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Advantage Cavalier in Caribbean Cup final
November 27, 2024
Cavalier will take a 1-0 lead into next Tuesday's second leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final, after clipping Cibao of the Dominican Republic in the first leg at the National Stadium last night.
Shaquille Stein netted the all important goal 20 minutes into the match, to give Cavalier the advantage heading into the return leg.
Although Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid would have preferred a bigger lead going into the Dominican Republic next week, he believes they are equipped to go away and get a positive result.
"There were a number of objectives that we had, and one of them was not to concede because of the away goal rule, and we achieved that.
"The other one was try to get a lead. We didn't get a big enough lead, as we would have wanted. But I would take what happened tonight anytime over any other score," he said.
Cibao's Ernesto Trinidad got the first chance of the match but his poor effort was blocked by the Cavalier defence.
Cavalier eventually gained control but gave the Cibao goalkeeper little trouble, until they went ahead in the 20th minute. Dwayne Atkinson stole possession and slipped a delightful pass to Stein who slotted home.
Stein had another opportunity to make it 2-0 but he lifted Jalmaro Calvin's cross over from six yards.
Cibao tried to gain a foothold in the game but a well organised Cavalier defence kept them in check.
Jean Lopez came close to handing Cibao an unlikely equaliser but his header from a corner was palmed away by Vino Barclett in the 35th minute.
Atkinson also had another good chance towards the end of the half but he dragged his shot wide.
Cibao pressed their opponents early in the second half and Correa headed a good chance over from six yards
Calvin had a good opening after a counter-attack in the 66th minute but he kicked straight to goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd, while Rivaldo Correa then headed over for Ciboa moments later.
Cibao put the hosts under some pressure in the last 10 minutes and forced seven consecutive corners, which started with Barclett pushing a Juan Diaz curler around his post.
Correa then forced two crucial saves from the Cavalier custodian, as Cavalier struggled to clear their lines.
Cibao coach Scheldeur Sainvilus said they result was not a bad one for them, and expressed confidence in turning the score around.
"That was a good game. We did our best. Cavalier are a good team with fast players. But we know we have 90 minutes at home. So we are going to fight to win the trophy," he said.
