Superior goaltending was the key to victory as Mon Repos emerged champions in the St Lucia Football Association’s (SLFA) Royal Club Under-21 National Championship. The final and third place playoff was played Saturday at the Sab Playing Field.
Mon Repos won the final over Gros Islet but it was no easy feat for this Royal Club. This exciting encounter remained scoreless after regulation time and as a result extra time was needed. Mon Repos finally broke the scoreless deadlock in the 107th minute when Yod Fevrier scored.
Many thought that goal was the game breaker but just two minutes later Gros Islet tied it up when sharpshooter Aramis Gilbert, who was kept in check for most of the game, got free.
With the game still tied 1-1 after extra time a penalty shootout was needed to break the deadlock. Unfortunately for Gros Islet that’s when the Mon Repos goalkeeper Shem Peter rose to the occasion. He was brilliant stopping two penalty kicks as Mon Repos went on to win on penalty kicks 4-1.
Commenting on the game, Mon Repos Coach Vance Vitalis applauded his team: “We played a magnificent game. We did not lay back. We attacked and it worked. We put Gros Islet off their game plan however we squandered too many chances but we persevered and finally won.”
Mon Repos’ game plan centered on stopping sharpshooter Gilbert who was the main threat for Gros Islet. They succeeded to a certain extent except when Gilbert eluded his defender and fired a shot past the goalkeeper.
What are the chances of Mon Repos retaining the title?
Teams had better watch out. Vitalis informed me that the whole squad will be back next year which is bad news for the rest of the league.
Preceding the final was the third place playoff, which was a lack luster affair between Dennery and Central Castries. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Central Castries with Luc Miller scoring the game winner in the 23rd minute.
Following the final was a brief prize giving ceremony with the first and second place trophies along with medals being presented. In attendance was SLFA Secretary Victor Reid along with Windward and Leeward Brewery Innovations Manager, Germaine Serieux.
