Spectators at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex witnessed a historic moment in Cayman football on 20 July as Tigers Sports Club clinched their first-ever Cayman Islands Football Association Men’s FA Cup title.
The club defeated 345 Football Club 2-0 in a hard-fought final where the tension finally broke in the dying moments of the match and into extra time.
After 90 minutes without a goal, Neville Henry found the back of the net in the third minute of extra time, giving Tigers SC a crucial lead.
Astor Ruiz sealed the victory in the 122nd minute of the match, scoring in injury time of the second half of extra time.
The fiercely contested match saw six yellow cards issued – four to Tigers players and two to 345 FC – alongside a red card for a 345 FC player, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry.
Tigers SC captains on team victory
Gonzalo McLaughlin Jr., one of Tigers SC captains and an attacking midfielder, said the victory feels like a dream come true, but it was one that “felt like a true battle” to obtain.
“I’ve been praying for a day like this to happen, especially winning with a club that feels like home, a family”, adding that this win for the team was one they have been “chasing for years”.
Although the team rose to the top, McLaughlin Jr. acknowledged, “Nothing was going to be handed to us, and we knew that going in. From the first whistle, we stuck to the game plan we’d prepared. Everyone stayed disciplined, trusted in each other, and committed to their roles.
“Because of that, the game flowed well and felt like it was leaning in our favour,” he said.
Reflecting on the team’s overall success in the league, he credited not only the players and coaches, but the entire ‘Tigers SC family’ including the fans, relatives, medical team and entire club staff.
“The people around us played a massive role in shaping who we are as a team. There were so many moments where we were down, where things didn’t go our way, but in those moments, we were never alone. That kind of support gives you strength to push through the hardships,” he said.
Additionally, he credited the team’s success to their strong faith, saying, “We’ve built a strong Christian community around our players – one that supports, uplifts and keeps us grounded. That foundation has made all the difference, both on and off the field.”
For Tigers SC, this victory carries profound significance, extending far beyond the pitch.
McLaughlin Jr. reflected on his late father, Gonzalo McLaughlin, who was a former coach of the team before tragically passing away in 2020.
“Even though he’s no longer with us, his presence is still felt in everything we do. We haven’t forgotten him – not for a second. His voice, his lessons, his love for the game and for this team live on through us. Every win, every challenge, every goal we fight for – it’s all for him,” he said.
Tigers SC is more than just a club,” McLaughlin Jr. added. “[We’re] a family, and my dad helped built that family. We’ll keep honouring his legacy, now and always.”
Gonzalo Jr.’s teammate, central defender Bob Anderson Connor, who is also a team captain, made a poignant gesture after the finals game, handing his captain’s armband to McLaughlin Jr. before the trophy presentation, recognising the deep emotional connection of this win to his late father.
“I am very happy for this cup. It means a lot to me and the team because this cup will give us more confidence in ourselves, and together we can go much further,” Connor said.
He emphasised the team’s familial bond, saying, “We work very hard to achieve our goals, and I think that staying close as a family, it makes us believe in ourselves and support each other with a positive mindset.”
He also acknowledged their opponents. “Credit to 345 [FC] who played very well, but I think we deserved it.”
The Tigers Sports Club, formed in 2003, made its debut in the CIFA Men’s Premier League in 2009, remaining a fixture until the passing of coach McLaughlin.
Their return to the pitch in 2023 marked the beginning of a remarkable resurgence.
The 2023/2024 season saw them triumph in the Cayman Islands First Division League, secure promotion to the Premier League, and finish as runner-up in the Vice President’s Cup.
This season, they continued their upward trajectory, placing fourth in the Premier League and achieving runner-up status in the Presidents Cup, capping it all off with their historic first-ever FA Cup win.
