Tag: Malabar Youngstars

Back-to-back: Malabar Youngstars retain EFA crown via penalty shootout

They say when it’s nice, you do it twice, and the players from Malabar Youngstars were definitely jumping with delight on November 16 when they defeated Athletic United 5-4 via a penalty shootout at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds to retain the Eastern Football Association (EFA) title.

It was a nervy night of football as the teams went in search of the $15,000 first-place prize in the EFA finale. Ultimately, after the two teams battled for 120 goalless minutes through regulation and extra-time, it came down to the lottery of the shootout and Malabar custodian Denzel Riley turned out to be the star as he made two saves – including the match-winning save to deny Stefan Auguste to see his team win via sudden-death kicks.

Both teams started the shootout smartly, as Shandon Llanos scored for Malabar, with veteran skipper Cyrano Glen responding with a conversion for Athletic. Both teams scored their first three kicks, with Malabar staying perfect on their next kick as they moved ahead 4-3. Riley then stepped up as he saved an effort from Keshaun Charles to preserve Malabar’s 4-3 lead.

With the title in sight, Malabar’s Keithen Carter turned to celebrate, but his effort was deemed no good after it crashed off the bar and near to the goal line. Given a lifeline, Athletic made it 4-4 as Kaylon Williams sent the game into sudden-death kicks, as he fired past Riely.

Substitute Marq Pierre made it 5-4 to Malabar as he calmly dispatched his left-footed kick away to the keeper’s right, with Riley coming up big yet again when he denied Auguste’s subsequent effort to spark wild scenes among the Malabar faithful.

Earlier, Athletic goalkeeper Michael Logie was in good form as he made a brilliant first-half save to keep out a long-range screamer, before adding a flying save from a free kick in the second half. Also in second-half action, Malabar flanker Kendell Boneo seemed to get the better of Logie, only for a retreating defender to stop what looked like a certain goal.

In the shootout which followed the goalless encounter, Logie was just upstaged by Riley as Malabar repeated their winning feat from the 2024 campaign when they beat CG Poseidon 2-1 in the final.

In the preceding third-place playoff, FC Maloney midfielder Saleem Henry scored the lone goal in the 85th minute as his team downed CPC Athletic International Academy 1-0 to claim a $5,000 prize.

Malabar Youngstars, Athletic Utd clash for EFA title

HOLDERS Malabar Youngstars and Athletic United FC will contest the final of the 2025 Eastern Football Association (EFA) tournament from 7 pm at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds on November 16 after getting contrasting semifinal wins on November 9.

In the first semi in La Horquetta, Athletic United booked their spot in the final when they got a 1-0 victory over FC Maloney, with Terron Miller scoring the decisive goal in the 27th minute.

In the second game of the semifinal double-header, Malabar coasted to a 3-0 victory over challengers CPC Athletic International Academy. Malabar opened the scoring in the 37th minute through striker Ronaldo Boyce. The Malabar team took a 1-0 lead to the half and their advantage was doubled in the 61st minute when CPC Athletic International Academy player Khaden Caraby scored an own goal. With the CPC team desperately trying to get back into the game, Malabar put the result beyond all reasonable doubt in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage-time when substitute Shandon Llanos scored his team’s third and final goal.

On November 16, Malabar will try to make it back-to-back EFA titles after edging CG Poseidon 2-1 in last year’s finale. Athletic United will have alternate plans, though.

From 5 pm in the third-place playoff, CPC Athletic International Academy and FC Maloney will square off as they try to land a $5,000 prize. The first- and second-placed will receive $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

EFA holders Malabar Youngstars sneak into semis with extra-time win

Eastern Football Association (EFA) holders Malabar Youngstars continued their quest to retain their title when they advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 tournament with a nail-biting 2-0 extra-time victory over Wallerfield FC at the Arima Velodrome, on November 2.

The reigning champions were in a tight battle against a Wallerfield team which placed fourth in Group B play in the preliminary round and the tension grew at the end of regulation time as the teams were still scoreless. In extra-time, though, like true champs, Malabar found their shooting boots as goals by Kendell Boneo and Jeremiah Williams, the Man of the Match in last year’s EFA final, was enough to get them past a plucky Wallerfield team and into the last four.

In the first game of the quarterfinal double-header at the velodrome, the match between Eastern Connect FC and Athletic United also had drama as the latter team won 7-6 on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra-time.

Eastern Connect took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal from Avery Cabralis, before Athletic United equalised in the 58th minute through Marcus Griffith. After being tied at 1-1 though 90 minutes, the teams couldn’t be separated with 30 more minutes of football but the boys from Athletic United held their own to win via the dreaded shootout.

At the Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Ground on November 2, the sailing was much smoother for Group B victors FC Maloney as they strolled to a 4-1 victory over Heatwave in their quarterfinal. Maloney led 2-0 at the half and added two more goals in the second period to get the facile victory. The Shurland David-coached Maloney team got their goals from Gary Bart, Isaiah Edwards, Saleem Henry and Kerry Mitchell.

An Eastern Connect FC player, left, and Jeremiah Rodriguez of Athletic United Football Club battle for the ball in the Eastern Football Association competition at the Arima Velodrome, Vinale Street, Arima, on November 2.

In the other quarterfinal in La Horquetta between CPC Athletic International Academy (AIA) and CG Poseidon, the former team got a 2-1 victory to book their spot in the semifinals and displace the 2024 EFA runners-up. AIA got the lead through Dalon Sankar as they took a one-goal lead to halftime, before Isaiah Isaac got the eventual game-winner in second-half play.

The semis will be contested on November 9 via a double-header in La Horquetta, with FC Maloney taking on Athletic United in the first match from 5 pm and Malabar Youngstars playing AIA from 7 pm.

The 2025 EFA winners will get a $15,000 prize, with the second and third-placed teams receiving $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Eastern Connect out Maloney’s perfect run in EFA

FC Maloney (18 points) had their winning run in the 2025 Eastern Football Association (EFA) season stopped at six games on October 12 when they were beaten 4-3 by Eastern Connect FC (16 points) in their group B encounter at Clayton Ince recreation grounds in Maloney.

In a quite thrilling encounter, the second-placed Eastern Connect team got first-half goals from Cadeem Jackie and Corie Dhanoolal, who notched a brace. With the game seemingly heading to an exciting 3-3 draw, Eastern Connect’s Sean Labadie had the final say with a dagger to Maloney’s perfect run with a goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage-time to seal the seven-goal affair.

Also in group B, Wallerfield United (13 points) consolidated third spot when they whipped seventh-placed USC Hummers 4-0 at Maracas recreation grounds. Wallerfield were powered by Revaldo Patrick who scored a double, with Emmanuel Phillip and Kevin Thornhill scoring a goal apiece.

As the race for the top four spots in group B tightens with the “Big 8” drawing closer, FC Porto Arima (12 points) moved up to fourth when they defeated Trincity Nationals 3-1, with Wesley Lewis, Rivaldo Patron and veteran attacker Mikheil Peters scoring the goals.

Maracas United (11 points) dropped out of group B’s top four when they played to a goalless draw with with last season’s runners-up CG Poseidon (eight points) in the second game of the Maracas double-header.

In group A, the race for the top four spots were decided, with Heatwave FC (11 points) grabbing fourth when they earned a 2-1 win over the seventh-placed Malabar FC (three points) courtesy goals from Stephen Christopher and Jeremiah Scott. With the victory, Heatwave surpassed La Horquetta XF (eight points) who already played their full quota of seven matches in round-robin play.

With reigning EFA champs Malabar Youngstars (19 points) having secured first place in the group on the previous match day, CPC Athletic International Academy and Athletic United FC (both 15 points) ended group A in second and third respectively despite the latter’s 1-0 win when they clashed on the weekend. Jeremiah Rodriguez scored the lone item for Athletic United as they got past CPC.

The Big 8 will be contested from October 26. The EFA winners will earn $15,000, with the second and third-laced teams receiving $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Malabar Youngstars, Maloney maintain unbeaten records in EFA

EASTERN Football Association (EFA) holders Malabar Youngstars (19 points) continued their unbeaten run in the 2025 campaign on October 5 when they got a thumping 5-1 win over Heatwave FC (eight points) in their group A clash at the Arima Velodrome.

Midfielder Abraham Martin scored a brace to lead Youngstars, with Kendell Borneo, Jeromy Joseph and veteran striker Ricardo John scoring a goal apiece. Youngstars have won six of their seven matches thus far this season and have a four-point lead in group A ahead of CPC Athletic International Academy (15 points).

At Eddie Hart Ground in Tacarigua, CPC made a big statement when they hammered SKHY FC 7-0. Malachi Woodley scored a hat-trick to lead CPC, with Isaiah Isaac scoring a brace. Koby Morin and Damon Sankar scored a goal apiece. Also in group A, the third-placed Athletic United (12 points) also enjoyed themselves in front of goal when they defeated La Horquetta XF 6-1 at UTT’s O’Meara campus. Jeneke Danzell scored a hat-trick for Athletic United, with Kaylon Williams and striker Kesean St Rose also among the scorers as their team made light work of group A’s fourth-placed club.

In group B, FC Maloney (18 points) made it six wins out of six when they edged Wallerfield United (ten points) in a top-three clash. Isaiah Edwards and silky midfielder Jadel Carter scored for Maloney. In Tacarigua, group B’s second-place team Eastern Connect FC (13 points) dropped precious points when they were held to a 2-2 draw by the struggling Trincity Nationals (two points). Corie Dhanoolal and Chris Toussaint found the target for Eastern Connect, with Jaden Cordner and centre forward Malachi Celestine scoring for Trincity.

Also in group B, the fifth-placed FC Porto Arima (nine points) spanked the cellar-placed Zebulun FC 8-0, with last season’s runner-up CG Poseidon (seven points) edging USC Hummers 2-1. Nyrek Thornhill and veteran attacker Mikheil Peters both scored twice in Porto’s rout of Zebulun, with Codel Bailey and Tyrek James scoring the goals for Poseidon in their tight win over the Hummers.

After round-robin play, the top four teams from the two groups will contest the “Big 8” from October 26, leading up to the final on November 9. The EFA winners will pocket $15,000, with the second- and third-place teams receiving $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Army teams put unbeaten streaks on line as First Citizens Cup kicks off

DEFENCE Force’s TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier one and tier two teams will put their unbeaten runs in the 2024/25 season on the line when the round of 32 in the First Citizens Knockout competition commences on May 7.

Defence Force’s tier one team are the First Citizens Knockout Cup holders, having beaten AC Port of Spain 3-1 in the 2024 finale. Meanwhile, Defence Force clinched the 2024/25 tier one title when they got a 1-0 win over MIC Central FC Reboot at the St James Police Barracks on May 4.

In the first match of a double-header at the Defence Force Reserves Ground from 5 pm, Defence Force’s tier two unit will put a 14-game unbeaten streak to the test when they face tier one’s 1976 FC Phoenix. From 7 pm, Defence Force’s tier one team will tackle tackle struggling tier two club Evolution FC. Coach Densill Theobald’s Defence Force team are on an unbeaten 18-game run in the country’s top flight.

Last season’s losing finalists AC PoS will also begin their 2025 First Citizens campaign on May 7, as they will face Club Sando’s tier two team from 6 pm at the Arima Velodrome.

At the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, an all-tier one clash will see Caledonia playing Eagles FC from 6 pm. From 8 pm in Couva, last season’s TTPFL tier one runners-up Miscellaneous Police FC will take on tier two’s QPCC.

From 6 pm at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground on May 7, Central FC will tackle tier two holders Harlem Strikers, with a battle of youthful teams taking centre stage in the second game of a La Horquetta double-header when San Juan Jabloteh meet Terminix La Horquetta Rangers from 8 pm. Meanwhile, from 8 pm at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin, Malabar Youngstars, one of the tier two frontrunners, will square off with cellar-placed tier one team Point Fortin Civic.

First Citizens round of 32 action will continue on May 8, with three of the seven matches being contested in Tobago as Bethel SC, Carnbee/Mount Pleasant FC and Sidey’s SC look to make their mark. From 6 pm at UTT’s O’Meara compound on May 8, UTT will entertain Union Hall United in an interesting matchup between two high-flying tier two teams. On May 3, Union Hall moved to second spot in group two of TTPFL’s second tier with a 7-0 mauling of Central Soccer World. UTT are currently third in group one of the second tier.

The winners of this year’s First Citizens Cup will receive a $100,000 cash prize, with the runners-up receiving $50,000.

Malabar Youngstars edge CG Poseidon to EFA title

Two second-half goals from Malabar Youngstars propelled them to the 2024 Eastern Football Association (EFA) league title on October 20 when they got a tight 2-1 win versus CG Poseidon at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground.

Both teams advanced to the final with narrow semifinal wins, as Malabar edged FC Santos Arima 3-2 after extra-time, with Poseidon defeating Natural FC by a 2-1 margin.

And 45 minutes into the grand finale, there was precious little to separate the two teams as they went into the break goalless despite creating good chances at either end. Goals may have been lacking in the first half, but the second half didn’t disappoint as the game was turned on its head with three goals in 21 minutes.

Runners-up to Maloney Eagles last year by a one-point margin, Malabar had a quick one-two punch to jump out to a 2-0 lead, with Man of the Match Jeremiah Williams and Nickerson Simpson giving their team a healthy advantage.

A defensive midfielder by trade, the 21-year-old Williams has lofty dreams of representing the Soca Warriors one day and helping them qualify for another World Cup. In La Horquetta, though, the former Trinity College East player was putting in a solid shift to help his team to EFA glory.

It’s often said a two-goal lead is the most dangerous one in football, and after a lapse in concentration by the Malabar defence – much to coach Kevon Hall’s chagrin – Poseidon opened their account in the 66th minute when Graeme Felix got on the scoresheet.

Similar to Williams, Hall too has big dreams as he longs for sponsors to come on board to help him keep his talented, youthful team together. With TT Premier Football League tier two and tier aspirations on his mind, Hall was elated his team dug deep to hold on to their lead and go one better than their 2023 EFA finish.

Malabar Youngstars’ Jeremiah Williams (right) receives his Man of the Match award from former Fifa assistant referee Kevin Lewis after helping his team to the 2024 Eastern Football Association (EFA) title on October 20. Photo courtesy EFA. –

Malabar will pocket a $25,000 prize for their title win, with the second-placed Poseidon receiving $15,000.

Meanwhile, FC Santos will receive $10,000 for their third-place finish after edging Natural FC 5-4 via a penalty shootout. Santos held a 2-1 lead at the half, but Natural FC staged a valiant second-half fightback as the game ended 3-3.

First-half goals by Rivaldo Patron and Nyrek Thornhill gave Santos a 2-0 lead by the 18th minute, before Natural stormed back into the contest with three goals of their own – two of which came from the boot of talented attacker Jadel-Josiah Carter.

Santos got a timely 80th minute equaliser from Fidel Phillip, and they held their nerve from the spot to secure third place.

CG Poseidon, Malabar Youngstars advance to EFA final

CG Poseidon and Malabar Youngstars advanced to the final of the 2024 Eastern Football Association (EFA) league season when they earned respective semifinal victories over Natural FC and FC Santos Arima on October 6.

At the D’Abadie recreation ground, CG Poseidon were trailing Natural FC 1-0 at the half after a 26th-minute goal from Roshan Hamilton. In the 57th minute, Poseidon’s task got harder when referee Gordon Maloney sent off Joseph Thomas for a professional foul just outside the area.

Despite playing with ten men, Poseidon dug deep to turn the game around in the latter stages, as they got an equaliser from Zedane Ravalla in the 71st minute, before Kadeem Robertson bagged the winning item in the 76th minute to secure a 2-1 result.

At the George Boyce recreation ground, D’Abadie, Malabar Youngstars were involved in a five-goal thriller as they came out on the right side of a 3-2 finish against FC Santos in a game which was decided in extra time.

The teams could not be separated after 90 minutes in the tight semifinal encounter, and Malabar captain Renaldo Francois saw his 25th-minute goal cancelled out by Santos attacker and player/coach Mikheil Peters in the 43rd minute as the teams ended regulation squared at 1-1.

In the 30 minutes of extra time, drama ensued as Santos captain Jamal Ollivierie was shown a red card in the 94th minute for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

In the form of striker Jorel Grant, Malabar took the game by the scruff of the neck in the first period of extra time, as the young attacker scored twice in four minutes to give his team a 3-1 lead heading into the second half of extra time.

Malabar did have a nervy end to the contest, as Peters converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to cut the deficit to 3-2. There wasn’t enough time for ten-man Santos to complete a dramatic comeback, though, and Malabar will now advance to the October 20 final, where they will meet Poseidon in a battle for the EFA league title.

Both Malabar and Poseidon have shown their mettle in the 2024 campaign, as they topped their respective groups. Malabar won all six games in group B, with Poseidon rattling off five wins to go along with one defeat in group A.

Malabar then progressed to the semis with a 3-1 win over Eastern Connect FC in their quarterfinal matchup, with Poseidon edging United AFC 2-1 in their quarterfinal meeting.

EFA holders Maloney Eagles’ own title quest came to a crashing end when they were thumped 6-2 by Natural FC in the quarterfinals.