Top four ousted from Toyota Classic

Defending champs W Connection were beaten by Defence Force 4-2, courtesy kicks from the penalty spot, while North East Stars let a lead slip as they lost 2-1 to United Petrotrin in a double-header at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella. At the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Superstar Rangers ousted CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh 5-4 in a penalty shootout while Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA edged Pro League leaders Joe Public 1-0.The semi-finals will take place on October 27 with the Army-Coast Guard combination facing Rangers while Caledonia AIA opposes Petrotrin. The Defence Force vs Connection battle ended goalless after regulation time and, in the penalty showdown, the Army-Coast Guard men were successful in their four attempts, courtesy captain Anton Pierre, Claude Adams, Devon Jorsling and Anton Joseph, while for the “Savonetta lads”, captain Earl Jean and Colombia’s Christian Viveros were on target while Trinidad and Tobago striker Andre Toussaint had his try denied by goalkeeper Kevin Graham and Brazil’s Gefferson Goulart blasted his effort wide.In the earlier contest at Marabella, striker Kevin Jeffrey converted a 44th minute penalty to put North East Stars ahead before a header from Ramould Aguillera levelled the scores at 1-1 in the 72nd. And captain Anthony Rougier guaranteed a place for the “Oilmen” when he tucked home a penalty five minutes later. Rangers, who seemed content on maintaining their slim lead, suffered two crucial blows, veteran defender Colin Roberts was sent off by referee Richard Piper in the 76th for his second bookable offence while national defender Cyd Gray was brought down inside the box by Jason Eastman in the 82nd, with Trent Noel equalising from the penalty spot.

Guyanese striker Nigel Codrington scored the game winner in the 81st minute.