Defence Force complete First Citizens Cup triumph

Former Trinidad and Tobago wing-back Aklie Edwards was the goal-getter, in the 14th minute, as Defence Force (who won the title in 2002 and 2009) took home the $110,000 jackpot.

Striker Devorn Jorsling walked away with the competition’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot (leading goal-scorer) trophies, for a tally of seven goals, while Marvin Gordon was named as the Coach of the Tournament.

Friday’s game saw a pair of former national youth team goalkeepers – Andre Marchan (Defence Force) and Glenroy Samuel (Ma Pau Stars) hold centre-stage with outstanding performances.

However, it was the Stars’ defence who failed to deal with a short corner, involving Curtis Gonzales and captain Jerwyn Balthazar, that proved costly.

From the set-piece, midfielder Christopher Durity saw his shot crash off the crossbar and an alert Edwards was quickest to the rebound as he bundled home his effort from inside the six-yard box.

Stars striker Jerrel Britto could have done better when he was set up by his captain, the evergreen Carlos Edwards, but his right footer was blocked by the Defence Force goalie.

On the opposite end, winger Jemel Sebro did well to chase a long ball from Durity and his header was magnificently cleared off his line by a retreating Samuel.

Both teams went toe-to-toe at each other in the second half.

Britto narrowly missed with a right-footed shot in the 53rd while Gonzales, on an overlapping run, picked out Hashim Arcia whose sliced volley was magnificently saved by Samuel.

Referee Crystal Sobers allowed play to continue though Arcia’s shirt was being held by Glenton Wolfe in the 60th minute. However, Arcia met a return ball from Jorsling, shook off Wolfe but saw his effort blocked by Samuel.

Four minutes later, Arcia got a ball from Gonzales but banged his shot off the crossbar while ex- TT and Defence Force forward Jason Scotland had two efforts (in the 65th and 76th) expertly saved by Marchan.

Balthazar had an opportunity to put the game beyond Stars’ reach in the 79th, after a giveand- go with Jorsling, but his left-footed effort went sky-high.