United Goans Centre, Santos United and United Friends Club were through to the next round after winning hard fought encounters in the first round of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.
Goalkeeping errors were the talking point of the day and in the first match, Kuwait’s oldest Goan soccer club, United Goans Centre shocked Indian Strikers 2-1 when Dominic Fernandes headed home from close range from an exquisite cross by veteran Jerry Mello in the 18th minute and Alfred’s feeble attempt on the Indian Strikers goal ended in the back of the net due to a communication error between the keeper and defenders of Indian Strikers. Hard working Noushad Abu Baker reduced the margin for Indian Strikers in the 65th minute, but United Goans defended well to absorb all the pressure in the dying minutes from Indian Strikers and emerge victorious. The match was officiated by IFRA official Julio Cardoso with assistance from Christopher and Simon.
Santos United who have played some exciting soccer towards the end of this season, were down a goal against DHL FC in the 24th minute when Cruz Silva’s smashing drive found the back of the net and it seemed like DHL would cause a major upset. However, super sub, James Rebello equalized for Santos United in the 64th minutes when the UFC goalkeeper fumbled and dropped the ball and Anthony Rego scored from an acute angle in the dying minutes of extra time to earn Santos United a hard fought victory. Pascoal was the centre referee and assisted by Sharma and Christopher on the lines.
In the day’s last match of this prestigious tournament now in it’s 20th edition, United Friends Club (UFC) finally played to their potential when they edged Malabar United 1-0. Duarte Ferrao, Prince and Shehin were the stars for UFC, but it was Mauricio Simoes who turned hero of the day when he scored the all important goal for his team in the 22nd minute. The Malabar boys had their chances but were unfortunate not to convert. The match was officiated by Sarto Baptista with Francis and Simon on the lines.
Next week will see some exciting matches with FC Sparx taking on Skynet Raiders at 6:45am, Don Bosco Oratory play Goa Maroons at 8:00am and Real Betalbatim FC play YRC Rising Stars at 9:15am. All teams are requested to report on time.