Pro Series chase Republic Cup hat-trick, Trendsetter hunt double

Pro Series will be hunting a treble of titles when the finals of the Trinidad leg of the 2025 Republic Cup National Youth Football League are held at the Republic Bank Sports Club in Barataria on May 17.

Last year, Pro Series won a pair of national titles in the Republic Cup competition as they won the boys’ under-16 and girls’ under-20 divisions. This year, the Pro Series outfit look to be an ominous threat again and they will take their places in the boys’ under-14 and under-20 Trinidad finals, to go along with the girls’ under-17 finale after thrilling performances this past weekend.

At the Arima Velodrome in their boys’ under-14 semifinal versus Point Fortin Youth Academy on May 3, Pro Series laid down a marker when they got a massive 6-0 victory. Zaa’van Joseph was a constant problem for the Point Fortin youths and he scored a beaver-trick to lead his team into the final.

In the under-14 age group, Pro Series will meet southern team Premier SC in the final after the latter team got a 7-6 penalty shootout victory over City FC. The teams were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time, with Zachary Kirk grabbing a double for City FC. Kirk was on target again in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough for City FC, with Keanu Sealy’s effort being the only miss from the spot.

Pro Series’ under-20 boys had a much tougher battle on their hands in Arima, and they were led by a hat-trick from exciting forward Micha’el John as they edged San Juan Jabloteh 4-3 in a thrilling encounter. Just past the hour mark, Pro Series jumped out to a 4-1 lead after John completed his treble. Pro Series had a nervy end to the game, though, as goals from Shumba Cudjoe and Daniel George almost inspired a comeback for the San Juan team.

In the under-20 final, Pro Series will meet familiar foes QPCC, who drubbed Premier SC 4-0.

In the girls’ under-17 final, Pro Series will face off against a Trendsetter Hawks club which is chasing a Trinidad double.

Both teams registered facile semifinal wins, with Pro Series beating AIA 5-1 and Trendsetter whipping Cox Coaching School 4-0. For Trendsetter, national youth team defender Hackeemar Goodridge was the star as she netted a double.

Trendsetter will be doing their utmost to claim a pair of under-17 titles, with their boys’ team set to meet FC Ginga in their under-17 final.

Versatile defender Jaquan Phillip scored in the 58th minute to give Trendsetter a slender 1-0 win over Point Fortin, with Ginga getting a 2-1 win against Cardinals FA in their encounter. Ginga took the lead through a 16th-minute penalty from Kafense McKell, with Elijah Diaz doubling the lead on the half hour mark. Jaylon Roberts scored a second-half penalty for Cardinals, but it turned out to be a mere consolation.

The finals for the Tobago leg of the competition will be held at Black Rock on May 18, with reigning national under-14 boys’ champions Ball Blasters set to vie for two titles.

The national finals will be held at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on May 24.