Gold Is Money and North East La Penitence were the first major casualties of the inaugural Xtreme Clean/GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal championships, going down to North Ruimveldt and Future Stars respectively on Saturday.
Hosted at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, North Ruimveldt eliminated Gold Is Money 3-2 on penalty kicks, after the match was tied 1-1 at the end of normal time.
Hubert Pedro scored in the fourth minute for Gold Is Money while Joshua Browne equalised for North Ruimveldt five minutes later.
In another fixture, Future Stars dismantled North East La Penitence 5-1.
Keron Solomon led the rout with a double in the 17th and 18th minute while Jamal Cozier, Kevin Cummings and Akeemo Anthony found the back of the net in the third, 19th and 20th minute respectively. Junior Jordan netted a consolation goal in the eighth minute for North East la Penitence.
Meanwhile, contenders Back Circle, Bent Street, Broad Street and Future Stars clinched berths to the group round. Back Circle made light work of Globe Yard 3-0.
Jermaine Beckles, Jamal Adams and Selwyn Isaacs netted in the ninth, 16th and 19th minute respectively while Bent Street overcame Campbellville 3-1.
Travis Lyken scored in the 14th and 15th minute, while Okenny Fraser netted in the 13th minute. For Campbellville, Steffon Ramsay converted in the eighth minute.
Broad Street edged Buxton 2-1 compliments of goals from Darren Benjamin and Daniel Favourite in the third and 19th minute respectively while Delon Wright scored for Buxton in the 14th minute. In other results, Tucville edged Melanie 5-4. Ryan Hackett fashioned a hat-trick in the eighth, 16th and 17th minute. He was supported by Jahaal Greaves and Jermin Junior, who scored in the seventh and 13th minute respectively.
For the losers, William Europe bagged a helmet trick in the ninth, 15th, 18th and 19th minute. Also, Plaisance defeated Alexander Village 7-6 on sudden death penalty kicks after the game was tied 4-4 at the end of normal time.
Dwayne Ali netted in the fifth and 15th minute, while Kevin Bowen and Gavin Collymore scored in the 19th and 22nd minute.
For Alexander Village, Kevin Gordon recorded a hat-trick in the third, 13th and 25th minute while Shem Porter scored in the 17th minute. The event will now enter the group round, dividing the 12 remaining teams into three groups of four.
Group-A comprises Agricola, Sparta Boss, Tucville and Sophia, while group-B consists of Back Circle, North Ruimveldt, Tigerbay and Albouystown. Group-C features Bent Street, Future Stars, Broad Street and Plaisance.
Upon the conclusion of the group round, the top two finishers in each pool and the best two third place finishers will advance to the quarterfinal round. The other playing dates are June 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th and 17th.
Winner of the tournament will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runners-up will receive $200,000 and the respective accolade.
The third and fourth place finisher will pocket $100,000 and the $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. On the individual side, $50,000 will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Entry to the venue will cost $500 during the group round while each night patrons will have the chance to win a pennyweight of gold and other cash prizes.
