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Real Do the ‘Double’It was nothing less than dramatic. Real San Juan, four-time Premier Division Champions capped off a successful season by winning their 2nd Peri Clark Cup in four years, defeating Academica 2-1 at Southside Park.It seems as if Real and Academica have developed somewhat of a heated rivalry now that altercations have marred the past two games between the two sides. Nevertheless, Real proved that their bark and bite were equally as vicious. Real started in a 4-4-2 alignment with Conor McNulty in goal, Kenyon Hill and Todd Simmons at wing back with the returning Brent Hamilton and Marcos Mercado in the centre of the defense. In the centre of midfield, Real placed two of its younger stars, Alvaro Delgado and Amobi Okugo, supported by Art Tremblador and Eliot Ricks-Chambers on the flank. Up top, Pat Nelle and Jimmy Frazelle were expected to provide the goals. The Turlock side came into the game with all guns blazing and in their playmaker Manuel Brasil, one of the better players in the league. Midfielder Adolph Gregorio and winger Tony Amaral were also players Real needed to keep tabs on. The first half began with Academica controlling possession, but not quite testing the Real goal. One shot from Brasil blazed over the crossbar, not worrying McNulty. Real took the initiative and duly scored first when a pass from Hill on the left flank found Tremblador on the wing whose swerved cross was mishandled by the Academica defense, allowing young Okugo to score to put Real up 1-0. Both teams traded opportunities until Academica leveled the score at 1-1 through a header that spun past McNulty. The score remained 1-1 at half as both teams looked fatigued. The second half saw Real introduce some new blood, with the introduction of Utodi Madu, Tim Bystrowski and Ralph Cazel in the back, Dominic Jakubek in the midfield and Oscar Sandoval up top. Before the second half was ten minutes old, an off the ball incident between Gregorio and Hamilton saw the Academica man head-butt Hamilton, who was none interested in the striker’s antics and duly sent him to the turf. Both players were given their marching orders. Now at 10 v. 10, the spaces began to open up, with Real looking the more interested and dangerous. Specifically, a couple nice through balls found the feet of Nelle, but the Academica ‘keeper, who had a fine match, proved capable. Ricks-Chambers found particular joy down the right flank, combining well with Okugo and Sandoval. Real might have thought they had won it when a blistering shot from the U-17 National Team member Okugo crashed off the crossbar and out of danger. Minutes later, in what could be considered the turning point of the match, Academica found themselves in the Real defensive third and one-on-one with McNulty. As the Academica striker attempted to slot his shot to the left of McNulty, the Real ‘keeper stuck out an outstretched leg (“the Foot of God”) and parried the shot wide, easily the save of the year. Towards the death as the fourth official indicated four added minutes of extra time, Real struck. Good work by Frazelle on the right was rewarded as his pass found Okugo who found winger Chris Gaschen (a late substitution), whose pass found Sandoval, who narrowly beat the off-side trap to find himself one-on-one with the Academica ‘keeper. What happened next was pure brilliance and Sandoval chipped the ‘keeper with ease as he wheeled off in triumph. Game, set, match…Real. As the final whistle blew, Real’s players and coaches could rejoice after the marathon-long season. An adventure that began in September, culminated in June as Real San Juan were crowned Cup champions. And who can say they didn’t deserve it. Starting Lineup (4-4-2) McNulty – Hill, Simmons, Hamilton , Mercado - Okugo, Delgado, Tremblador, Ricks-Chambers – Nelle, Frazelle Substitutions – Mautura, Madu, Cazel, Gaschen, Jakubek, Sandoval, Bystrowski Man of the Match: Amobi Okugo |
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