Connection, Stars storm into FA Cup semifinals

W CONNECTION and North East Stars advanced to the semifinals of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) FA Trophy competition after both recorded comfortable victories in their quarterfinal matches on Friday night.

Defending champs Connection eased past South Starworld Strikers 3-0 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Balmain, Couva while N/East Stars defeated 2002 runners-up Arima Fire 3-1 at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna. According to the tournament’s rules, each match will comprise 40-minute halves, but that did nothing to stop Connection from continuing their dominance of the competition. A penalty by Ronaldo Viana in the 38th put the Savonetta-based lads in front, with fellow Brazilian-born midfielder Gefferson Goulart doubling the lead in the 56th. And substitute Titus Elva tapped home past Starworld goalkeeper Marvin Phillip in stoppage time, after Arnold Dwarika dribbled past three defenders and squared to the goalbound striker.

A muddy outfield did not hamper both North East and Fire on Friday night, but North East were the first to settle, with striker Jerren Nixon hitting the crossbar in the 16th minute after a through pass from Kayode McKinnon. The veteran Nixon, however, made amends in the 24th, tapping into the open net after the initial shot from midfielder Kevin Jeffrey rebounded off the woodwork. Fire tried valiantly to level the scores, with striker Ashford Legerton hitting the post in the 29th after a one-two with national midfielder Romauld Aguillera. Consistent pressure from Fire paid off eventually in the 53rd minute. The North East defence struggled to clear a right-side freekick from Handel Manswell and Alvris Faure Diaz shot home past the hapless Stars goalie Trevor Nottingham.

Fire had the momentum going their way afterwards, until an 73rd minute error from keeper Peter Ramon-Fortune cost them a goal and, eventually, the match. Evergreen midfielder Kendall Velox disposed a Fire defender on the left, centred to Carey Harris whose 30-metre drive went under the body of Ramon-Fortune and into the back of the net. The Sangre Grande-based team got the lifeline they were looking for, and sealed victory in injury time when substitute Anthony Wolfe headed home from a pass by Harris. A 48th minute volley by striker Nigel Hart ensured a semifinal spot for “the Stallions” Caledonia AIA, at the expense of “the Eastern Lions” Joe Public in the earlier clash at the Marvin Lee Stadium. And South West Institute of Football (SWIF) are the fourth and final team in the semis, after they edged TSTT 1-0 in the first match of the double-header at Couva.