IF ever there is a prize for the Most Spectacular Goal, it would go to Lodge Secondary School’s (LSS) Shaquille Browne, whose scissors-style kick brought him his second of three goals as his school humiliated Imperial College (IC) 8-2 in their Georgetown zone, quarterfinal encounter at the Tucville Community Centre ground yesterday.
Having scored his first goal in the fourth minute of the match, when he beat Imperial College custodian from the top of the box and, witnessing Romario Andrews increase the lead with his 6th minute strike, Browne flung himself in the manner of a high jumper executing the scissors-style jump, to find the back of the net in the 14th minute, as LSS took a 3-0 lead at lemon-time.
On the resumption of play, LSS were all over their opponents who were more content to play selfishly instead of team football and found themselves down seven-nil, as Andrews got his second goal in the 42nd minute, followed by strikes from Damien Wilson, Adonie Parboo and Ray Samogan.
Keon McKenzie pulled one back for IC, when LSS’ custodian attempted to work his way around him out of the box. The tall midfield player stole the ball and calmly placed it at the back of an empty LSS goal in the 60th minute.
Five minutes after, Browne got his hat-trick as he worked his way into IC’s goal area and to the surprise of the spectators, including Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer Gregory Deen, the custodian stood his ground, which allowed Browne to calmly place the ball past him without any intervention.
McKenzie got IC’s second goal following an infringement committed in the penalty area which forced referee Dion Inniss to point to the spot and at the sound of the whistle which signalled the end of regulation time, LSS were victorious 8-2.
They now face the Government Technical Institute (GTI) tomorrow at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground from 15:00hrs in one semi-final encounter, while the second semifinal which will be played at the Tucville ground would see GITC oppose Charlestown Secondary.
However, according to the coordinator of the tournament, Lavern Fraser-Thomas, a cloud hangs over GITC’s further participation in the tournament since their Principal has threatened to withdraw the school from the tournament based on disciplinary matters among the members of the team.
If the threat is carried out, then Charlestown Secondary would advance to the Georgetown final unscathed, where they will face the winner of the GTI/LSS fixture at a date and venue to be announced.