Defence Force captured the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) double after battling to an intense 5-3, extra-time victory over Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in the Knockout Cup final at Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin, on Saturday.
A hat-trick from veteran Brent Sam and a goal each from Kaihim Thomas and man of the match Reon Moore saw off Rangers, who started well with the opening goal from in-form striker Tyrone Charles in the 15th minute.
In muddy conditions, Defence Force equalised nine minutes later as Moore placed a neat through-ball to a surging Thomas who made no mistake to beat Rangers custodian Jabari Brice.
Moore continued to pester the Rangers' defence and earned a penalty in the 32nd minute. However, Sam’s shot sent Price the wrong way but the ball deflected off the left post and out.
The score remained level at the half but Defence Force came right back into it eight minutes in, as Sam slotted home from close range and then headed past Price, courtesy of a Jelani Felix cross, to make it 3-1 in the 58th minute.
The army’s two-goal cushion was soon cut in half as Tyrone Charles’ smart free-kick ricocheted off the bar and into the path of Ross Russell Jr, who scored past Defence Force goalie Christopher Bigette in the 68th.
Moore, Thomas and Sam continued to pester Rangers’ backline and should have regained Defence Force’s two-goal lead before the final whistle. But five minutes from regulation time, Rangers won a penalty courtesy of a Jules Lee handball, to which Charles rifled home to level the contest at 3-3.
Into the first period of extra time, Moore continued to cause problems up front and chipped the ball onto the cross bar which fell to Sam’s feet, for his first Cup hat-trick.
Sam’s goal sent them 4-3 up and reignited Defence Force. Rangers though, began to press harder looking for another possible equaliser. But it was not to be, as Moore, who played provider for the entire game, shared a nice one-two with Thomas in the final minute (120’) of extra time to get on the scoresheet and affirm Cup victory.
For his valiant efforts, Moore was adjudged man of the match.
The win for Defence Force saw them cap off the nation’s first season of domestic pro football, post-pandemic, with two titles; league and knockout cup.
They now shift focus to the Concacaf Club Championship in August.
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