Naparima College attacking midfielder Jabari Lee's solo run helped put the icing on the cake for Gasparillo Youths, as they secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory over DCS/Dass Trace today.
Lee’s mazy 20 yard run took him past several defenders before he crossed for first half substitute Adica Ash, who slotted a right footed shot past opposing goalkeeper Randy Gomez—who was caught haplessly at the near post.
Gasparillo’s victory today put them unassailably atop Group B after 7 games in the inaugural U-19 tournament, which is sponsored by Next Level Consulting Limited. DCS/Dass Trace (Darius Coaching School) remain second after the same number of games.
“So far the tournament has been well planned, so far we have had officials coming out for every game, the games start on time and we see a high level of football being played in this under 19 tournaments, which I hope they will continue in years to come,” said Gasparillo head coach Mark Ranghel.
Gasparillo led 2-0 at the half with both goals initiated by aerial crosses from Sembi Hart-Smith. The first cross produced a thumping attacking header from unmarked left full back Darren Moore, which left Gomez with no chance after 19 minutes. Eight minutes after, Gomez advanced too far off his line only to fumble the ball. Gasparillo forward Ricardo Williams took the pleasure of slotting home the loose ball to double their lead.
DCS/Dass Trace got a goal from second half substitute Josiah Noble. Noble, who played at right full back and elegantly roamed up and down the flank, got a sight at goal from about 20 yards where his right footed shot beat Pleasantville Secondary school player Raheem Lee in goal.
In total, just under 50% of the players who took the field today played in last season’s SSFL tournament. Thaj Neptune, Jardel Sinclair and Luke Phillip lined up for DCS/Dass Trace, whilst Jabari Lee, Raheem Lee, Tarik Lee, Dillion Yearwood and Akeel Phillip lined up for Gasparillo. Naparima standout midfielder Shoaib Khan missed today’s match due to injury.
Coach Ranghel sounded confident after today’s result, as he outlined their objectives for the tournament: “Basically our aim is to win the tournament. Our second aim is to go through the tournament without any defeats.”
The NLC Limited U19 tournament next round of matches will take place on January 22, 2020 with quarter-finals set to commence on February 1st.