Latest News
Speid bemoans Cavalier’s loss to Robinhood
December 07, 2023
Ten-man Cavalier failed to take home the Concacaf Caribbean Cup title, after losing the second leg of the final against Robinhood of Suriname 2-0 at the National Stadium on Wednesday for a 3-0 aggregate defeat.
Robinhood won the first leg 1-0 at home and needing only a draw to secure the title, stole the win with late goals from Franklin Singodikromo and Jamilhio Rigters.
Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid was utterly disappointed after losing his third consecutive final.
"This is the eighth final (including youth competitions) Cavalier has lost this year. This team has actually gone to five, and we have only won one, and that is where the disappointment is," he said.
He also thought Shaneil Thomas' 56th-minute red card swung the game in Robinhood's favour.
"That effectively decided the game. It was harsh, but we attacked in the first half and hit the post. We just needed a bit of luck," he added.
Cavalier took the initiative from the first whistle and hit the post through Thomas from a tight angle early on.
Robinhood were always a threat on the counter and had a couple of breaks that caused concerns.
As the game progressed, the intensity increased, but chances were few. The best chance fell to Cavalier's Adrian Reid, but his shot hit the base of the post and came back into play. Then, from a corner, resulting from that play, Thomas headed over from six yards.
Rigters, named the competition's best player, also had a free kick in the last minutes of the half that went inches over.
Cavalier started the second half positively, high-pressing their opponents, but Rigters came close with a powerful drive from nearly 30 yards.
Moments later, the hosts were reduced to 10 men when the tournament's top scorer Thomas, received a second booking for a tackle in the 56th minute.
Jalmaro Calvin then blasted a good chance over from six yards, although he was under immense pressure from Robinhood's defence.
Despite playing a man short, Cavalier continued to take the game to their opponents, cheered on by a populated grandstand crowd.
However, Shaquille Cairo could have put the game further out of Cavalier's reach with a glorious opportunity in the 66th minute, but he fired over with only Vino Barclett to beat.
Rigters fired another good chance wide after another good break, while Roche Rosabel hit the bar with an attempted cross in the 79th minute.
The visitors cemented their advantage two minutes from time, when Franklin Singodikromo scored with a well-taken shot from the edge of the area.
Rigters further consolidated Robinhood's win with another goal in added time.
"It's wonderful that an amateur club reached this level of the tournament. It's great," said Robinhood coach Roberto Godeken.
"It was difficult because the Cavalier played long behind the defence. That is always difficult," he stated.
