Dudley Powell (right), chairman of intercollegiate football, handing over the Greg Garel KO Trophy to Rosario Harriott of The Mico University College on Thursday at the UWI Mona Bowl. Mico defeated University of Technology 6-5 on penalties to win the knockout competition. It is Mico's first senior intercol title. - Ricardo Makyn

RAYMOND GRAHAM, Star Writer

THE Mico University College football team created history on Thursday as the Marescaux Road-based University captured their first senior football title after they overcame the University of Technology (UTech) 6-5, in sudden death penalties, to walk away with the Greg Garel Intercol Knockout Trophy.

Both teams reached the final in contrasting style. UTech, 2004 champions, had a convincing 3-0 win over Moneague Community College while playing at home. Mico had a 4-2 penalty-kick win over Bethlehem Moravian College.

Mico, however, started as favourites, having earlier defeated defending champions GC Foster College and last year's beaten finalist, College of Agriculture Science and Education. With the likes of Premier League players Rosario Harriot, of Portmore United, and Ricardo Oldham, of Arnett Gardens, in their line-up, along with Sporting Central goalkeeper Triston Huntley, they were a confident bunch coming into the final.

In Thursday's final it was the first time both Harriot and Oldham were playing together, as Oldham was making his first appearance on the football pitch since he fell ill during the Arnett Gardens/Boys' Town Premier League encounter several weeks ago.

Despite dominating the early exchanges of the game, through good plays by Harriot and Olham, along with midfielder Kemar Scott, the Mico team failed to open their account due to the team's poor finishing. Later in the half, UTech, led by prolific goalscorer Rafiq Roberts, who had scored all three goals against Moneague, and winger Christopher Thompson, harassed the Mico defenders and kept centre half Dexter Nesbeth busy.

It was tit for tat in the second half as both teams came out determined to score, with Mico looking the better team. In extra-time both teams tried desperately to steal the initiative, but failed to find the breakthrough.

Mico took the upper hand as they scored all three spot kicks, while their opponents failed to score their second and third giving Mico a 3-1 lead.

However, Mico brought their opponents into contention by missing their fourth and fifth penalties, while UTech scored both, making it 3-3 after five kicks. In sudden death Mico scored the next three penalties, but UTech, after scoring two, saw Mico keeper Huntley deny them on the third kick.

Winning coach Vassell Reynolds was elated with his team's success.

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