KINGSTON College (KC) won their ninth ISSA Olivier Shield trophy with an exciting 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Garvey Maceo High School in the play-off at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Sports Complex in Santa Cruz on Saturday. Both teams played to a thrilling 1-1 draw at full time.

Omarion O’Brian scored for the daCosta Cup champions Garvey Maceo in the 63rd minute, while KC equalised through an own goal by Garvey Maceo’s defender Tyreek McKenkley in the 83rd minute. This victory marked KC’s second title of the season, following their win in the Manning Cup earlier this month.

KC Head Coach Vassell Reynolds is overjoyed with their performance.

“We always knew it was going to be close and difficult because it is a long season and we didn’t think we’d get the best out of both teams,” he said. “I think the 1-1 draw was a fair result in the end, but luck fell our way in the penalty shoot-out and we are very overwhelmed to cap off the season in this fine manner.”

Reynolds, who is in his second year as head coach of KC, said that he was particularly pleased with this accomplishment as it took hard work throughout the season to achieve success.

“I am very pleased with this personal achievement but it was not about Vassell Reynolds,” he said. “It was about the coaching staff, the management staff, and the administrative staff. I’m just happy to be part of the legacy we achieved this season.

“It was a very challenging and overwhelming season but I am happy that the boys were able to cap it off in glory. They deserve it because they worked hard and it was a long season. It wasn’t easy, but I am happy they achieved their ultimate goal — which was to win the Olivier Shield title.”

O’Brian, one of the standout players this season’s, gave Garvey Maceo the lead when he collected a pass from McKenley in midfield, then outsprinted a KC defender before firing past goalkeeper Malique Williams. McKenley came close to doubling Garvey Maceo’s lead five minutes later, but his point-blank header sailed over the crossbar.

Despite going behind early in the second half, KC fought valiantly for an equaliser, creating several clear-cut opportunities. They were finally rewarded when McKenley turned a low cross from Damaine Smith into his own goal, giving KC the equaliser.

This victory was KC’s second all-island success over Garvey Maceo, having defeated them 2-0 to win the title in the 2021 season. Garvey Maceo, who are three-time daCosta Cup champions, are yet to win the Olivier Shield title.

Kingston College goalkeeper Dominic Robinson (second left) celebrates with his teammates after a successful penalty shoot-out. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Garvey Maceo’s Omarian O’Brian (left) battles with Kingston College’s Raje Ximines (centre) and Oamaine Smith during their ISSA Olivier Shield game played at St Elizabeth Technical High School Sports Complex on Saturday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)