[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was by no means the World Cup but it sure seemed like it, after Patience Youth Organization (PYO) from Mon Repos defeated neighbors Leeds United of Micoud 2 -1 on their home turf Sunday afternoon, to win the inaugural Dr Gale TC Rigobert Football Tournament.
Despite the game being played on Leeds United home field, it appeared that Mon Repos supporters outnumbered Leeds fans. They certainly made their presence felt and after the game, celebrated with the team and formed a motorcade where the celebration hit fever pitch after reaching Mon Repos.
PYO led 2-0 after the first half, with the opening goal being scored by Leewin Hippolyte. The second was a gift courtesy of an own goal by Leonard Casimire.
Leeds battled valiantly in the second half and got a consolation goal from Levi Altidore by way of a penalty kick. However it was too little too late and PYO emerged champions with a 2-1 win.
In the third place playoff that preceded the final, Uprising United came away with a hard fought 1-0 win over Young Strikers Sports Club. The winning goal came from Ridge Griffith in the 57th minute.
Following the final there was a brief prize giving ceremony. Prior to the awards being presented, Parliamentary Representative for Micoud South, Gale Rigobert addressed the crowd. She said: “We have come to the end of the Dr Gale Rigobert TC Football Tournament and indeed it is a taste of things to come. At the opening ceremony I did indicate that it is the last time we are playing on this pitch, because the sportsmen and women of Micoud North deserve better. So the next parliament is held this field will have been completely rehabilitated.”
She thanked all the managers, organizing committee, Mon Repos and Micoud Football Leagues, participating teams, councils, sponsors and everyone responsible for the success of the tournament.
Referring to the tournament’s theme “Fostering Discipline Through Sports,” Dr Rigobert said: “We are committed to ensuring that our sportsmen and women have the benefit and the experiences, that will ensure they can develop their sporting competency.”
She went on to say, “I want to congratulate the winning team PYO and Leeds coming second. I want to thank all the teams, the community and all the supporters. This is truly a family activity. The very vision has been realized. One that we get to see the sportsmanship of our young men on display and secondly being that we can mobilize the community and ensure that whole families can came out and participate. So thank you everyone, the media, sponsors and see you at the opening of the new Micoud Playing Field.”
On to the awards. Most Goals: Slyvious Stephen (Young Strikers) and Carlton Daniel (Uprising United) tied with eight. Most Valuable Player of the Finals, Mike Moncherry (PYO). Best Defender in the Tournament, Leonard Casimire (Leeds United). Best Midfielder in the Tournament, Levi Altidore (Leeds United). Best Goalkeeper, Gavin Fanus (Leeds United) who conceded one goal before the finals. MVP of the Tournament, Shervin Charles (PYO).
For winning PYO received a cheque for EC$6000.00 along with a trophy and medals. Second place Leeds United took home a trophy and medals along with EC$3,000.00. Third place Uprising United received a trophy, medals and EC$2,000.00.
The tournament saw 77 goals scored from 23 games. The Mon Repos and Micoud Football Leagues thanked the Parliamentary Representative, Dr Gale TC Rigobert, the organizers, sponsors, match officials, field maintenance persons, footballers, the media and fans who made this tournament a huge success and hope to improve and grow bigger in 2019.
