New Era/ExxonMobil Linden Futsal C/ship …

By Joe Chapman
IT WAS a dramatic win for Achievers FC as they rallied past Team R9 by a 10-9 scoreline to face Unknown, who thrashed YMCA 10-4. Both semi-finals of the New Era-organised ExxonMobil Futsal championship were played last weekend at the Retrieve Hard Court in Mackenzie, Linden.

In the first semifinal game, Unknown blotted out YMCA 10-4 behind Adrian Aaron’s helmet-trick, a brace each from Jermaine Beckles and Rian Hackett and single goals from Daniel George and Donovan Francis.

Shaniel Jordon scored all four goals for the losers, YMCA.

The exciting second semifinal match went down to the wire.

Achievers, led by a seven-goal rush from Joel Isaacs secured that final berth after a 4-1 lead by the end of the first half.

Team R9 showed their resilience throughout the second half, tied the scores at 5, 7 with about two minutes left in regulation play then forced the game into overtime.

R9 then edged ahead for their lone lead 8-7 before Achievers tied the scores at 8 then ran out winners 10-9 when the final whistle was blown.

Isaacs was supported as Michel Jeffrey who scored twice and Tyric McAllister, who missed a game-winning penalty with 42 seconds left in regulation play, getting the other goal for Achievers.

The scoring for Team R9 was shared by Omar Williams who kept their hopes alive with five goals and Jemain Kingston and Amanique, who each netted two goals.

ExxonMobil will also, through New Era Organisation and the winning team, do a community project of the winners’ choice.

The grand final is set for Saturday at the Retrieve Hard Court in Mackenzie, Linden.