NELASA Week 9 in Review: D. Curral Grande and Emigrantes at the top of their groups.

By Carlos Amado
July 06, 2009

NELASA 09

When will Spiga Midju finally get a point in the Campaign? That question has been asked since the season started and the answer still remains a mystery, and it will at least till next week when they will take their chances against Café De Fogo in Brockton.  It is however noteworthy that Mr. Andrade’s young squad is showing some signs of maturity and is edging closer to earning their first point this season.  On Saturday they hosted Boston FC at PIC and were unfortunate not to come away with a victory.  When Boston FC scored in the 10th minute many thought it was going to be another goal fest, but the young men from Brockton settled down and played impressively squandering many chances to go level.  If they can continue to build on their performance from this week’s match they will surprise many as the season progresses.

Also at PIC the resurging Fidjos Terra took on Sporting from RI and the game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.  The defending champions started the season in a slump, but have recovered nicely by taken maximum points in the last 3 games leading up to their Match with Sporting RI. The ever dangerous “Zoru” started the season with Sporting, but opted to return home and play for his old club.  Zoru’s reacquisition proved to be key as he scored Fidjos terra’s only goal late in the second half to put his team level.

Alianca CV and Tarrafal played an exciting game in what was essentially a home game for both teams as they both play their home games at Hillstrom Park. Tarrafal shocked Alianca CV by taking an early lead.  The veteran Sousa scored to put his team ahead with a tremendous individual play, but Alianca CV’s keeper Lobinho was partially to blame as his decision making on that play left a lot to be desired.  However, Tarrafal was not able to keep Alianca CV at bay for too long.  Last year’s leading scorer Zico “matador” scored half hour into the 1st half and the score at half time was 1-1.  In the second half Alianca CV’s superiority became apparent as they were able to score 3 times and put the game out of reach.  Zico added two more to his tally and the Capeverdean international Joao De Lele added another.  Danny converted a penalty for Tarrafal to make it 3-2, but that was as close as they would come.    Alianca CV’s win gives them 17 points which puts them in second place in group A behind Curral Grande on goal difference.

Curral Grande remains in 1st place in group A after only managing a draw against Dinamo Da Brava at Madison Park High School.  The two teams thus far are having a great season and leading up to the game were surprisingly both top of their respective groups.  Curral Grande took the lead at the half hour mark and went to half time leading 1-0.  Dinamo came into the second half with a different approach and looking more dangerous. It only took those 15 minutes to draw even as the highly talented Ernesto again rescued his team as he has done so many times all season long.  Both teams had opportunities to go ahead, but failed to convert.

Clube Tabanka hosted Emigrantes Das Ilhas at Madison Park.  The two teams played in the semifinals of last year’s playoffs in which Emigrantes were victorious.  This was a highly anticipate match between two very good teams.  To add to the excitement both teams had the opportunity to claim top spot in their respective groups given the results from Dinamo Vs Curral grande match.  Unfortunately the game did not live up to the expectations.  Clube Tabanka started off well as they played with the wind to their back, but all of their possession did not materialize into scoring opportunities as Emigrantes’ stingy defense again showed why they have only conceded one goal this season.  In contrast to the 1st half, the second half was played mostly in Tabanka’s half of the field, but scoring opportunities for both teams were few and far between. Clube Tabanka suffered a major blow when they went down to 10 men. In the 65th minute Zidane was sent off with a straight red for dangerous play. Emigrantes took full advantage and in the 75th minute came the game’s only goal which fired Emigrantes straight to the top of group B.  Justin Fernandes broke loose on the left side and beautifully fed Djay the ball who with the slightest touch of the hill set Carlitos up for a rocket about 10 yards out. Emigrantes had the opportunity to add to lead when Zico had a scoring opportunity but was taking down by Tabanka’s keeper Lito which resulted in a penalty being called and Lito being sent off.  Emigrante’s captain Waldir was given the task to take the penalty but he uncharacteristically failed to convert.  It would not matter however as there was little time left to be played.

Strela Negra travelled to Pawtucket RI to take on Juventude at Galego Court.  Juventude started off well and took a 2-0 lead into half time with goals by Peter and Mika. They looked to be well on their way for another victory.  However Strela Negra had other plans and they refused to go down with a fight.  In the second half they brought more energy and began to create some chances.  In the 70th minute Pirocho gave them a life line with a thunderous shot outside the box given the keeper no chance.  Strela Negra would build on their momentum and 5 minutes later they would strike again to tie the game at two.  They continued to look dangerous and in the 85th they scored a 3rd goal and were deliriously celebrating what appeared to be the game winner, however their celebration was short lived as the goal was called back for an off sides much to their dismay.  The game ended short time later in a 2-2 draw. Both teams remain 3rd place in their respective groups.

Mindelo and Café De Fogo are both in the bottom two of their respective groups. Both teams were in search of much needed full 3 points if they have any aspirations of making the playoffs this year.  Mindelo were picked by many to be one of the surprising teams in the league this year, but it has not materialized. They started off the season with consecutive wins versus Sporting and Boston FC, but have since lost 4 consecutive games in the league.  Café De Fogo is a scrappy team and they play with a lot of heart. They’re not as talented as some of the top teams in the league, but they have put on some good performances this year against some of the top teams in the league.  Mindelo took the lead half way through the 1st half through Jose and took that lead into half time.  However they were unable to hold on to the lead and conceded in the 65th minute.  It was a disappointing result for both teams as they desperately want to be in a position to qualify for the playoffs.