2018 Int'l FGSL season recap

The FGSL capped its seventh season on Sunday. It was one to remember for Jamaica as they won their second International league title and first Champions of Champions Cup. The Grenadians will also look back at this season with smiles on their faces for they added two more silverwares to their collection: a Champions of Champions Cup and the Supporters Cup.

Guyana won their first FGSL trophy as they captured the inaugural edition of the Players Cup. As for the most notable individual awards, Jamaica forward John-Ross Edwards won the 2018 FGSL Ballon D'or, Grenada center back Damionne ‘Solo’ Cyrus was nominated Player of the Decade and his compatriot Clive Murray won the Int’l Golden Boot award.

Reggae Boyz conquered Grenada 2-0 to win the Int'l league title 

Jamaica players and coaching staff posing for a picture with the International FGSL trophy. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Jamaica closed an undefeated Int’l FGSL season by blanking last year’s champions Grenada 2-0 in the final on September 2^nd, thanks to John-Ross Edwards’ brace.

The Reggae Boyz had the best defense in the league, conceding five goals in 12 matches. And to reach the final they ended the regular season in second place then rolled past Saint Kitts and Nevis 8-1 in the quarterfinals before downing Saint Lucia 1-0 in the semifinals.

A pair of teenagers helped Grenada win the Supporters Cup in PKs over Saint Vincent

In a team loaded with ex-international players like Grenada, two teenagers, Azel Dottin and Naji Fievre, didn’t just manage to make the starting line-up of a cup final but made the headlines as The Spice Boyz conquered Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4-2 in penalties to take hold of the second edition of the Supporters Cup on Sunday evening.

16-year-old Dottin racked two saves in the penalty shootout while 15-year-old Fievre netted the opener.

"The first save I knew where he was going I had confidence in myself so I did it," Dottin said about his blocks in the shootout. "The second one I showed people it wasn’t luck, I knew what I was doing."

Despite the youngster’s heroics in the penalty shootout, Saint Vincent opened the scoring from his mistake 17 minutes into the match. Dottin spilled Zenga Samuel’s long range hit in front of him; Ryan Chris pounced on the rebound and banged the ball home past the young keeper.

Dottin’s teenage friend, Fievre, made up for his mistake in the 24^th minute with an equalizer as he tapped Clive Murray’s low cross in the net on a counter attack.

SVG went back on top two minutes later when Stephane took full advantage of a mispositioned Dottin on a breakaway and strolled Chris’ square pass in the net.

"After those two mistakes, I said that’s the last one," the 16-year-old said, "after this one it’s over, no more mistakes, I’m about to help this team win this game."

Grenada had a chance to level the scoring again when Murray drew a spot kick in the 45^th minute. Saint Vincent keeper Marcus Williams denied Grenada striker Ike Thomas from netting the equalizer as he dove on his right to grasp the ball.

The Spice Boyz didn’t tie the game until 10 minutes into the second half  through Shavon John-Brown's screamer. The midfielder paced by a sea of Saint Vincent players before sizzling a shot to the top right corner of the net from about 25 yards out.

The score remained locked 2-2 all the way to the final whistle. Despite his age, Dottin was confident going into in the penalty shootout.

"I was not nervous at all," he said, "I had confidence in my team because I knew they were going to score all the penalties so it was just up to me to make that one save."

Indeed all of the first three Grenadians scored from 12 yards, John-Brown, Murray and Moran Phillip.

Dottin blocked Saint Vincent’s first two PKs, diving on his left then on his right respectively before Damionne 'Solo' Cyrus netted the winning spot kick.

Jamaica outlasted Guyana in PKs to win the Champions Cup 

Game pic of Jamaica's match versus Guyana. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Int’l FGSL titlists Jamaica snatched the Champions of Champions Cup, edging Players Cup winners Guyana 5-4 in penalty kicks after coming back from a two-goal deficit in the regular 90.

Guyana took an early lead as Romello Fraser capped a counter attack with a low finish to the far-left corner from the top of the box.

The Golden Jaguars went up by two in the 20^th minute when Shane Luckie brought down Collie Harcolese’s long ball down before going around keeper Devon Haughton to roll the ball in an empty net.

Romario Brown cut Guyana’s lead in half as he directed a rebound from the opposing keeper’s gloves in the net just five minutes inside the second half.

The Reggae Boyz drew a penalty kick 12 minutes into the second period when Haughton was brought down by the opposite keeper in the box.

Javon Allison converted the spot kick, picking the lower right corner of the net. Neither sides were able to score for the remainder of the regular play hence the game went to PK.

In his first match with the team, Jamaica’s keeper Omar Mazelin blocked Guyana’s last penalty to walk his country to a 5-4 win.

Mazelin was thrilled of his save.

“As a goalkeeper personally, it’s one of the best feelings to know that you saved the last penalty.”

He previously mentioned: “I was confident. I told myself ‘Alright, I think I have to do it now or it’s not going to be done so the confidence that I gave myself before is what gave me the drive.’”

Grenada conquered St. Lucia in first ever Champions Cup

Grenada captain Clive Murray as he receives the Champions of Champions Cup. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Grenada lifted the first trophy of the season back in May as they slimmed past Saint Lucia 3-2 in the first edition of the Champions of Champions Cup (Int’l FGSL winner vs Supporters Cup winner).

Fullback Ariel Jacob scored an 80^th minute tap in to usher The Spice Boyz to the win. Prior to that Clive Murray netted a double for Grenada. Bradley Nestor was also on target twice for Saint Lucia.

Guyana beat Saint Vincent in Players Cup to win their first FGSL trophy

Guyana players posing for a picture with the Players Cup. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

You don’t ever forget your first love; Guyana will never forget the Players Cup, it was the first FGSL trophy they won. The Golden Jaguars bagged the cup by vanquishing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1 in the final.

Guyana downed juggernaut Jamaica in the quarterfinals and 2017 Supporters Cup winners Saint-Lucia in the semis to reach the final.

Solo was selected Player of the Decade

FGSL Player of the Decade Damionne 'Solo' Cyrus on the ball for Grenada. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

The cool-headed small center back Damionne ‘Solo’ Cyrus received an early Player of the Decade award—early for it is only the league’s seventh year of existence.

Solo is one of the calmest center half you will find in the FGSL, one of his most noticeable expertise is to play the ball out of the back under pressure by shifting past the forwards before pushing a pinpoint pass to his teammate.

Despite his small stature Solo has also been a wall in Grenada’s defensive third, thanks to his tremendous soccer I.Q. and pace.

The veteran Grenadian said he’s retiring after this season but you can bet that you’ll see him on the pitch again next year and the year after.

Edwards won 2018 FGSL Ballon D'or

Jamaica striker John-Ross Edwards. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

When you score two goals in the Int’l FGSL final after scoring one in the semifinals, you make it easy to pick the Player of the Year.

What’s hard to pick is Edwards’ top weapon of the season--between pace, ball control or shots. Long balls, short passes, under pressure, when going full speed, the ball almost always seemed to glue itself on the Jamaican’s boots; as for his pace, whether it was on counters or when his side was slowly making its way in their opponents’ defensive third, Ewdards often broke himself yards away from the defenders.

To top it all the 30-year-old’s shots had one the most finest combination of accuracy and power we saw in the playoffs.

Murray was the Int'l league's top scorer

2018 International FGSL Golden Boot winner Clive Murray exchanging a handshake with Andre Toussaint. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Grenada captain Clive Murray led the Int’l league in scoring with 11 goals.

Haughton bagged the Int’l league's FGSL Golden Gloves

2018 FGSL Final MVP John-Ross Ewdards alongside Golden Gloves winner Devon Haughton. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Jamaica netminder Devon Haughton took home the Golden Gloves as he helped his country to the lowest goal conceded percentage, allowing five goals in 12 games in the league.

Guyana takes on Jamaica in the Champions Cup; Lucia clashes with Grenada in the Supporters Cup semis

Although the International FGSL competition ended last week with Jamaica bagging the trophy, the FGSL still has plenty of soccer left. Another silverware will be fight for this Sunday as Jamaica squares up with Guyana in the Champions of Champions Cup and Saint Lucia will go head to head with Grenada in the second semifinal of the Supporters Cup.

Guyana will challenge Jamaica for the Champions of Champions Cup

2018 Int’l FGSL champions Jamaica will battle 2018 Players Cup titlists Guyana for the Champions of Champions Cup on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. at Old Boys High Athletic Field.

Guyana won the Players Cup by defeating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1 on August 12^th meanwhile Jamaica was crowned Int’l FGSL champions by blanking Grenada 2-0 last Sunday after an undefeated domestic season.

The Reggae Boyz center back Steven ‘Nicko’ Bailey expressed that hoisting the Int’l FGSL trophy last week gives him and his teammates a stronger desire to add one more piece of silverware to the team’s trophy cabinet.

"The taste of championship on Sunday gives us drive to actually go out and win another one," Nicko said.

He later added: "Our main objective is to win championships, ain't no slowing down for us we’re going to keep the same tempo from Sunday’s game against Grenada and carry it into this Sunday's cup final against Guyana.”

Jamaica center half Steven 'Nicko' Bailey. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

The defender went on to mentioning how crucial it is for his side to control the game in the midfield from the get-go as they did in the Int’l FGSL final when they outshot the Grenadians 8-0 in the first 22 minutes.

"We have a great midfield, Jermaine Hue in the midfield is always dictating the game. It’s very important to dictate the game form early on as always,” Nicko said.

"As I said each and every game we play our main objective is control the game from the start so I think that wouldn’t change in another final so we’re going to keep the same objective."

As for Guyana, despite losing their last match to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3-2 in the Supporters Cup semifinal and falling out of the Int’l FGSL in the quarterfinals, they've been one of the strongest teams in the FGSL in the past two seasons.

The Golden Jaguars reached the Int’l FGSL final last year, losing to Grenada, and in their road to the Players Cup's silverware they overpowered Jamaica, 2017 Supporters Cup champions Saint Lucia 5-1 before narrowing past Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the final 2-1.

"Guyana is always a good team," Nicko said, "they made it to the final last year and everything,” "Without putting nothing past them, you know, we’re on a high right now, we’re going to keep it that way."

Guyana is on a two-game non-losing streak versus the Jamaicans. They drew with The Reggae Boyz 1-1 in the Int’l FGSL on July 1st and as mentioned triumphed over them in the Players Cup on July 29^th.

Grenada will look to shrug off their loss in the Int'l final with a win over St. Lucia in the Supporters Cup semis

Saint Lucia will face Grenada in the second semifinal of the Supporters Cup on Sunday at 5:45 p.m. at Old Boys High Athletic Field.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines won the first semifinal last Sunday, edging Guyana 3-2 to clinch the final.

The Spice Boyz will go into the final just a week after falling to Jamaica 2-0 in the Int’l FGSL championship game.

"It’s never, never, never easy to lose a final," Grenada head coach Alidas Peters said. "But to lose a good final is somewhat could be acceptable just like what happened last Sunday. The performance of my team wasn’t really up to par. We started off slow."

However Peters stated that his side’s loss in the Int’l FGSL final won’t affect the players' performance negatively versus Lucia.

"For the game on Sunday, I mean, we have bounced back before. We’re ready for Saint Lucia—mentally I think they’re ready for St. Lucia," he said. "We played them some amounts of times this year and have come out victorious.

"So mentally it may be easy on us but you never know, us losing in a final could just be an added fuel for St. Lucia to put the pressure on us and try to come out with a victory but we’re ready for whatever it is on Sunday."

Grenada got the best out of Lucia twice this season, beating them 3-2 in the Champions of Champions Cup back on May 20^th and 4-1 in the Int’l FGSL on June 24^th.

Neverteheless The Pitons are undefeated in their last two outings against the Grenadians as they vanquished The Spice Boyz 2-1 in the Players Cup’s third place match on August 12^th and drew with them 3-3 in the same competition on July 15^th.

To avoid a third consecutive winless match versus St. Lucia, Peters noted that his side will have to overcome their struggle to start games strong.

"What I took from the game on Sunday [the Int’l FGSL final versus Jamaica] is what we’ve been preaching on all season, not to have a slow start," Peters said. "We definitely started slow on Sunday not like we did against Trinidad in the previous game the week before, that game we came out running, guns running, guns blazing.

"We definitely need to come guns blazing just the same way, so we can finish off with two tournaments on top [Grenada already won a Champions of Champions Cup this season] and come out with what you may call a moral victory because we definitely wanted to win last Sunday.”  

Unlike Grenada, St. Lucia won their last match as they slimmed past Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the Int’l FGSL’s third place match last Sunday. Moreover, The Pitons are not unfamiliar with racking wins in the Supporters Cup as they won the competition last year in its inaugural edition.

Jamaica downs Grenada 2-0 through Edwards’ double to take home the FGSL trophy

Jamaica players and coaching staff posing for a picture with the International FGSL trophy. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

Ex-Jamaica international John-Ross Edwards netted a brace past Grenada to carry the undefeated Reggae Boyz (9-0-3) to the 2018 International FGSL title.

Edwards stated that it was strenuous task to dethrone the Grenadians from the FGSL title.

“We came up against a defending champion, you know, it wasn’t going to be easy,” Edwards said after the final, “but as I said in the previous interview, ‘We know it’s going to be tough but as long as we play as a team we know we’re going to come out victorious.’”

The 30-year-old forward also netted the game winning goal of Jamaica’s semifinal match versus Saint-Lucia, which ended 1-0. Edwards was thrilled to add two more to his name in the biggest game of the season.

“As a forward scoring in a final game is wonderful, you know. Without goals you can’t win a game, to score the two goals that gave my team the trophy tonight I feel very proud,” he said.

Jamaica striker John-Ross Edwards. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

Although they came into the game as the second favorite, Jamaica had Grenada by their throat in the opening 22 minutes, taking eight shots when the Grenadians had yet to register one.

The Jamaicans took their first shot in the fifth minute when Romario Brown curled a shot toward the upper right corner of the goal from outside the box to force Simeon Peters to leap for a save.

Jamaica’s constant drive in the Grenadians defensive third led to a goal in the 22^nd minute. Brown headed Javon’s cross down toward Edwards in the box. The former Harbor View striker stayed composed and tapped the ball beyond keeper Peters from the six-yard box.

Grenada woke up after the opener, recording their first shot of the encounter five minutes later as Shane Rennie headed Moran Phillip’s free kick from the left wing over the bar.

The Spice Boyz attempted to equalize again from a set piece when Rennie hit a free-kick just over the crossbar from about 20 yards out in the 29^th minute.

Grenada came close to level the scoring from another free kick in the 38^th minute as Marcus Julien headed Phillip’s free kick inches past the far-left goalpost.

After Grenada’s dominance in the end of the first half, the Jamaicans came out of the break red-hot. Edwards had the spectators on their feet in the 54^th minute as he voluptuously faked two shots before steering a low effort on frame. Peters denied Edwards from scoring a highlight-reel goal, side-stepping on his left to save the shot.

Edwards' next shot did go past Peters from a play most wouldn’t expect to result in a goal.   

Grenada center back Damionne ‘Solo’ Cyrus hit a poor clearance up in the air; Edwards was lurking behind him and lobbed the ball in the net from the top of the 18 in the 62^nd minute.

The Spice Boyz skipper Clive Murray tried to cut Jamaica’s lead in half the following minute, swifting past a couple of Jamaicans diagonally in the box but when he pulled the trigger Fabian Elliott made a heroic diving block.

Grenada captain Clive Murray had his shot blocked by defender Fabian Elliott in the 63rd minute. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

The Spice Boyz missed another golden opportunity in the 71^st minute. Shavon John-Brown found Julien with a magnificent through ball on a counter attack; Julien looked to take advantage of keeper Haughton being off his line and rushed a shot from outside the box but unfortunately for the defending champions the ball whistled past the right goalpost.

The Jamaican backline stayed compact for the remainder of the match to keep Grenada scoreless and crown themselves 2018 Int’l FGSL champions.

Four key notes

1. Individual awards: Grenada striker Clive Murray won the Golden Boot award, netting 11 goals in his country’s 11 games. 

2018 International FGSL Golden Boot winner Clive Murray exchanging a handshake with Andre Toussaint. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

Jamaica forward John-Ross Edwards was nominated final’s MVP for his brace and his countrymate Devon Haughton bagged the Golden Gloves.

2018 FGSL Final MVP John-Ross Ewdards alongside Golden Gloves winner Devon Haughton. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

2. The Impenetrable yard: Jamaica had the best defense in the league, allowing five goals in 12 outings and holding the fast offensive monsters scoreless in the final.

3. First year at the job wasn't a bad one for Gunter: Jamaica coach Rodney Gunter led Jamaica to the title in his first season in charge.

Jamaica coach Rodney Gunter holding the International FGSL trophy. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

4. Wasn't enough but not bad from Peters: Grenada keeper Simeon Peters put up a phenomenal performance between the sticks, racking eight saves against the hungry Jamaicans.

Statistics

Jamaica

Shots (on target): 20 (10)

Saves: 2 (keeper Devon Haughton)

Fouls: 8

Yellow cards: 0

Red cards: 0

Corners: 5

Offsides: 1

Grenada

Shots (on target): 8 (3)

Saves: 8 (keeper Simeon Peters)

Fouls: 8

Yellow cards: 0

Red cards: 0

Corners: 3

Offsides: 1

FGSL Labor Day games preview; Grenada will seek their fourth Int'l FGSL title versus Jamaica

Labor means hard work, well the FGSL have a ton of work to do this Labor Day weekend. Four games will be played this Sunday at Old Boys High Athletic Field. The most anticipated one is of course the International FGSL final between two juggernauts Grenada and Jamaica; the Supporters Cup will also start with Guyana taking on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Trinidad and Tobago will be in a action as well as they will face Saint Lucia for the third place Int'l FGSL silverware. And not to forget, Atlanta Legends will play an exhibition match versus Unity F.C's over-35 team.

Here's a preview of the FGSL Labor Day games this weekend:

Int'l FGSL final: Powerhouses Grenada and Jamaica battle for the Int'l FGSL trophy

The last and certainly not the least game of the day will be the Int'l FGSL championship match between the speedy Grenadians and defensive powerhouse Jamaica at 7:30 p.m., which will be the second consecutive Int'l FGSL final played under floodlights.

The Spice Boyz won the title last year, besting Guyana 1-0, and owns the most Int'l FGSL trophy, winning the league three times in 2012, 2014 and in 2017, as mentioned.

Ex-Jamaica international star Jermaine Hue holds Grenada in high regard but expressed that his country has a bold and talented team.

"Yes, we have to give Grenada respect because they are the defending champs," Hue said. "We are Jamaica and we are a confident team with a lot of very good players that love to win championships. This is a game that we are going to take very seriously, a game that we must win."

Jamaica playmaker Jermaine Hue in a match versus Saint Lucia. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images


The Reggae Boyz have one Int'l FGSL title to their name, winning the league in 2015. They're going in the final undefeated in the league with a 8-0-3 record and conceded the least goals, allowing five goals in 11 outings.

Jamaica clinched the final by cruising past Saint Kitts and Nevis 8-1 in the quarterfinals and slimming past Saint Lucia 1-0 in the semis after ending the regular season in second spot.

As for Grenada, they finished the regular season in first place by just one point over Jamaica with a 7-1-1 record and after enjoying a bye round in the quarterfinals they conquered Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 in the semis.

Last time the two teams faced in the Int'l FGSL the match ended 2-2. Grenada 23-year-old midfielder Shavon John-Brown, who also plays for the national team, shared that his side's pace and chemistry will be beneficial in breaking down The Reggae Boyz defense.

"I think my team's pace and chemistry will be very valuable because we know what Jamaica can bring to the table," John-Brown said, "they are one of the best the team in the league, lots of talent,  so I'll just hope that on game day my team together with myself are up for the challenge and willing to go that extra mile."

Grenada starlet Shavon John-Brown. Brooklyn Soccer Life Images


Sunday's final will be the youngster's first final for his country at any level as he missed last season's championship match due to his collegiate season.

"I played in many finals before, but this one is a little different since it's my country I'm representing," John-Brown said. "I'm going out there to give everything I have in the tank, so that after the game win or lose I can say I did my best."

The 23-year-old netted in the semis against Trinidad and is the fifth top scorer with eight goals. Two more Grenadians with eyes for goals to watch out for in the final are Clive Murray, who leads the league in goals, tallying 11 and Marcus Julien who's second behind Murray with nine goals.



Supporters Cup: Guyana vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at 4:15 p.m.

The Supporters Cup will start this Sunday with a match-up between Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at 4:15 p.m. The FGSL started the Supporters Cup last season due the lack of soccer competitions in Brooklyn after Labor Day. 

Guyana manager Akintunde 'Riggit' Rudder is thrilled that his team will take part in the Supporters Cup.

"These cups add more exciting soccer for the players and most of all for the fans across the FGSL," he said.

"We the Guyana staff are very exited to participate in this Supporters Cup mainly to entertain our fans whom surely didn't get enough of us this season of the international league."

Riggit is also keen to pivot The Golden Jaguars to a successful Supporters Cup after losing in the quarterfinals of the Int'l FGSL to Saint Lucia 1-0.

"And yes, I'm eager to be very competitive after being out of the big four [of the international league]."

Guyana recently won a FGSL cup, the Players Cup, overpowering Saint Vincent 2-1 in the final. 

About playing a rematch of the Players Cup versus Vincy Heat, Riggit said: "Saint Vincent is and was always highly respected by Guyana's squad so we know it's not an easy day at the office but we are up and looking forward for a great game."

Saint Vincent is also the runner up of the Supporters Cup, losing to Saint Lucia 1-0 in the final last year.


Int'l FGSL third place game: Trinidad and Tobago vs Saint Lucia at 5: 45 p.m.

Trinidad and Tobago will square up with Saint Lucia in the small final at 5:45 p.m. Trinidad fell to Grenada 3-1 in the semifinal while Saint Lucia lost to Jamaica 1-0. 

Saint Lucia and T&T both ended the regular season with 19 points. The Soca Warriors got the best out of Saint Vincent 2-1 in the quarterfinals as St. Lucia vanquished last year's finalists Guyana 1-0.

Lucia recently knocked Trinidad out of the Players Cup on July 29th.


Exhibition match: Atlanta Legends vs Unity F.C Over-35 at 2:30 p.m.

Experience will kick off the Labor Day weekend games at Old Boys High Athletic Field as Atlanta Legends will go head to head with two-time FGSL club champions Unity F.C's over-35 squad at 2:30 p.m.

Int'l FGSL semifinals recap

Grenada overpowers 10-man Trinidad 3-1 to reach the final again

Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Last year champions Grenada will once again play in the Int’l FGSL final as they got the best out of 10-man Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 on Sunday evening at Old Boys High Athletic Field.

Just seconds after the first whistle, The Spice Boys were rewarded a penalty kick when T&T keeper Kern Griffith fouled Ariel Jacob in the box.

Griffith made up for conceding the PK, diving on his right to block Grenada veteran player Shane Rennie from the spot.

“Ah, it was hard,” Rennie said about missing the penalty.

He later added: “I put the penalty behind me because it happened already, my teammates continued pushing me and tell me ‘It’s gone already’.”

Grenada player Shane Rennie. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images.

It seemed that missing from the spot early in the game didn’t demoralize the Grenadians as 11 minutes into the encounter they took the lead.

Marcus Julien looped an inch perfect through ball to Shavon John-Brown, who managed to beat the offside trap to bury a shot beyond keeper Griffith from inside the 18.

The Soca Warriors searched for an equalizer in the first half but couldn’t direct a shot on target. One of their best chances as when Taejan George whipped a shot to the side netting after completing a swift one-two with Shastri Speacer.

It didn’t take too long for Trinidad to hit a shot on frame and score after the break.

Two minutes inside the second half, Billy Scantlebury beamed a shot from outside the 18 off the crossbar; the rebound fell to Jabari Salandy, who steered the ball back toward the goal but Grenada keeper Simeon Peters blocked his shot away. Teyon Edward pounced on the rebound to easily tap the ball in the net.

T&T went down a man in the 50^th minute when keeper Griffith received a second yellow card for accidentally palming the ball outside the box.

Grenada took full advantage of their extra man as Rennie banged Clive Murray’s cross in the net from close range an hour into the match.

“I was relieved,” Rennie said after he had missed a penalty, “but was still pushing hard because 2-1 up is not a victory, you got to work hard until you get another one.”

The Spice Boyz did score another goal in the 66^th minute. Julien elegantly twisted and turned by a couple of Trinidadian defenders in the box before pushing the ball to Murray, who confidently hit a shot low and hard in the net.

Grenada will play Jamaica in the final on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. at Old Boys High Atheltic Field.

“It’s a good feeling when you work and end up in the finals,” Rennie said. “This season it was harder because we have less men this season to put us through to the final.”

Edwards‘ solitary goal pushes Jamaica past St. Lucia to the final

Jamaica forward John-Ross Edwards. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images.

After losing in the semifinals last year, Jamaica are in the FGSL final this season, edging St. Lucia 1-0 in the first semifinal on Sunday afternoon at Old Boys High Athletic Field.

The Reggae Boyz almost opened the scoring three minutes into the game as R. Bull hammered a long range hit off the crossbar. John-Ross Edwards attempted to score from the rebound but curved a shot past the right upper corner of the net.

St. Lucia was also eager to score early on for Bryant curled a shot to the upper left corner but only to find Richie’s glove.

Lucia outshot Jamaica 6-5 in the first half however it was The Reggae Boyz who opened the scoring in the 25^th minute. Jermaine Hue hit an inch perfect through ball to Edwards, who took a couple of touches in the 18-yard box before driving a low shot to the far-right corner of the net.

“It’s always good for a forward to get on the scoresheet, that’s our main focus. It feels good to score the victorious goal today,” Edwards said after the match.

Carlito came close to even scoring for St. Lucia, beaming a free kick off the crossbar in the 33^rd minute.

Jamaica didn't add to their tally in the second half but kept The Piton scoreless to secure the win and move to the final.

“It feels good to reach the final,” Edwards said. “We have a rivalry with Grenada—if they make it there—likewise Trinidad (Grenada and T&T had not played yet).”

He later added: “It’s going to be a very difficult final. Everybody knows we’re playing for a trophy, you know, bragging rights, I think every player are going to come out and put a hard fight for their country.”

FGSL semifinals preview: Grenada squares up with T&T before St. Lucia's clash with Jamaica

The FGSL displayed one of the most illustrious amateur soccer finals in Brooklyn last year as powerhouses Grenada and Guyana played a delightful game in front of a soldout Old Boys High School field in Brooklyn’s first ever amateur soccer final played under light. Four teams will go at it this Sunday with the hope of reaching the highest point of the most prestigious soccer competition in Brooklyn: the FGSL final.

It will start with Jamaica taking on Saint Lucia at 4:00 p.m. at Old Boys High School and end with a massive fixture between Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago at 5:30 p.m. at the same venue.

Grenada vs Trinidad and Tobago at 5:30 p.m.

First placed team and last year champions Grenada shockingly crashed out of the Players Cup with a 3-0 loss to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines then lost the third-place game to Saint Lucia 2-1.

Grenada defender Chevy Augustine is confident that his side will bounce back with a win on Sunday.

“I believe we were in a good position to win the Players Cup, we didn't have a great performance on that day as a team and that happens. I've played the game enough to know this,” Augustine said.

“Now, two weeks later, we are at the same position we were before. Will it be the same? I think not. This time, I believe there will be a much bigger fight because not only is there a league title to defend, but also a reputation to maintain.”

Despite their substandard Players Cup, the Spice Boyz are still one of the favorites to win the Int’l FGSL title as they ended the regular season at the summit of the table with a 7-1-1 record while scoring the most goals, hitting the net 26 times. Grenada has three players in the top five scorers chart, Clive Murray [10 goals, first], Marcus Julien [9 goals] and Shavon John-Brown [7 goals, fifth].

Julien expressed what it’s like going in the semifinals as one of the favorites to win the league.

“As favorites it brings both confidence and pressure. Pressure yes, because after playing for years your number one priority is pleasing your supporters. You never love seeing a disappointed face in the stands.

“But more so it gives confidence, nothing is satisfying as a football player to know you are deemed in high regard. And at this stage we want nothing more than to play at a standard we know we possess. Once we play well, with confidence, then a win is inevitable.”

On the other end, Trinidad & Tobago is entering the game as the underdogs. T&T missed the playoffs last year, qualified this season as the fourth seed with a 6-2-1 record.

The Soca Warriors' top scorer of the season, Andre Toussaint, explained that as the least favorite to win they’re going into the game without a weight on their shoulders.

“For me the underdogs don't have anything to lose so the pressure is on Grenada,” he said.

Trinidad and Tobago forward Andre Toussaint. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images

Trinidad got the best out of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Toussaint is assured that he and his teammates have the talent to win their next game on Sunday as well versus Grenada to reach the final.

“I know it's not going to be an easy game but I have a lot of confidence in any team we put on the field,” the forward said.

Last time the two teams met, it ended in a 6-4 win in favor of Grenada. Toussaint scored a brace for T&T. 

Jamaica vs Saint Lucia at 4:00 p.m.

  

The other semifinal features a matchup between the best defensive team in the league Jamaica, who only gave away four goals in nine league games and the second best offensive team Saint Lucia, who netted 21 league goals. The Piton’s forward Bradley Nestor is the tournament’s third top scorer with eight goals.

Jamaica defensive stalwart Meshach ‘Yabba’ Tinglin is well aware of Lucia’s dangerous attack hence emphasized on how important it is for he and his teammates not to lose their concentration and to believe in one another’s ability.

“In order for us to put up another great defensive display,” Yabba said, “we have to know that it's imperative we remain focused, continue to believe in each other on the pitch, and last but not least play and enjoy the game as a unit. We also bare in mind and remember that our defense begins from the strikers not only defenders. This has been one of the reasons our defense has been so good.”

Jamaica center back Meshach 'Yabba' Tinglin on the ball. Brooklyn Soccer Nation Images.

Jamaica powered past seventh placed Saint Kitts and Nevis 8-1 in the quarterfinals. As for Lucia they notably edged last year finalists and Players Cup champions Guyana 2-1 to reach the semis and in their previous match they conquered Grenada 2-1.

After Lucia’s last two remarkable performances, the Reggae Boyz will make sure they bring their A game on Sunday.

“Those two results for St. Lucia definitely inspired my team to come out stronger in this semi-final,” Yabba said.

“However we will not be thinking much about any past results this coming Sunday. We will be focused on the task on hand. We as a unit respect each team and are fully aware that no result is guaranteed until the final whistle.”

Lucia and Jamaica will be the two closest teams in the table to face each other in the playoffs so far as the Reggae Boyz ended the regular season in second position with 21 points and The Piton one spot below them with 19 points.

Grenada hoists first Champions of Champions Cup, edging St. Lucia 3-2

Ariel Jacob carried the Spice Boyz to the Champions of Champions Cup trophy with an 80^th minute tap-in after Grenada speedster Clive Murray and St. Lucia’s number 10 Bradley Nestor exchanged two goals apiece.

As presumed the FGSL's first Champions of Champions Cup game wasn’t a shy one. 20 fouls were committed, five cards were issued—one red—19 shots were taken, three penalties were called and the crowd was perhaps the loudest it’s been all season on Sunday evening at Old Boys High Athletic Complex in Brooklyn.

At the end of the day, the International FGSL champions got the best out of the Big 4 Supporters Cup champions as Grenada slimmed past St. Lucia 3-2, thanks to Ariel Jacob’s 80^th minute winner.

The 30-year-old was thrilled of scoring the decider of the Champions Cup.

“It feels great, bro,” the Grenadian said with a full grin lighting up his face. “It’s a great, great, a really good feeling.”

Grenada captain Clive Murray won the Champions Cup’s MVP award for scoring a double.

Grenada captain Clive Murray was nominated Champions of Champions Cup MVP. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

Prior to the match, Murray touched on his side’s struggle to start games strong. Once again this season, the Spice Boyz didn’t kick things off right on the pitch.

Two minutes into the game, Kersan Marcellin pounced on a sloppy giveaway from the Grenadians in the middle of the pitch then hit a well measured though ball to Daran Fedee. Fedee paced at Marcellin’s pass and managed to steer a low shot but Grenada keeper Ken Searles bolted off his line to make a crucial block.

The Helen of the West Indies almost scored the opener again the following minute. K. Marcellin whipped a cross in from the right wing to an unmarked Daran Edde. Unfortunately for the St. Lucians, Edde couldn’t get a header in as K. Marcellin’s cross was a bit overhit.  

“We had a slow start,” Grenada’s Jacob admitted, “we had to bounce back and build some momentum going forward.”

Grenada slowly started to get in the game in the seventh minute. Marcus Julien drew a tough save from St. Lucia’s keeper Chad Phillip with a low hit from outside the box. Philip couldn’t hold on to Julien’s sizzling shot. Murray banged the rebound off the crossbar but it wouldn’t have counted anyway since the assistant referee waved his flag for offside.

The Spice Boyz penetrated down Lucia’s half again in the 10^th minute as 23-year-old Shavon John-Brown rolled an intelligent through ball to an open Julien. Keeper Philip charged off his line and tripped Julien, conceding the first penalty kick of the match.

Murray converted the spot kick, confidently beaming the ball to the left corner of the net.

The International FGSL champions extended their lead to two in the 22^nd minute with unarguably the best goal of the encounter. John-Brown skilled past a St. Lucia player down the right flank before unleashing the ball to Julien on the opposite wing. Julien bent in a pinpoint cross to Murray, who side-footed the ball in the net.

Seven minutes after the restart, the Piton found hope of a comeback as they were rewarded a penalty for keeper Searles’ foul on K. Marcellin.

Bradley Nestor beat Searles from 12 yards out to cut Grenada’s lead in half.

The St. Lucians almost put themselves leveled in the 54^th minute as K. Marcellin headed Nestor’s cross off the right post.

K. Marcellin freed himself from the Grenadian defenders again in the 59^th minute and was dangerously charging alone toward his opponents’ net. Searles came off his line once more to make another life-saving block.

Later in the 65^th minute the referee blew his whistle for another penalty in favor of St. Lucia as Grenada left back Ken Ganness raised his foot above knee-length to prevent Nestor from shooting.

Nestor picked the lower right corner of the net on the spot kick; Searles dove the right way but wasn’t able to get a hand on the ball.

Eight minutes after rallying back from a two-goal deficit, the Supporters Cup champions went down a man as John Perry was red-carded for a late tackle on Murray.

From the set piece Perry conceded, Julien missed a glorious scoring opportunity,  hitting Cudel Collins’ free kick past the right goal post from the six-yard box in the 75^th minute.

Nevertheless Grenada did win the game in the 80^th minute when Shane Rennie juked past a Lucia defender in the box before squaring the ball to Jacob, who coolly tapped the ball in the net.

Grenada player Ariel Jacob. Brooklyn Soccer Life Images

Jacob noted that his side’s tenacity is what inspired them to the victory of the expected fierce Champions Cup game.

“We’re accustomed to the physicality, you know, it’s not a problem,” he said. “As I said, the guys came on and gave their full hundred that’s how we got that win.”

Statistics

Grenada

Shots (on target): 10 (4)

Saves: 6 (keeper Ken Searles)

Fouls: 11

Yellow cards: 2 (Jason James, Ken Ganness)

Red cards: 0

Corners: 2

Offsides: 1

St. Lucia

Shots (on target): 9 (7)

Saves: 2 (Chap Phillip)

Fouls: 9

Yellow cards: 2 (Germal Valcin, Taj Marcellin)

Red cards: 1 (John Perry-- 73^rd min.)

Corners: 4

Offsides: 1

Grenada squares up with St. Lucia in first edition of Champions of Champions Cup

The first piece of silverware of the FGSL 2018 season will be fought this weekend as last year's International League champions Grenada will take on last season's International Big 4 Supporters Cup titlists St. Lucia in the first edition of the Champions of Champions Cup on Sunday May 20th at 5:30 p.m. at Old Boys High Athletic Field, Brooklyn, NY.

St. Lucia clinched the Champions of Champions Cup by edging Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1-0 in the Big 4 Supporters Cup final. The Saint Lucians rolled their terrific form from last year's Supporters' Cup into the 2018 International FGSL season, going undefeated in their first three matches with wins over Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis and a draw with Saint Vincent and Grenadines.

The Champions Cup will be an emotional one for the Lucians as they will be playing their first match since the passing of their former teammates Tafari Charlemagne. St. Lucia will honor Charlemagne, with a minute of silence before the match.

As for Grenada they reached the Champions of Champions Cup by narrowing past Guyana 1-0 in last year's epic International FGSL final, however they haven't started this season quite the way they wanted to, sitting fourth in the standings with two wins and two losses.

Grenada forward Clive Murray noted that one of the Spice Boyz flaws so far this season is their slow start of games and expressed how crucial it is for he and his players to begin the match on a high note versus the Big 4 Supporters Cup champions.

"It's very important that we get going off the bat," Murray said. "We tend to start a bit slow but we're working on that. The rest should play off once we get going early."

Grenada striker Clive Murray on the ball versus Saint Vincent and Grenadines last season. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

The 27-year-old forward leads the league in scoring with seven goals. His compatriot Marcus Julien is second behind him with four goals. The two have scored 11 of Grenada's 12 goals.

Lucia owns the following two top scorers of the league: Daran Fedee and Bradley Nestor who both tallied three goals.

With the help of Fedee and Nestor, St. Lucia is the third best scoring team netting 2.6 goals per game. And as for defense, they haven't conceded a goal yet in three outings.

St. Lucia has the best defense in the International FGSL, not allowing a goal in three games. Brooklyn Soccer Nations Images

In St. Lucia's last silverware-deciding game, the Big 4 Supporters Cup, as mentioned they held St. Vincent scoreless 1-0. It was The Piton's last game before the start of this season hence they will go into the Champions of Champions Cup on four consecutive clean sheets.

Grenada is the perfect match for St. Lucia's defensive prowess as they lead the league in scoring, tallying 12 goals in four matches.

2018 FGSL club season preview

Unity F.C captain Tyrone Harrison. 

Brooklyn's most prominent amateur soccer league FGSL (Football Goals Soccer League) will kick off its seventh club season on April 1st at Old Boys and Girls High School.

The FGSL's competitiveness and excitement is set to rise this upcoming season as the number of teams grew from seven to 12 from last year. The teams will be divided into two groups of seven with four playoffs spots available in each pools.

One of the most noteworthy news going into the season is that 2015 and 2016 champions Unity F.C. will make an iconic return to the competition after missing last season. Unity will look to become the first team to reach three FGSL titles on their comeback.

Two-time FGSL champions Unity F.C will make an anticipated return in the FGSL.

Unisoc F.C will put up a fight to outpace Unity to three FGSL trophies as they also own two domestic titles, winning the league in the inaugural season in 2012 and last year.

Unisoc conquered the FGSL last season under the leadership of former Jamaica international midfielder and ex-MLS player Jermaine Hue.

Unisoc F.C captain Jermaine Hue holding the 2017 FGSL club trophy.

Looking back at the past seasons, the most competent club that can crush Unisoc and Unity's dream of bagging three FGSL trophies is 509 F.C. 509 reached the final three times in the league's six seasons but never managed to collect a win. The Haitian club lost to GT Juniors in the 2013 final in penalties, fell to Unity 1-0 in 2016 and suffered another painful loss in the final to Unisoc 3-2 last season.

509 head coach Gregory Mervilus and his players will undoubtedly enter the season with a fervent desire to rack a first FGSL trophy after the three unsuccessful appearances in the final cited.

Immortal Sizzling is another power club that will be on a hunt for their first FGSL silverware. Sizzling's season was cut short in the semifinals by the eventual champions the past two years. Unity edged Sizzling 6-5 in PKs after a 0-0 draw in 2016 before Unisoc knocked them out in the semis as well last season.

Game shot of Unity F.C's match versus Immortal Sizzling in the semifinal in 2016. Photo by Devaughn Clasp

System 3 will also have a huge say in the 2018 FGSL club champions talk after their outstanding campaign last season in which they finished in second place during the regular season before losing to 509 in the semis.

On another note, F.C Revolt, a club mixed predominately of ex or current Brooklyn College players and Haitians will play its second season in the league. The Revolt players will battle to push the club to its first-ever playoff appearance after they heartbrokenly missed out on the post-season by just one point last year.

Second-year club F.C Revolt will be eager to make the playoffs this year after failing to qualify by one point last season.

The other regular clubs that will participate in the upcoming season are System's bloody rivals Chatex F.C, Expression, Nigeria United and Superstars.

Meanwhile Camdonia F.C, Brooklyn United will be playing their inaugural season in the FGSL.

Three must-watch games in the competitions' first three rounds are the season-opener between Canarsie F.C and Nigeria United at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Unity's first game back in the league versus System at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday as well and champions Unisoc's opening match of the season against Canarsie on April 7th at 5:30 p.m.