PSMS pummels Geylang to lift Bang Yos Gold Cup
Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
PSMS Medan gave a master class in controlled soccer to humiliate Geylang FC of Singapore 5-1 and take the Bang Yos Gold Cup 2005 in Senayan, Central Jakarta.
Christian Carasco started his team's goal rush with a free kick in the 18th minute, followed by two goals from Mahyadi Panggabean (27, 74), and a goal each from Eka Mihar Wiyanto (41) and Christian A. Gonzales (59).
The only consolation for Geylang, which had upset defending champions Persija Jakarta 2-1 in their opening match, came from John Wilkinson in the 53rd minute.
Attendance for the final was sparse, but those in the stands were treated to a highly entertaining match. PSMS took control from the outset, with playmaker Alejandro Tobar successfully leading his team in midfield battles.
Tobar furnished penetrating passes to strikers Carasco and Gonzales to set up prime goal scoring chances.
PSMS went ahead after it was awarded a free kick off a tackle by Geylang defender and captain Jerry Bartholomeus on Gonzales. Carasco made the most of the opportunity.
PSMS players quickly realized that Bartholomeus was Geylang's weakest link at right back, with constant attacks on his corner bearing fruit with Mahyadi's successful header home.
Goal number three was a beautiful example of players thinking on their feet, with Gonzales taking the ball in the midfield, dribbling it past through two Geylang defenders and taking a shot at Geylang keeper Syahril Jantan.
He blocked the shot, but PSMS player Risdianto flicked it back to Eka, who pounded home the goal from outside the block.
In the second half, Geylang tried to seize the initiative, using five to six players to infiltrate the penalty box and leading to Wilkinson's goal.
PSMS, who beat Indonesian Premier League champions Persebaya Surabaya in the semifinals, had come too far to be denied, emphasizing the point with two more goals before the final whistle sounded.
PSMS won Rp 225 million (about US$24,000), gold medals and the gold cup, with the visitors taking home Rp 175 million.
Geylang's misery was compounded when Wilkinson was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a harsh tackle in the 63rd minute.
Geylang coach Scott O' Donnell said he was disappointed with his players' performance, but added "PSMS deserved to win as it was the better side in the final".
Delighted PSMS coach Sutan Harhara said he was particularly pleased by his players' motivation to win.
Carasco was named best player and top scorer of the tournament, while Mahyadi was chosen man of the match for the final.