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Mona stamp class against St Jago
November 21, 2024
Mona High School booked their spot in the semi-final of the ISSA Walker Cup semi-final following a commanding 3-0 victory over St. Jago High at the Stadium East yesterday.
The winners were quick out of the blocks in their quarter-final encounter as they registered their opening goal in the 13th minute courtesy of a well-placed shot from Savi-K Morton, beating the outstretched arms of St Jago's custodian Adriano Lawrence.
As Mona continued their press for early goals, the lead was doubled by K'shaine Gordon at the 29th minute as their offensive line were in a no-nonsense mood, while the defensive line kept their opponents at bay.
Cameron Sailsman, in the 50th minute, made it 3-0 as quick thinking allowed him to pounce upon a loose ball in the box and shoot, as the ball ricocheted off the upright from a free kick.
St. Jago failed to create any meaningful chances on goal.
Taniel McKenzie, head coach of St Jago believes the team paid the ultimate cost after conceding two early goals.
"The team was lacking in belief," said McKenzie. "In patches we saw what we really wanted to do, but the loss of key players due to injury and the two early goals really hit the team. We didn't recover from that but it was a fair season for us," he believes.
Kyle Butler and Ricardo Martin, who handed out the instructions for Mona on the day, expressed delight with the performance of their team.
"I'm pleased with how we rotated the ball and the chances that we took," Butler shared.
"Originally, we didn't plan on playing in the Walker Cup but it's football and things happen. We had to make adjustments and the players are professional enough to know that they have to come out and do their job," Martin explained.
Meanwhile, in the second game of a doubleheader, Excelsior High got by through the dreaded penalty kicks to secure their spot in the semi-final, winning the shootout 7-6 over Eltham High.
