Connection, Stars fight for First Citizens prize

W Connection will be aiming for their third successive title, and a fourth overall, while North East will be hoping for their first taste of glory in this annual knockout competition.

Connection, under long-standing coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier, were efficient in their 2-0 victory over CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh in the semi-final round.

North East, guided by interim coach Everald “Gally” Cummings, prevailed over Starworld Strikers 3-2, courtesy kicks from the penalty spot, after both teams were locked at 1-1 after full time.

St Lucian striker and Connection captain Earl Jean is fighting to regain full fitness, following a hamstring injury sustained a fortnight ago.

But, if included, the veteran Jean will join the prolific Andre Toussaint up front, at the expense of fellow striker Matthew Bartholomew or midfielder Hughton Hector.

The “Savonetta lads” may be a hard unit to break down with another St Lucian, Elijah Joseph, and Jamaican Christopher Harvey forming a cohesive pair in the back of Connection’s defence.

Also Colombian-born Christian Viveros is proving to be a competent defensive midfielder and national goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams is in a rich vein of form.

North East, under Cummings and formerly Miguel Hackett — who relinquished most of his coaching duties due to illness — have rebounded from a miserable 2005 season to prove a threat for the 2006 league crown.

And they have shown great determination and purpose in their earlier First Citizens matches, so they will be no pushovers for Connection tonight.

St Vincent’s Kendall Velox and Guyana’s Kayode McKinnon are the spark-plugs in the North East Stars’ midfield, with Jesse Martinez effective in the man-marking role and Walter Moore on the left flank.

Veteran captain Charles Pollard of Guyana, St Lucia’s Howard Lowe and Vernon Bailey are a veteran trio in the back.

Their experience will be vital for North East Stars’ prospects of victory, as well as the form of strikers Kevin Jeffrey — back from a season with Toronto Lynx in the United Soccer Leagues. Also being counted on are Shandel Samuel of St Vincent and Oneke Ford of Jamaica.

At 6 pm, Jabloteh and Starworld will duel for the third-placed prize worth $20,000, with $10,000 going to the fourth-placed team.