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Cavalier rally for draw with MoBay United
December 19, 2024
CAVALIER Soccer Club head coach Rudolph Speid admits they are having a rough time, this after they fought back from one goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against Montego Bay United (MBU) in their Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League football match at the Montego Bay Sports Complex last night.
"I feel we are going through a rough patch. Today we should gave gotten an easy victory," Speid said.
He had already been complaining about a "punishing schedule" that saw his team, the JPL defending champions, being forced to play four games in two weeks and make up for games missed while participating in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
Added to that he thinks they were not handed a clear cut call by the officials in last night's game.
"I thought we got an easy penalty call but it just didn't go our way," he lamented.
"As you can see in the second half it was all Cavalier dominating," Speid said.
In the rescheduled and final game of the first round, MBU took the lead in the 26th minute courtesy of former Cavalier player Shaneil Thomas.
However, Cavalier, the Concacaf Caribbean Club champions, found a boost of energy and exhibited more composure and control as they pegged their way back with a goal in the 58th minute when Ronaldo Barrett scored to make things interesting.
EARLY STAGES
In the early stages of the first half, MBU held the upper hand and created more chances while having more possession of the ball.
Cavalier showed their defensive prowess, but MBU would not back down and kept attacking.
In the 26th minute, a beautiful cross from Dwayne Allen was perfectly delivered to Thomas who delivered the go-ahead goal for MBU.
Shortly after, MBU's captain Owayne Gordon had a chance to double the lead but he kicked the ball inches over the crossbar.
Cavalier entered the second half with intensity and dominated, dampening the home team's spirit when they netted the equaliser through Barrett's goal.
However, the MoBay home support was strong and the fans' energy lifted the players to the point where they started matching their opponents and applying some pressure later in the half.
However, Cavalier, known for their fast-breaking attacking plays, kept looking for opportunities and a minute before regulation ended Adrian Reid chest controlled the ball and made an attempt to double their tally. But much to the delight of MBU the ball narrowly went over the crossbar.
The draw kept MBU fourth on the table with 25 points, tied with Waterhouse Football Club which hold a superior goal difference. Cavalier remain fifth with 23 points, five behind league leaders Mount Pleasant Academy FC.
Rodolfo Zapata, MBU's head coach, said his team showed a good attitude and fought hard.
"We were playing a very good team. They have talented players. It was a very tactical game and it was a good test for us to see where we are. Playing like this, I think we are headed the right way," said Zapata.
