In a dramatic conclusion to the Saint Lucian football season, La Clery Football Club successfully defended their Semi-Professional Premier League championship with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory against Vieux Fort South. The national day showdown on December 13th at Soufrière Stadium attracted a capacity crowd that witnessed footballing drama both on and off the pitch.
The championship match pitted last year’s Tier 2 champions Vieux Fort South against the dominant La Clery side that had enjoyed a spectacular 2024 campaign. Both teams had secured their playoff berths by finishing in the top two league positions, with Vieux Fort South holding the distinction of being the only team to defeat La Clery during the preliminary round. The southerners advanced to the final with a 3-1 semifinal victory over Gros Islet, while La Clery edged past Canaries with a 2-1 scoreline.
The evening kickoff at 8 PM produced a cagey opening period with neither side creating significant scoring opportunities. The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when Vieux Fort South’s Obafemi Poyotte capitalized on a defensive error, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net in the 47th minute. La Clery demonstrated their championship mentality by responding with an equalizer in the 58th minute, with Milan Jules converting from a corner kick situation.
The match encountered an unexpected interruption due to crowd disturbances in the stands, resulting in approximately 15 minutes of stoppage time. Despite the extended play, neither team could find a winning goal during regular and added time. The championship ultimately came down to a penalty shootout where La Clery emerged victorious with a 4-3 margin, claiming the trophy, medals, and the accompanying EC$30,000 prize money.
Following the emotional victory, La Clery captain Devon St. Prix revealed the profound significance behind their triumph, dedicating the championship to teammate Ajani Hippolyte who had tragically passed away earlier in the year. St. Prix emphasized that his team was competing for “more than just the game,” adding a deeply personal dimension to their championship defense.