Pool B leaders, Kiwi were hot favourites to beat Adidas SC. But the leading men came out short with a 2-2 draw.
Hoeflich brothers, Harry and Mason scored a pair of goals to put their side up by two against Adidas captain Maurice Ah Chong’s lone goal at half-time.
Second half was a different ball game, Adidas fired shot after shot but still failed to capitalise on countless goal-scoring opportunities until Ah Chong stole his second to equalise. Final score, 2-2.
Cruz Azul cruised in for a 5-1 victory over Togafuafua Saints to comfortably take the top spot for Pool A. Cruz player-coach, Geoffrey Strickland, netted his first hat-trick of the season.
Apia Youth settled for second place following their default loss to Vaivase-Tai.
Semi-finals will be the highlight of the month (27 March) as the four top teams play off for the cup.
Cup Semi-finals will be between Kiwi SC and Apia Youth, and Cruz Azul and Moaula United FC.
Plate Semi-finals will be between Moataa SC and Togafuafua Saints, and Vaivase-Tai and Goldstar Sogi FC.
Adidas SC and Strickland Brother’s Lepea progress straight to the bowl final due to relegation of Central United FC and USP SC.
In the women’s premier league, Adidas SC recorded their largest winning margin of the season with a 9-0 win over Moataa SC.
Cruz Azul narrowly defeated a new and improved Apia Youth line-up, 2-1.
Apia consistently held back Cruz attack and launched their-own strikes throughout the match. Apia captain Saini Umutaua shutdown Cruz strikers and set up her attackers with through balls. The 20year old played superbly scored Apia’s equalising goal from her-own corner kick, which deflected off teammate Nadia Malifa’s boot.
The fairy tale ending was not to be for Apia when Cruz’ Emeline Ioane ceased a momentary lapse in communication by Apia defenders to steal the match in the last 10minutes, as her team breathed a sigh of relief.
It was a case of de je vu for Goldstar Sogi FC and Kiwi SC – the teams drew 1-1 yet again. And Moataa SC lead the National Youth League after their 5-0 win over Cruz Azul.