying within their game plan they tried to retaliate with their own aggressiveness which at times may have been a little excessive. Yet despite this both teams missed excellent scoring opportunities throughout the half. Marcus Julien missed one from in front in the twenty first minute that would have put Team Grenada ahead, while Leigh Marcellin got his chance for Team St. Lucia shortly after but rather than take a one-time volley kick he chose to catch the ball on his chest and lost it. It was 0-0 at the break.
On resumption the action was furious from end to end. In one attack Marcus Julien beat the goalkeeper all ends up but watched helplessly as the ball bounded off the upright and back into play. Finally the ice broke when Kimron Redhead back headed a throw in from the right side that floated over the head of a helpless Chad Amari Phillip into the back of the net.
Shortly after Chevy Augustine doubled the lead for the ‘Spice Boyz’ on a similar header but this time from the left side of the field. That closed the scoring as Team Grenada went home with a hard fought 2-0 win.
Had a quick chat with Team Grenada coach Alvin Felix following the game and he reminded me that Team St. Lucia has knocked Team Grenada out of the playoffs two years in a row so while this win is satisfying, it is only one win.
Games Sunday, June 29, 2014
130pm - Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines vs Team Dominica
330 - Team Panama vs Team Trinidad and Tobago
530pm - Team Jamaica vs Team Haiti
All games played at Jefferson High School Sports Complex, 12508 Flatlands Ave, at Shepherd, Brooklyn, NY.
Despite the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day celebrations, an appreciative crowd showed up for this afternoon’s New York Caribbean Cup soccer matches at the Jefferson Sports Complex in Brooklyn. The fans saw Team Antigua Barbuda slip by Team Panama 2-0, Team Haiti and Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines play to a 0-0 stalemate, while defending champions Team Jamaica fought off a hard tackling Team Barbados for a 3-0 win.
Team Antigua & Barbuda 2 - Team Panama 0
Following their humiliation on opening day Team Panama was hoping to set things right against Team Antigua & Barbuda this afternoon, while the ‘Benna Boys’ themselves were hoping to redeem themselves following their opening loss to 2012 champions Team St. Lucia.
The first half ended with neither team tickling the nets, but Team Antigua & Barbuda looked the better organized, combining well at times with their ball movement. Team Panama on the other hand lacked intensity even All Star Eduardo McCalla wasn’t as sharp and alert as he has been in previous seasons.
A determined Team Antigua & Barbuda came out in the second half and shortly after the whistle and kicking toward the Flatlands goal Delbert Williams rose above the Los Canaleros defense on a corner to nod home.
Staring at defeat Team Panama battled for the equalizer but in the sixty fifth minute Jameroquan Aaron pounced on a loose ball just inside the box and after almost fumbling the ball away was able to regain his composure and send a shot whistling toward goal that slide off goalkeeper Michael Ashby’s hands into the goal. That goal closed the scoring and sent the Benna Boys home with a 2-0 win and 3-points.
Team Haiti 0 - Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 0
This was a crucial game for both Team Haiti and Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines. For Les Grenadiers who lost points in their opening game the result of a forfeiture, while although Vincy Heat sneaked by Team St. Kitts & Nevis in their opener this game was really their first test to measure their readiness for the 2014 New York Caribbean Cup soccer tournament.
It turned out to be a tough game for both teams and while scoring opportunities were infrequent both teams with a little better application may have come away with maximum points. But that was not to be and at the final whistle, the score sheet read Team Haiti 0 Team St. Vincent & the Grenadines 0 for the first drawn game of the season.
Team Jamaica 3 - Team Barbados 0
The Team Jamaica and Team Barbados nightcap was the game of the afternoon because of the contrasting styles of both teams. For Team Barbados, who gained points through forfeiture against Team Haiti in their opening game this was going to be their opportunity to show Team Jamaica that they would be no push-overs this season. This was also Team Jamaica’s second game of the season and the smooth passing of seasons past was still missing. In fact except for a few moments of brilliance, there seemed to be a disconnect between Dannie Shaw, Jermaine Hue and Romario Campbell in the middle as Team Jamaica seemed more anxious to demonstrate individual skill rather than team play.
While saying this, the New York Reggae Boyz closed the game with another clean sheet. Matter of fact, at one point in the second stanza during a Bajan attack you could hear goalkeeper Devon Haughton barking at his defense to not let them score.
No doubt Denzil Watson was the star of this afternoon’s game with his double strike. For some time now there appeared to be a “hex” on his shooting boots, but his opening goal was a thing of beauty. In fact it reminded me of conversations with the late Cavalier SC coach Leighton Duncan who constantly reminded us that when you are shooting you must be at peace with the world and at the point of impact, an explosion.
Typically, Team Jamaica started slowly then struck like a cobra. Seven minutes into the half Watson finished a slick ‘give and go’ with Dannie Shaw. Rather that blasting home the return pass Watson calmly switched his balance and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Andre Griffith.
This did not dampen the Bajan intensity, they came to play and late in the half may very well have evened things had they been able to pounce on a ball mishandled by Devon Haughton following a hot shot on goal. It was Haughton again who came up big just before the half ended when he smothered a shot from close in.
Shortly after the resumption, Denzil Watson demonstrated why he has been a fixture on the Team Jamaica New York Caribbean Cup team the last few years. Kicking toward Egan Street, he picked up a loose ball just shy of the box shed his marker and deftly rolled the ball pass an advancing Andre Griffith.
While down two goals, Team Barbados continued to play their hard tackling game which may have disrupted the smooth passing generally demonstrated by the young Team Jamaica. However, the Reggae Boyz got their third and final goal when Irvino English cleverly slotted the ball over the head of an advancing Griffith.
There was no further scoring in the game, but with ten minutes to go Bajan Theo Griffith was given his marching orders following a vicious tackle on Javid Morris.
Caribbean Cup Game Schedule for Sunday, June 22, 2014
1:30pm . Team Guyana vs Team Antigua & Barbuda
3:30pm . Team St. Kitts & Nevis vs Team Barbados
5:30pm . Team St. Lucia vs Team Grenada
All games played at Jefferson High School Sports Complex, 12508 Flatlands Ave (& Shepherd) Brooklyn, NY 11208.
Before the largest crowd of the young season New York Caribbean Cup soccer fans were treated to three outstanding soccer games this afternoon. At the end of the day Team St. Kitts and Nevis dominated Team Dominica 4-0, Team St. Lucia squeezed by Team Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in a game that could have gone either way, and in the nightcap, the match of the day, Team Grenada’s two early first half goals held up for a 2-1 win over Team Guyana.
Team St. Kitts and Nevis wins
From the opening whistle Team St. Kitts and Nevis played with more determination and organization as Team Dominica defended stoutly. For this game Team Dominica showed up with a goalkeeper which helped keep the “Sugar Boyz” at bay for much of the first half, but at the 25 minute mark Joeski Williams pounced on a loose ball inside the box and slid the ball home to put his team up 1-0. Five minutes later, kicking toward Egan Street, the referee put the ball on the spot after an infringement inside the box against Team Dominica. Donroy Liburd stepped up and made no mistake, Team St. Kitts & Nevis 2 Team Dominica 0.
Just before the whistle to end the half Team St. Kitts & Nevis snared goal number 3 when Team Dominica’s defense watched Yusuf Saunders rise above them and head home from a corner kick.
On resumption, it took the “Sugar Boyz” 15 minutes to widen the gap. Substitute Jamie McKoy ran on to a ball misplayed by Team Dominica’s defense and between hesitation, indecision and luck eventually bundled the ball into the net. McKoy actually had more opportunities to score that would have given Team St. Kitts/Nevis a wider margin of victory but shooting is not something practiced on a Sunday as he missed a couple of good opportunities. At the whistle it was a well deserved 4-0 win for the twin island.
After their win against Team Grenada on opening day this afternoon’s game against Team St. Lucia was probably the measuring stick for Team Trinidad and Tobago as to their improvement in the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament.
For most of the half neither team threatened either’s goal-keeper except in minute 26 when Team St. Lucia’s Dujon Verneige missed a sitter from dead in front of the goal. Then six minutes later Team TNT Soca Ballers returned the favor when Anderson Garcia shot wide of the square.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with both teams getting chances to score but neither capitalizing. It wasn’t until the 29th minute of the second half that the ice broke. Soca Ballers goal-keeper Marcus Maurice brought off a spectacular save diving to his right to block a shot, only to see the ball rebound and fall at the feet of Dujon Verneige who this time was on the mark. This sent Team St. Lucia and their fans into a wild celebration as the goal held up to the final whistle. It was a tough loss for the Soca Ballers particularly when Keston George got a chance to split the points for his team seconds from the final whistle. The win places Team St. Lucia in sole possession of first place in the Western Zone with two wins from two games.
Team Grenada And Team Guyana Light Up The Park
After their goal glut against Team Panama on opening day the anticipation of how Team Guyana would do against many times champions Team Grenada was enormous. The other question was could Team Grenada shake off their opening day loss to Team Trinidad and Tobago?
These questions would soon be answered as the table was set with “the Spice Boyz” kicking toward the Flatlands goal with Team Guyana shooting at the Egan Street goal.
The Golden Jaguars appeared to be dominating the early exchanges but it was Spice that struck first when Marcus Julien out jumped the defense from a throw-in to head home. It’s not often you catch goal-keeper Adrian Alfred out of position as he scrambled in vain to get to the ball.
Much like the first goal, goal number two was pretty much against the run of play. Shane Rennie picked up a ball dribbled down the right side and sent a thunderous right-footer just outside the box screaming past Adrian Alfred.
Down two goals, one may have thought you’d see a falloff in the play of Team Guyana but the opposite was the case as the intensity of the game increased a few decibels. The to and fro, end to end action had the largest crowd of the young season screaming their heads off when finally thanks to the alertness of Anthony Abrams pulled one back for Team Guyana. He outraced the advancing goal-keeper Ken Searles to a through ball and was able to guide the ball into an unprotected net.
Team Grenada 2 Team Guyana 1 when play resumed for the second half, but there was no further scoring as the Spice Boyz held on doggedly to their one goal advantage.
While the game deteriorated a bit toward the end the consensus was that this was the most exciting game of the young season as both teams left it all on the field.
All New York Caribbean Cup games are played at Jefferson High School Sports Complex, 125-08 Flatlands Ave, (at Shepherd Ave), in Brooklyn.
A new season but the same old Team Haiti! This afternoon’s Team Haiti and Team Barbados New York Caribbean Cup soccer match at Jefferson High School field was blown off when Team Haiti had to forfeit because their players failed to take the field for the scheduled 1:30pm start.
This means Team Barbados gains a 2-0 win and 3 points.
Team Jamaica 9 vs Team Dominica 0
Season opening games very rarely tell a tale of how a season will progress and while Team Jamaica destroyed Team Dominica 9-0 they didn’t look as smooth passing the ball and transitioning from defense to offense as in years past. But this was their first game of the season and since many of the players were playing together for the first time, coach Arthur Mikes doesn’t have much time to oil his machine.
Before the referees whistle sounded to get things going Team Dominica was in trouble. Their goalkeeper did not show up so midfielder and captain Curtis Jno Baptiste took up duty between the sticks. His lack of goalkeeping skills was evident almost immediately when he left his line to clear a ball and was beaten to the ball by Denzil Watson who crossed to Dannie Shaw who sent Team Jamaica on their way. Twelve minutes in Shaw made it Team Jamaica 2 Team Dominica 0 when bad positioning by the goalkeeper on a free kick allowed the ball curve into the far corner.
It was goal number 3 two minutes later when Irvino English floated a corner kick into the box only to see Zane Gouldbourne rise above the defense to head home. Team Dominica was fortunate to see the score hold at three for a while as both Denzil Watson and Christopher Banner missed sitters. It wasn’t long however before goal number four arrived when goalkeeper Baptiste raced off his line to intercept a through ball down the right side from Jermaine Hue. Christopher Banner calmly collected the ball, evaded Baptiste and lobbed home.
The teams went in with Team Jamaica leading 4-0 at the half.
Kicking toward the Flatlands goal in the second half Team Dominica came within a hair of pulling one back but excellent anticipation by Devon Haughton denied Los Pericos.
The Team Jamaica counter attack was swift when Denzil Watson picked up a through pass dribbled in on Baptiste and made it 5-0.
Jermaine Hue, the veteran of Team Jamaica made it 6-0 when the aging midfielder struck a ball from 35 yards out and beat a scrambling Baptiste who was too far off his line.
To add salt to the wound, Javid Morris was tugged too vigorously in the box and marksman Irvino English slid the ball to the left of the goalkeeper from the spot. Team Jamaica 7 Team Dominica 0. It was English again who made it 8-0 before Dannie Shaw crossed a ball from the right side for Oneil Thompson to close the scoring.
Final Team Jamaica 9 Team Dominica 0.
Team St. Lucia 4 vs Team Antigua & Barbuda 0
In previous years you could not gage Team St. Lucia’s opening game to predict how their season would progress as they are typically slow starters. This afternoon they pressed on the accelerator almost immediately against an undermanned Team Antigua and Barbuda. Five minutes into the opening stanza Dujon Verneige put Team St. Lucia in front from a well placed free kick that curled into the back of the net.
With less than a full complement of players Team Antigua/Barbuda settled in and was actually playing quite well but at the 15-minute mark Daran Fedee widened the lead for the Lucians when he fought off a challenge by Jamero Juan Aaron and had only the goalkeeper to beat.
Team Antigua/Barbuda’s custodian was a bit unlucky in giving up goal number 3. He actually blocked a shot from Dujon Verneige but the ball rebounded off the post ricocheted off the keeper and bounded into the goal. There was no further scoring as Team Antigua/Barbuda went in down 3-0.
The twin island team came out at full strength in the second half and seemed determined to bring the scores closer. They were a much better team both defensively and in attack. Perhaps their only problem was their indecision to shoot the ball particularly Eugine Kirwan. He tried to do too much with the ball coming into the area. In fact I thought if Team Antigua/Barbuda could have come up with a goal it would have been a different game going down the stretch, but not so. At the 20 minute mark of the half they got caught in their own off-side trap when Leigh Marcellin raced pass the defense on the right side and lodged the ball under the horizontal. Team St. Lucia 4 Team Antigua/Barbuda 0.
Dujon Verneige came close to making it 5 but missed a sitter in the closing seconds.
1:30pm – Team St. Kitts/Nevis vs Team Dominica
3:30pm – Team St. Lucia vs Team Trinidad & Tobago
5:30pm – Team Grenada vs Team Guyana
At the beginning of a season one can never predict what the outcome will be in the end. Based on work put in one can only hope for success and the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament hopes that this afternoon’s performances will lead to success come Championship Day 2014.
Mother Nature smiled down on this afternoon’s Caribbean Cup opening day with blue skies and brilliant sunshine and the appreciative opening day crowd, along with Ambassador Derrick James of Grenada and Consul General Julian Du Bois of St. Lucia, were treated to three exciting soccer games.
TEAM TNT OPEN WITH A WINNERS
The opening game between Team Grenada USA and Team Trinidad and Tobago USA, a clash of former champions was temporarily delayed when both teams turned up with the same color jerseys. Based on Caribbean Cup rules, home team Grenada was required to change and had to await the arrival of new shirts.
Team Trinidad and Tobago finally got the game going kicking toward the Flatlands goal. Neither team threatened the opposing goal-keepers as most of the early exchanges took place between the lines. Team Grenada however, appeared to be having the better of play when the whistle sounded to end the first half with the scores level at nil all.
Shortly after the whistle to start the second stanza Team TNT custodian Marcus Maurice was called on to guide a shot over the crossbar that seemed destined for just under the bar. The NY Soca Warriors gradually gained control of the game which must be attributed to the coaching changes made at the half. Kevon Haynes and Anderson Garcia replaced Nolan Defour and Ryan Seaton and that changed the pace of the game. Team Grenada no longer dominated the middle as they did in the first half consequently twenty minutes into the half Devin Holder broke the ice. Team Grenada’s defense allowed a soft cross from the right side to get by them for an unmarked Devin Holder to pounce leaving custodian Ken Searles at his mercy. Holder beat Searles to his right.
The goal didn’t seem to energize or create any urgency in Team Grenada while the Soca Warriors looked to press home their advantage. It was clear that fate was not on the side of the Spice Boyz this afternoon when Michael Richardson missed a sitter with 30 seconds to go that would have split the points. One win does not a season make but it was good to see Team TNT looking like a much better organized group than they have been over the last few seasons.
Trinidad & Tobago 1 vs Grenada 0
VINCY SEND A MESSAGE
Traditionally St. Kitts and Nevis are slow starters and it was no different this afternoon. Kicking toward Flatlands, they seized the initiative early and for the first ten minutes or so looked dangerous passing the ball around smoothly with the Vincy defense on their heels. However, the perennial New York Caribbean Cup champions St. Vincent and the Grenadines soon shook off their nerves and counter attacked ferociously. It was end to end action before Renson Haynes sent Vincy into the lead with a header from close range, in the 44th minute. The half closed with St. Vincent on top 1-0.
Much of the second half turned into a battle of midfield until what appeared to be a game changer occurred. St. Kitts/Nevis got a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a penalty for a hand ball in the box but goalkeeper McZiggy Richards came up big by blocking the Joeski Williams attempt from the spot. With the minutes ticking away Renson Haynes had a chance to send Vincy 2-up but his indecision of not playing the whistle on a break-away allowed the advancing Richard Francis to deny him a second goal. Haynes raced through the middle of the Sugar Boyz defense to pick up a through pass that immediately saw the Sugar Boyz protesting off-side to the referee and rather than play the whistle Haynes half-hearted approach on goal allowed Francis to knock the ball away.
There was no further scoring with Vincy going home with 3-points.
PANAMA GIVEN WAKE UP CALL
2014 is only their 3rd year in the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer Tournament and by now you would think “Los Canaleros” would have learned that Caribbean Cup soccer takes no prisoners. This afternoon they ran into the “Golden Jaguars” of Team Guyana USA and when the final whistle blew the scorecard read Team Guyana 8 Team Panama 1.
Much of the Panamanian down fall was poor goaltending by M. Santa Maria coupled with poor defensive play. With his defense in disarray Santa Maria was guilty of leaving his line either too late or too early to intercept through passes and that led to the first four goals, three by Anthony Abrams and one by Colwyn Drakes. Abrams took his personal tally to 4 goals shortly before the half when he pounced on a rebound off the goalkeeper and drove home. Team Guyana 5 Team Panama 0 at the half.
Following the break Team Panama came out with a renewed spirit as if sending a message to Team Guyana that we are not going to lie down and play dead. Two minutes into the half O. Eccleston Pena caught the Team Guyana defense napping, picked up a loose ball on the left side raced toward goal and beat Adrian Alfred to his right.
Pulling one goal back raised the tempo of the game as Team Panama battled for goal number two but it was Kevin Beaton who strolled in for number six for Team Guyana following another Panamanian defensive error. Despite the pressure Los Canaleros continued to play positive soccer before Romain Haynes made it Team Guyana 7 Team Panama 1, driving home a ball from close range.
Goal number 8 was a beauty. Marlon Benjamin brought a ball under control on the right side, beat his marker and squared the ball to Kevin Beaton who laid it off for Collie Hercules coming through the middle.
With the display of Team Guyana this afternoon, New York Caribbean Cup fans have a lot to look forward to from this season’s Western Zone. The games against Team St. Lucia, Team Grenada and Team Trinidad and Tobago ought to be exciting.
GAME SCHEDULE SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2014
1:30pm Team Haiti vs Team Barbados
3:30pm Team Jamaica vs Team Dominica
5:30pm Team St. Lucia vs Team Antigua and Barbuda
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