W Connection and Jabloteh meet again.
They needed penalties, but when the dust settled at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium last evening, local football giants CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and Vibe CT 105 W Connection are through to the Courts Pro Bowl Final again. This would be the 3rd consecutive meeting of the two local giants in the Pro Bowl ”W Connection prevailed back in 2004”and Jabloteh ran away with the title last year.
In the nights first encounter, San Juan Jabloteh had to battle with everything they had against an improved looking Defence Force Outfit,when the final whistle was blown it was even-stevens the score locked at 2-2.
But Jabloteh was on spot with all their penalties, Kerry Baptiste, Keyeno Thomas, Ronald Primus, Josh Johnson and Trent Noel all converting their kicks and the "Boys from San Juan" won the shootout 5-3,the Army's Christian Baptiste scuffing his spot kick and putting the Defence Force on the back foot.
However, it was not smooth sailing for the defending Pro Bowl Champions, as the Defence Force came out with all their guns blazing and ready for war.
After the game settled into a nice groove,with both teams having opportunities in the opening 10 minutes, Jabloteh would have considered themselves unlucky not to take an early lead as Ronald Primus saw his shot from the top of the 18-yard box rock the upright.
However it was the Army that drew first blood,it was a brilliant piece of football, with Corey Rivers and Anton Pierre exchanging a quick one-two and the ball was swung across, picked up by Akil Pierre who slipped a neat pass to Devon Jorsling and he did the rest,Defence Force taking a surprising 1-0 lead.
The Army then grew in confidence and took control of proceedings, Jorsling missing a number of chances,in the 27th minute he was sent through and shot straight to Daurance Williams in goal for Jabloteh.
Then in the 39th the Jabloteh defence made a horrible mistake heading the ball straight to the feet of Jorsling and he quickly turned and fired his shot high over the bar.
In the 2nd half Jabloteh came out looking for redemption,and 10 minutes into the 2nd period,Jabloteh got back on equal terms,it was initiated by skipper Kerry Baptiste who made an excellent run down the right, found the young Lester Peltier, and his square ball found Brent Rahim sliding in,the ball crashing into the back of the net,the scores tied at 1.
Kerry Baptiste started to take matters in his own hand controlling the midfield and he scored Jabloteh's 2nd item with a clever run into the area and his low drive beat everyone including goalkeeper Cleon John,Jabloteh now leading 2-1.
The game was nevertheless far from over,as the Army's determination continued,Daurance Williams made a stunning, acrobatic save to deny a powerful header by anton joseph in the 81st minute.
But in the 88th substitute Kevon Carter stabbed home the equalizer, sending the game into a penalty shootout,and Jabloteh came away smiling winning the lottery 5-3.
Jabloteh will meet their arch rivals W Connection in the finals,the ‘Savonetta Boys' also had their work cut out for them as Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA Fire brought their "A" game on the night.
It was an absorbing contest,both teams started cautiously,and in the 26th minute Caledonia captain Sheldon Emmanuel thought he scored when his direct free kick beat the keeper hit the inside of the post and somehow bounced out.
The first half was a clear battle in midfield,as both teams attempted to gain the ascendancy.
Connection also had their moments,one in particular,a scorching volley from 25 yards out that brought the best out of goal keeper Michael Woods,Earl Jean also got in some troublesome areas,but the Connection skipper was kept in check by a tight and hard working Caledonia defence.
The match also had to be decided by a penalty shootout,Caledonia's Kareem Joseph and Connection's Andre Toussaint both missed their teams opening shots,but all the other kickers converted sending the shootout into sudden death,and Caledonia's Kareem Joseph missed and Andrei Pacheco scored,W Connection was celebrating. Its now onto the final, where another classic encounter between W Connection and San Juan Jabloteh is expected.
Pro Bowl Semi-Final Results
Jabloteh 2 v Defence Force 2
(Jabloteh winning 5-3 on penalties).
W Connection 0 v Caledonia AIA Fire 0
(W Connection winning 6-4 on penalties).
Past Pro Bowl Winners
2004--W Connection
2005--San Juan Jabloteh