Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: United Club of Verna pipped Parish Youth Nuvem 1-0 in the final to clinch the Lourdes Festival Soccer Trophy in the all Goa inter-village football tournament organised by United Club of Utorda in memory of Nicholas Rodrigues at the SAG ground, Utorda, on Sunday.
From the beginning, both the teams kept the spectators on their toes with good footballing skills and threatening moves in the goal areas of each other, desperately aiming for the kill but failed to score.
At the lemon break, the score remained goalless draw. On resumption of play, both teams regrouped with renewed ideas.
In the 18th minute, Ivo Colasco of Parish Youth Nuvem had a golden opportunity to forge ahead but missed the target from a handshaking distance.
At the other end, Parish Youth Nuvem defender made a brilliant goalline save. In the 50th minute, Desmond Pereira of United Club of Verna scored the all-important goal of the match.
President of United Club of Utorda Trindade Fernandes welcomed, while Secretary Anthony Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks. Shawn Pereira compered.
Chief guest FIFA Technical Expert and Technical Director Sporting Clube de Goa Savio Madeira gave away the trophy to the winners in presence of guest of honour Rosita Rodrigues, wife of late Nicholas Rodrigues; Fr Arvino Fernandes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church; Goa Football Association Executive Member Andrew Ferrao, Club President Trindade Fernandes, Vice-President Ulorica Silveira, Secretary Anthony Fernandes, Sports Secretary Pascoal Vaz, Assistant Sports Secretary Antonio Vincent Fernandes and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Savio called upon the players to be punctual and maintain discipline if football in Goa has to regain its lost glory.