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Cavalier clip 10-man Arnett in JPL thriller
December 13, 2024
Strikes from Shaquille Stein and Jalmaro Calvin powered Cavalier to a 2-1 victory over Arnett Gardens at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex last night in what turned out to be a thrilling contest.
Cavalier came close to registering the opener in the ninth minute as the skilful Kaile Auvray slipped by his marker and smashed his shot against the upright. Arnett Gardens then responded with an attack of their own through Shai Smith whose curling right-footed shot went just wide of the mark.
Stein broke the deadlock in the 29th minute as he pounced upon a goalkeeping error from Arnett Gardens custodian Roje Williams to comfortably put his team in the lead. Arnett's chances of pulling off a win then became even tougher in the 37th minute when defender Shamarie Dyer was sent off.
However, two minutes before the halftime break the scoreline was level as midfielder Jamone Shepherd weaved through the Cavalier defence in a solo run to power home his shot to the delight of the hosts.
In the second half, chances were fewer compared to the first stanza. However, both teams were given chances to pull level. In the 68th minute, Arnett's Warner Brown, following a counterattack, came one-on-one with goalkeeper Vino Barclett but rushed his effort and kicked wide of the mark. In the 88th minute, the dangerous Calvin was given too much space, and he punished Arnett by lashing a left-footed shot which left goalkeeper Williams clutching thin air.
Rudolph Speid, head coach of Cavalier, stated that while his players are not yet back at their best, he was happy with the victory.
"I still think that we are tired and not yet back to our best. However, the three points were important as Arnett Gardens are the form team so we're satisfied," he shared.
Xavier Gilbert, head coach of Arnett Gardens, said his team was unfortunate to have walked away without a point.
"I'm proud with how we performed as the game could've been different. This is a team that's in form and in sync and I think we did well. It's unfortunate that we didn't get something out of the game," Gilbert said.
