53 years to the day the small nation of Jamaica gained its Independence from Britain as a Commonwealth subject. Freedom was ours to choice our own destiny.
In that proud tradition the young ‘Stars of the East’ emancipated themselves from the bondage of its second idol nations, the mighty United States of America, only on the football field.
HVFC marched pass DC United by 5-2 in an epic encounter, led by a four timer from striker, Kellijah Morgan a community resident from Southern Cross Drive, Kingston 17, in Harbour View.
Dedicated to take away at least one victory in this group of death, proliferated with Professional Football Club Academy Programmes, the starlets started fastest concentrated to score the first goal and not chase the game as done on the first two games.
Kellijah broke away from his markers to receive a Rasheed Willis pass to slot home after 14 minutes to lead 1-0. He doubled the lead 7 minutes later when Captain, Rojaughn ‘RoRo’ Joseph dissected the defense for him to waltz by the goalkeeper and place his shot, 2-0.
Substitute 10 year old Kevaughn ‘Saka’ Wilson (son of Kevin ‘Pele’Wilson) was on the field only 5 minutes as he replaced Delroy ‘Tardo’ Jones and benefitted from the industry and skill of Javian ‘Jah Jah’ Green’s dribble and shot that fell nicely for him in the box to score and jump for joy. 3-0 going into halftime.
This Zone is a real test and so a triple substitution from the DC United bench added spark, numbers and better passing coordination to totally dominate the first 20 minutes of the second half, as HVFC were rattled to the core.
Minute 49 saw striker (#14) Samuel Thomson blast a bomber pass our efficient goalkeeper, Rahiem Abrahams who had no chance, 3-1. He was back again to convert a penalty 6 minutes later following a hand ball in the penalty area. Mexican Referee, Rafeal Bonilla signaled correctly and Thompson pumped in his second to cause nerves to ripple.
3-2 after 55 minutes and 15 minutes to play.
Were we going to fold or would that rebellious spirit rise up again as we have proven throughout this tournament. As the Washington natives moved in for the kill, left back Willis shunted yet another counter-acting missile to Kellijah Morgan.
He beats one, two and the goalkeeper is shifted in the sweet move and notches a hatrick, 4-2.
The bench erupts in joyous celebration in a festive mood, free at last free at last.
The tide has swayed our way once more as DC United commits more attackers with good combinations in midfield and the flanks but stopped by Warner Brown, Kaestner Sturridge, an the outstanding Junior Parker.
Defensive midfielder, Shawn Daley gives way due to injury as Matthew Coke partners Morgan up front, with 7 minutes plus injury time remaining the entire bench cannot hide their enthusiasm as the finish line draws closer.
One more roll of the dice as a long pass find the streaking Morgan to bulldoze the backline and score a fifth. Four times our Premier League team played DC United in CONCACAF Champions League and Cup, losing 3 times and drawing once.
Game set and match.
Finally victory long in search of but just on the right day, Independence is celebrated.
Happy 53rd Independence Jamaica!