Sidebar

28
Thu, Mar
25 New Articles

Typography
Ma Pau coach Ron La Forest is looking forward to August 14 with the relish usually reserved for birthdays and the Christmas period. It is the date that the 2008 Pro League transfer window swings open and La Forest cannot wait to have some exotic names on his team sheet.
The former national striker claimed to have handpicked seven Brazilians, after a scouting mission in Sao Paulo, and he cannot wait to outfit them in the club's colours.

"They should be a wonderful sight," La Forest told the Express. "We are lacking in attack, especially in the goal scoring department, and they should be a big help there."

It must have been a particularly encouraging dream after the reality check provided by Economy North East Stars on Tuesday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar. On a wet, cool night, Stars extinguished the aspirations of the rookie Pro League outfit with a gritty 2-1 win.

Midweek encounters often draw sparse attendances, even by Pro League standards, while the heavy conditions provided the type of fixture where you hope to turn up, get the job done and head home with minimal bruises.

Stars coach Clint Marcelle could have few complaints while his source of goals, on the night, should be particularly comforting.

Sean Cooper, Trinidad and Tobago's step over king, left the party pieces in the dressing room and came up with two clever finishes to ensure that the Stars did not lose momentum after a last gasp 1-0 loss to Clico San Juan Jabloteh on the weekend.

The former Joe Public winger has matured quickly up front for Stars this term and his first goal was the sort that strikers cherish.

Cooper pounced on a loose ball, after Stars captain Anthony Wolfe harassed Ma Pau defender Kent Guy, and stroked first time past opposing goalkeeper Anthony Marshall, just two minutes into the match.

Cooper's second, in the 20th minute, gave further warning that the former Portugal-based player offers more than just entertaining tricks as he arched his back to crash a well placed header into the far corner after a fine cross from Marc Leslie.

Cooper's strikes sandwiched a fortuitous goal from Ma Pau winger Rennie Britto in the sixth minute.

Ma Pau striker Jason Charles looked to have committed assault on Stars' Colombian midfielder Milton Espitia but referee Gregory Guevara was unmoved and, two passes later, Britto tapped home after a teasing left side cross from teammate Quincy Charles.

It was Britto's third goal this season--he is his club's top scorer after 10 league games--and he should have duplicated the finish, late in the first half, but was denied by Stars goalkeeper Tristan Charles and the bar.

"Every game we are getting at least three clear-cut chances," said La Forest, "but we are not converting. (Tuesday night) was like in boxing when you keep working on a guy and not for hell would he fall down."

The week started badly enough for Ma Pau who were stunned by the untimely death of 19-year-old holding midfielder Kern St Louis. The former Mucurapo Comprehensive student was recently promoted from the youth team to the senior ranks and was thought to have a bright future in the game.

He passed away on Monday from a suspected heart attack.

"His nickname was 'Makelele' (after the France and Chelsea star)," said La Forest. "He was clever too bad."

Ma Pau's aspirations are dwarfed by St Louis' passing. La Forest hopes that an injection of samba can at least bring some joy back to their on-field play.