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The stage is set for perhaps one of the most exciting match-ups for the 2005 football season, as T&T Pro League giants Vibe CT 105 W Connection and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh clash this Friday at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium for the $35,000 first prize, as well as the glory of the title of "FCB Cup champions".


What makes the encounter even more intriguing is the fact that the winners will be the first to a hat-trick of titles in the competition. And if both teams perform as well as they did at the Marabella venue in the semi-finals on Friday night, it will definitely be something to look forward to.

In the second semi-final of the double-header, Connection earned the chance to defend their crown by thrashing Defence Force 4-0, after watching Pro League rivals Jabloteh power past United Petrotrin 2-0.

The match was not as competitive as last year's final between Connection and Defence Force, which Connection won on penalty kicks after a 2-2 regulation time score. Instead, they continued this season's flawless record against the Army/Coast Guard combination with a perfect start. Andre Toussaint beat Cleon John in goal to put his team ahead after four minutes and Toussaint again found the mark in the 18th minute.

Although two goals behind in the first 20 minutes, Defence Force did not hang their heads, but mounted some good attacks, that, had their finishing been more clinical, would have resulted in a goal before the half.

In the 21st, a Christon Belfon scorcher hit the Connection woodwork, fortunately for 'keeper Jan Michael Williams. And nine minutes later, Devon Jorsling flashed a header wide from an Anton Joseph cross.

But Connection had the better of the attacks in the first 45 minutes, Ronaldo Viana's strong left-footer going straight to John, while Clyde Leon's chip across the goal mouth went unutilised by the Connection striking pair.

In the second period, the Defence Force came out the more intent of the two teams, Jorsling blasting just wide of the near post in the 48th and a few minutes later the "Savonetta Boys" had trouble clearing the ball, but were eventually able to scramble away unpunished after several attempts.

But as much as Defence Force were intense and determined, Connection were cool and calculating, and were rewarded after several misses.

Gefferson Goulart took the wind out of the Army in the 60th, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and found the net with a delicate chip that curled enough to hit the far post and turn into goal.

The battle seemed too much for Defence Force after that, Viana slamming home a low shot from 20 metres out in the 85th, after the ball had been teed up by 79th minute substitute, Andrei Pacheco. Connection also forced a few brilliant saves from John in the closing minutes.

Joseph was sent off for dissent just before the end of the match, but it hardly mattered, as Connection came away with a comfortable victory.

In the earlier encounter, Jabloteh condemned Petrotrin to the third-place playoff against Defence Force, thanks to first half items from Aurtis Whitley and Kerry Baptiste.

The "Oilmen" had only themselves to blame, as their defenders stood and watched Whitley pause at the end of the box in the 43rd, before spotting keeper Perry Martin off his line and lobbing home.

And two minutes later, Baptiste pounced on a cross by Whitley-who robbed a defender after a terrible blunder-and beat Martin to seal the 2-0 win and a meeting with Connection.