Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

THE MICO University College's football team created history at the UWI Mona Bowl playing field on Thursday.

Mico beat University of Technology (UTech) 6-5 on penalties to capture the Greg Garel Intercol KO trophy, their first senior football title.

Both teams reached the final in contrasting style. UTech scored a convincing 3-0 win over Moneague Community College while Mico had a 4-2 penalty kick victory over Bethlehem Moravian College.

Mico, however, started the final as favourites as they had earlier defeated defending champions G.C. Foster College and last year's beaten finalists College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE). They also had in their line-up Red Stripe Premier League players Rosario Harriott of Portmore United and Ricardo Oldham of Arnett Gardens, along with Sporting Central's outstanding goalkeeper Triston Huntley.

Led by Harriott and Oldham, Mico dominated the early exchanges but they were let down by poor finishing. Later in the half, UTech, led by prolific goalscorer Rafiq Roberts, who got all three goals against Moneague, and winger Christopher Thompson, had their moments of ascendancy but they, too, failed to score.

It was much of the same in the second half, and with the game scoreless the teams went into extra time where they again failed to find the back of the net.

In the shoot-out, Mico were perfect after their first three penalties to lead their rivals 3-1. However, Mico missed their fourth and fifth penalties while UTech scored both to send the shoot-out into sudden death at 3-3.

brilliant save

The teams were again level after four more penalties. Mico then led 6-5 when goalkeeper Huntley pulled off a brilliant save to notch the win for his team.

Winning coach Vassell Reynolds was overjoyed after his team's success.

"I am extremely happy that Mico were able to create history by winning the title for the first time, and I would like to thank the administration and the players for their support. This win will definitely give the team a big boost going into the league," said Reynolds, who is in his first season at Mico.