On Sunday, March 10, New Vibes SC earned bragging rights as they were crowned the champion of the 2012/2013 U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Association Club Championship after defeating Positive Vibes, who had beaten them on three different occasions throughout the regular season. The game had to be settled in penalty kicks, and the New Vibes came out on top 4-3..
In a keenly contested match, both teams failed to break the deadlock. The New Vibes’ substitute goal keeper Ozzie Espinoza was the difference. He came up with key saves when called upon, which kept the match on level terms in regulation time. On the other hand, Positive Vibes squandered numerous opportunities to put the game to rest thanks to Espinoza’s resilience between the sticks.
The game went into extra time with both teams battling for a winner. The only excitement came in the second period of extra time when New Vibes’ Cowin Mathurin was able to get the ball in the back of the net only to be ruled out as Cowin was deemed to be offside by the referee assistant. Both teams had to settle the score in penalty kicks.
In penalties, New Vibes’ Brian Charlery was the first player to miss, placing his kick on the crossbar, but the brilliance of Espinoza was on display as he managed to step up to the plate twice in penalties, stopping two penalties from both Richard Allen and Medessa Howe, which set the stage for the man of the moment, Espinoza. He fired home the winning penalty for New Vibes to take the 2012/2013 championship.
In the battle for the third place, Helenites eased past the Rovers to take third place with a 2-0 victory because of the goals from Raejae Joseph and Edwin Serieux.
Positive Vibe’s Richard Allen was named MVP of the championship, which was justified through his four goals in the opening game of the club championship.
For further information, feel free to contact the U.S.V.I. Soccer Association office at 719-9707or e-mail: usvisoccer@gmail.com. Facebook: USVI Soccer Association, Inc.
