By Perry B. Zordyu
SKD Practice Pitch, Monrovia – James “Messi” Tarpeh has written his name into the history books as the first player to score a hat-trick in the ongoing 2025 LFA Montserrado County District League.
His remarkable performance helped District #5 secure a dominant 4-1 victory over District #9 in their opening match.
Tarpeh, who also captains Lofa County during national tournaments, found the back of the net in the 5th, 26th, and 72nd minutes, thrilling fans with the league’s first-ever hat-trick.
His early goal gave District #5 a commanding start, followed by a goal from Yeldoloe Paybayee, making it 2-0 by halftime. Tarpeh’s final two strikes sealed the victory and earned his team all three points.
Known for his clutch performances in county meets, Tarpeh once again proved why he’s one of the most feared forwards in Liberian football. His performance has since become the talk of the tournament among fans, sports analysts, and journalists alike.
Speaking after the match, Tarpeh emphasized passion and mindset as key drivers behind his game:
“Football should be played with passion and purpose,” he said. “I’m committed to delivering for District #5, but we also need more financial support from residents to keep pushing forward.”
In a gesture of appreciation, Masarco Operations Manager Hallie B. Johnson announced that Tarpeh would receive an iPhone 16 Pro Max for his stellar performance.
On his possible participation in the upcoming December County Meet with Lofa County, Tarpeh said he hasn’t made a final decision yet:
“It’s too early to say now. I’ll decide when the time comes.”
District #5’s resounding win has sent a strong message to their rivals in the competition. Meanwhile, other matches in the tournament have also produced excitement:
- District #6 and District #1 shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, marking their first outing in the competition.
- In the tournament opener, District #3 edged past District #8 in a narrow 2-1 win.
- At the Tusa Sports Pitch in Gardnersville, District #2 defeated District #11 with another 2-1 scoreline.
The 2025 Montserrado County District League is already proving to be a thrilling showcase of young talent and district pride, with more action expected in the coming weeks.
