G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
UGC, SANTOS UNITED AND
UFC WIN
United
Goans Centre, Santos United and United Friends Club were through to the next
round after winning hard fought encounters in the first round of the GOA
Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds
under the auspices of KIFF.
Goalkeeping
errors were the talking point of the day and in the first match, Kuwait’s
oldest Goan soccer club, United Goans Centre shocked Indian Strikers 2-1 when
Dominic Fernandes headed home from close range from an exquisite cross by
veteran Jerry Mello in the 18th minute and Alfred’s feeble attempt
on the Indian Strikers goal ended in the back of the net due to a communication
error between the keeper and defenders of Indian Strikers. Hard working Noushad Abu Baker reduced the
margin for Indian Strikers in the 65th minute, but United Goans
defended well to absorb all the pressure in the dying minutes from Indian
Strikers and emerge victorious. The
match was officiated by IFRA official Julio Cardoso with assistance from
Christopher and Simon.
 |
| United Goans Centre won 2-1 |
Santos
United who have played some exciting soccer towards the end of this season,
were down a goal against DHL FC in the 24th minute when Cruz Silva’s
smashing drive found the back of the net and it seemed like DHL would cause a
major upset. However, super sub, James
Rebello equalized for Santos United in the 64th minutes when the UFC
goalkeeper fumbled and dropped the ball and Anthony Rego scored from an acute
angle in the dying minutes of extra time to earn Santos United a hard fought
victory. Pascoal was the centre referee
and assisted by Sharma and Christopher on the lines.
 |
| Santos United won 2-1 in extra time |
In
the day’s last match of this prestigious tournament now in it’s 20th
edition, United Friends Club (UFC) finally played to their potential when they
edged Malabar United 1-0. Duarte Ferrao,
Prince and Shehin were the stars for UFC, but it was Mauricio Simoes who turned
hero of the day when he scored the all important goal for his team in the 22nd
minute. The Malabar boys had their
chances but were unfortunate not to convert.
The match was officiated by Sarto Baptista with Francis and Simon on the
lines.
 |
| United Friends Club winners 1-0 |
Next
week will see some exciting matches with
FC Sparx taking on Skynet Raiders at 6:45am, Don Bosco Oratory play Goa
Maroons at 8:00am and Real Betalbatim FC play YRC Rising Stars at 9:15am. All teams are requested to report on time.
Report & pics by: Julio Cardoso
