An unforgettable final, a heroic comeback, and the fighting spirit of SCP — the trophy stays in the Ironbound!
Newark, NJ — June 29, 2025 — In one of the most dramatic and heroic matches in recent memory, Sport Club Português Premier was crowned champions of the GSSL Premier Division League Cup this past Sunday, defeating Passaic FC after a thrilling 4-4 draw and a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The final took place at the Capelli Sports Complex under blistering heat, with temperatures soaring above 90°F. It was a match that captured the unbreakable spirit of SCP — a club that has been building a glorious legacy in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound since 1921.
The game started with high tension: just seven minutes in, Cory Martinez was shown a straight red card, forcing SCP to play nearly the entire match with only 10 men. Despite being down a player, André Vieira struck first for SCP with a beautiful goal that caught the Passaic FC defense by surprise.
Passaic FC quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority, scoring four unanswered goals and pulling ahead 4-1 with just 25 minutes left on the clock.
But SCP wasn’t done fighting.
What followed was a comeback for the ages:
Jason Chung calmly netted SCP’s second goal to cut the deficit to 4-2. Then, in the 80th minute, Ricardo Oliveira sent the crowd into a frenzy with a spectacular 30-yard strike, bringing SCP within one at 4-3 and sparking renewed belief.
Just five minutes later, in the 85th minute, Ricardo Oliveira was fouled inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and André Vieira stepped up under immense pressure. With cool precision, he buried the penalty to tie the match 4-4 and send it into the always-dramatic penalty shootout.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Kevin Sabadin became the hero of the night, making two crucial saves to secure the victory for Sport Club Português. As the final penalty hit the back of the net, players, coaches, and fans erupted in celebration — another historic triumph for this storied club.
Head coach and soccer coordinator Sérgio Nobre praised his team’s heart and resilience:
“This team is made of heart and soul. We played with 10 men from the 7th minute in brutal heat, and no one gave up. This win shows what SCP is all about — we never quit, we never back down. This trophy stays in the Ironbound, where it belongs!”
This championship isn’t just another title — it’s a reaffirmation of a legacy built over more than a century. Founded in 1921, Sport Club Português remains a powerful symbol of perseverance, pride, and excellence in Luso-American soccer.
Congratulations, SCP! 2025 GSSL Premier Division League Cup Champions!