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Pro Series came from behind to secure the final semifinal berth in the 2023 Republic Cup National Youth Football League (NYFL) this evening, as their Under-15 team downed Arima Semi-Pro Blasters Youth Academy 4-2 on a rainy evening in Tacarigua.
A late turnout by officials delayed kickoff at the Eddie Hart Grounds while there was no shelter from the rain for the players. Undeterred, the young men provided a thrilling knockout tie—with the lead changing twice, before finally swinging the way of the North Zone outfit.
(Copyright Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868)
Josh Miguel put Pro Series ahead from the penalty spot in the first half, against the run of play. But the East Zone runners-up equalised through defender Stephen Olliviere, as the two teams were deadlocked at the interval.
And Blasters took the lead for the first time, four minutes after the restart, as Renaco Hernandez punished some sloppy work by the Pro Series custodian.
Jonathan Mason pulled the North team level again in the 39th minute from the penalty spot before Blasters suffered their own goalkeeping issues, as John-Paul Aaron miskicked while trying to clear a set piece and Jaseem Celestine put Pro Series ahead in the 53rd minute.
And a Jonathan Mason double, the first from the penalty spot and the second from a fast break, was enough to steer the North team into the semifinal stage.
All eight North clubs have now advanced to the final four stage of the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 divisions respectively. (QPCC U-15s still have to navigate a protest by Crown Trace FC regarding their attire in their quarterfinal fixture, though.)
(Copyright Brian Miller/ Wired868)
In contrast, only two East Zone teams—the Defence Force U-20s and FC Ginga U-13s are still alive—while six South Zone outfits complete the semifinal match-ups.
Gateway Athletics are still to confirm the time and venue for this weekend’s affairs.
Republic Cup National Youth Football League (NYFL) quarterfinal result
(Wednesday 31 May)
Pro Series 4 (Josh Miguel 24 pen, Jonathan Mason 39 pen, 58, Jaseem Celestine 53), Arima Semi-Pro Blasters YA 2 (Stephen Olliviere 30, Renaco Hernandez 38) at Eddie Hart #1
(Copyright Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868)
NYFL Semifinal Match-ups (time and venue to be confirmed)
Under-13
(Saturday 3 June)
QPCC vs FC Ginga
Cardinals FA vs Cox Coaching School
(Copyright Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868)
Under-15
(Sunday 4 June)
Cox Coaching School vs Pro Series
QPCC FC vs Union Hall FC
(Copyright Brian Miller/ Wired868)
Under-17
(Saturday 3 June)
Premier Sports Club vs QPCC
Point Fortin Youth Academy vs Pro Series
(Copyright Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868)
Under-20
(Sunday 4 June)
Defence Force vs Malick Blue Lions,
Premier SC vs QPCC
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