Defending champions, Central FC and DirecTV W Connection will both start as favourites to advance to the semi-final stage of the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield competition when quarter-final action kicks off today at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, from 6 pm.
However, 2014 champions Central FC and W Connection winners in 2009 and 2013 and chasing a third major trophy this season after the First Citizens Cup and Toyota Classic, both go into their matches against St Ann’s Rangers and Japs North East Stars on the back of Digicel T&T Pro League defeats at the same venue on Friday last.
On Friday last, Central FC had its 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions halted in a shock 1-0 loss to Police FC, and winners of seven titles last year, the Couva-based club is yet to win a major trophy this season and will be eager to get back to winning ways against St Ann’s Rangers which edged Club Sando 1-0 at the same Couva venue on Tuesday in one of two round-of-16 matches.
Despite the slip-up in the quest to retain its league crown, Central FC manager Kevin Jeffrey was confident his team will reach a second straight final in the tournament.
“Testament to the type of football we are playing, we have top-scored in the past couple months and we want to take that into this (Lucozade Sport Goal Shield) tournament,” said Jeffrey. “Expect us in the final and lifting the trophy.”
W Connection assistant coach and former top striker Earl Jean was also boastful about his club’s chances even against the same Stars’, the 2010 champions who won their league meeting on Friday 3-1 led by a second-half Gorean Highley brace. However, Jean said his team was focusing on winning a third major trophy this season.
“Two years (since winning the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield) is a very long time. We are spoilt on winning trophies at W Connection and we have been awaiting on our next chance. We are very motivated for a third trophy this season.”
Tomorrow, the remaining quarterfinals will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, with Defence Force against Morvant Caledonia United from 4 pm, followed by Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh and Police FC.
More info
Lucozade Sport Goal Shield 2016
Quarterfinal Round
Today’s matches:
Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva:
• Central FC vs St Ann’s Rangers, 6 pm
• W Connection vs North East Stars, 8 pm
Tomorrow
Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo:
• Defence Force vs Morvant Caledonia Utd, 4 pm
• San Juan Jabloteh vs Police FC, 6 pm