MIRAMAR – FC Internaxionale, who currently sits atop the 14-team standings in the Casa Super League warmed up for the upcoming playoffs by winning the Copa Caribana Tournament at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar.
The Tournament, a staple on Memorial Weekend for a decade now, featured its usual array of teams from all corners of the United States including Orlando, New York, Jacksonville and Pittsburg.
The youngsters of Coral Springs Storm and their 14-year old prodigy, the aptly named Romario Bebito Bernard, proved the revelation of the Tournament, performing at a level belying their tender ages. They exited after a narrow 1-0 loss to eventual champions Internaxionale, their only loss of the Tournament. After the preliminary rounds and Quarterfinals had been completed, the Final-four consisted of local teams FC Internaxionale and Africa United, and two former champions of the Tournament Orlando Links and Pittsburg Steelers. Internaxionale surprisingly thrashed Orlando Links 4-1 in the first semi-final. A goal within the first two minutes by Orlando Lawrence set Inter on their way and a brilliant hatrick in 10 minutes by marksman Horace Howell buried the former champions. In the second semi-final, Africa United ensured an all South Florida final by upsetting pre-Tournament favorites and former Champions Pittsburg Steelers 1-0.
Showing off the winning trophy.
After three days of grueling competition in the hot South Florida weather, the final was expected to be a tactical affair with hard running, physical Africa United against the more technically-inclined FC Internaxionale. A Beckham-like curled free kick by Duane James gave Internaxionale a deserved lead to take to the half-time break. Internaxionale continued their domination in the second half but a brilliant goal by Mark Williams against the run of play set up a nervy ending. Regulation ended 1-1 so penalties would decide the winner. After 3 rounds of kicks the scores were locked at 3-3 and so sudden death was required. AJ McNab coolly hammered his kick into the corner putting the pressure back on Africa United. When Jose Romero saved the next kick, FC Internaxionale had become the first South Florida based team to win the prestigious Copa Caribana Tournament in its 10 year history.
