Terminix La Horquetta Rangers are champions of the Ascension Football Tournament 2022. The unbeaten Rangers did it with two matches remaining in the league.
Rangers would have had to wait until next round to face Deportivo Point Fortin and any points attained in that match would have been good enough to lift the trophy. However, Police FC who were the only team possible in catching Rangers dropped points against Deportivo Point Fortin on Sunday which resulted in Rangers being crowned winners.
In the match-up between the newly crowned Champions Rangers and former winners Defence Force ended in a 2-2 draw on Friday at the La Horquetta Recreation Grounds. Reon Moore`s exquisite strike in the 90th minute temporarily halted the Terminix La Horquetta Rangers title celebration in front of their home crowd.
Tournament leading goal-scorer Brent Sam increased the gap at the top by notching his 15th goal of the season. He floated above his defender and gracefully headed home from a Jelani Felix corner giving goalkeeper Jabari St. Hillaire no chance at saving it.
Rangers equalized in the 23rd minute through a deflected free-kick from midfielder Kaihim Thomas who recently returned from National U-20 duties. Then, second half substitute Kadeem Corbin banged in the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute from close range.
Defence Force needed a moment of brilliance to overcome St. Hillaire who was the man of the match and by far the best player on the night with several breathtaking saves.
Moore superb strike in the 90th was just fantastic even the home crowd cheered on shook the net. He chested the ball, then let loose a ferocious strike in one motion without touching the ground.
The match between Police FC and Deportivo Point Fortin played to a goalless draw on Sunday at the St. James Barracks. Both teams are still in contention for the second position.
Standings after 16 Rounds:
TERMINIX LA HORQUETTA RANGERS – 42 Points
DEFENCE FORCE FC – 35 points
POLICE FC – 34 points
DEPORTIVO POINT FORTIN – 31 points
AC PORT OF SPAIN – 18 points
CUNUPIA FC – 18 points
REAL WEST FORT UNITED – 14points
CENTRAL SOCCER WORLD – 13 points
CENTRAL FC – 12 points
MORUGA FC – 4 points