G Madrid into Sweet Sixteen semis after dramatic shootout

G MADRID advanced to the semi-finals of the Sweet Sixteen Football League after defeating Dream Team 6-5 in a drama-filled penalty shootout at Ojoe Road Recreational Ground, Sangre Grande on July 8.

After regulation time, both teams were locked at 1-1 courtesy Dream Team’s eighth minute opening goal from Ricardo Alleyne, which was matched by G Madrid’s Devonte Lewis nine minutes later. The score remained level at the end of 90 minutes and penalties were required.

But during the penalty shootout, the Dream Team’s goalkeeper tried his best to hold on to a shot but the ball rolled over the goalline. The goalie however, pulled it back into his arms.

The linesman waved his flag to confirm the goal was scored but Dream Team players and technical staff disagreed. Tempers flared and the match official was physically assaulted.

The police were called in to quell the situation and according to a tournament official, “That matter is now in the hands of the police”.

Also advancing to the semi-final round are Cool It FC, Mayaro United FC and Boystown.

In the high scoring quarter-final, Manzanilla went ahead via a Jesus Perez strike in the 12th minute. An error in the back saw Manzanilla’s Kernel La Fon gift Cool It an own-goal in the 26th minute to level the score.

Five minutes later, Cool It’s Adrian Francis sent them ahead, but their lead lasted just 60 seconds, as Manzanilla’s Brendon Figuero made it 2-2.

Cool It’s Kendall Jagdeosingh (42nd) and Darkeil Perreira (45th) restored the advantage before half time. Manzanilla’s Darion Robinson scored in the 70th to make it 4-3 but no more goals would come as Cool It held on for the win.

Additionally, Mayaro clawed back from two goals down to seal a semi-final place with a 3-2 win over Athletico FC. Athletico FC held a 2-0 lead after 19 minutes but Mayaro responded in the second half, through Avion Navarro (48th), Jerron Jones (83rd) and Kevin Garcia (fourth minute of stoppage time) to steal the win and semi-final spot.

Meanwhile, Wolfpack FC also won 3-1 via penalty kicks after finishing 2-2 against defending champions Boystown.