The group stage of the DIRECTV North East Stars Champion of Champions Invitational Trophy will end with an exciting climax on Tuesday night, with four teams still able to join Guayaguayare United and Zavio's Construction Matura Re-United in the semi finals.
Third place Express United play fourth place Biche United with both teams on 5 points. However, despite being 2 points ahead of fifth placed Valencia Lions, a draw may not be sufficient to see both teams going through.
The result of the 6pm fixture between Lions and sixth placed Providence United, currently on 2 points, will determine the outcome required by Express and Biche. The permutations are endless with even Providence still capable of qualifying if they can win by more than 5 goals, while a 1-0 win for the Valencia outfit could be enough to take them through. However, to be in with a realistic chance, the Lions also need to win by more than four goals to give them a chance if the second match ends in a draw.
Its a little easier for Express and Biche as their fate is in their own hands. Whatever the result in the first match, a win will be enough to move forward into the semi finals, while a draw would favour Express who have a slightly better goal difference, feeling the benefit of the competitions top scorer, Gorean Highley.
So be prepared for a nail biting finale at Manzanilla with all four teams still aiming to collect the first prize of $30,000 cash in the final on January 1st at Ojoe Rd.
The semi final games will take place at Ojoe Rd Recreational Ground on December 26th, with an added dimension. Professional players will be allowed to take part, with written permission from their clubs, so it will be interesting to see how many of the teams bring on board the big guns or continue with their existing squads.
Darryl Mahabir, owner of the competitions main sponsor, Japs Fried Chicken, said "The competition's really hotting up. We really don't know who will be joining Guayguayare & Matura in the semis. Its how we hoped the Champion of Champions would be, with everything to play for in the last match."
Mahabir said that although it is a tense time for the teams, its a welcome break for the North East Stars President. " I love this competition because I'm just interested in the best team winning and I have no particular loyalties to any team. However, the North East Stars ProLeague matches are something different! I'm sure I kick every ball"
Mahabir said that the Sangre Grande club, temporarily based at Larry Gomes in Arima for the rest of the season, are still firmly targeting a top two finish. "We want to bring overseas teams to Arima" said Mahabir "We must compete in the Caribbean Cup and then progress to the CONCACAF stage. Imagine New York Red Bulls playing North East Stars at Larry Gomes Stadium. This is what we must aspire to."
With North East currently lying in third place in the Digicel Pro League, their 6pm match against fourth placed San Juan Jabloteh on Tuesday 13th December at Larry Gomes Stadium will be massive for the Stars.
"We're expecting a large crowd" said Mahabir "We'll have a D.J. and a half time performance from M1 from 3 Suns who will be starring in the Soccer Fete on January 1st. Its a busy time, with the Soccer Fete attracting huge interest. Its going to be the biggest party ever to hit the North East"
Admission to the North East Stars vs San Juan Jabloteh ProLeague match on Tuesday 13th December at Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima is $20, with children in school uniform admitted free (accompanying adults $10), senior citizens with valid I.D. admitted free and ladies free before the 6pm kick off.
Champion of Champions Group Table
P W L D F A GD Pts
Guayaguayare Utd 5 2 0 3 11 9 +2 9
Zavio's Const. Matura Re-United 5 2 1 2 16 12 +4 8
Express Utd 4 1 1 2 8 7 +1 5
Biche Utd 4 1 1 2 7 7 0 5
Valencia Lions 4 0 1 3 6 9 -3 3
Providence Utd 4 0 2 2 9 13 - 4 2