FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan expressed the importance of defensive resiliency for their upcoming playoff campaign after battling to a 2-1 win over Minnesota United last time out.

The Orange and Blue are on the road again this weekend as they travel to face Nashville SC, a side they were beaten by earlier in the season to halt a seven-match winning streak.

Having already secured their spot in the playoffs, Noonan placed emphasis on being solid at the back for the remainder of the season, especially in their fixtures away from home.

“Credit to Minnesota, they put a lot of pressure on us, and we relied on the back line to make a lot of individual plays, to defend the box well,” Noonan said.

“That's going to be a recipe for success down the stretch if we want to win on the road in tough games. It's not always going to be with us in control. So (FCC) went about that game in a really good way.

“After a lot of the emotional and physical or emotional highs, and then you know the physical demands and emotional demands of our previous game, to be able to turn it around the way they did, I was really impressed with that.”

Nashville, meanwhile, made it two wins from two after beating Chicago Fire in midweek, with head coach BJ Callaghan earning his first home victory in charge of the Coyotes.

Callaghan’s side currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference table but are just a point behind Philadelphia Union, who occupy the final playoff position.

The Nashville head coach lauded his players for their recent displays in the MLS and was confident his team are making the right strides in becoming a competitive outfit in the division.

“The players have been tremendous,” Callaghan started. “They have taken information in, and they look to apply it in training – they are working hard every single day.

“We look at it through all the phases of play. We are trying to give them clear roles and put them in the best position possible and I think you are seeing, little by little, improvement from them all.

“They are now making good decisions on the pitch. I am very happy with the progression of the team as we make incremental steps of getting better each week.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar 

Mukhtar assisted the only goal of the match in Nashville’s triumph over Chicago on Wednesday.

Since 2021, when the German plays and records a goal contribution, Nashville has averaged 1.99 points per match compared to 0.75 points per match when he plays but isn’t involved in a goal.

FC Cincinnati – Yuya Kubo

Kubo recorded a goal and an assist in Cincinnati’s win at Minnesota on Wednesday.

It was the 32nd time a Cincinnati player recorded a goal and an assist in a regular season match since the start of the 2022 season, tied for the most such individual performances in the league in that time (Portland Timbers).

MATCH PREDICTION: FC CINCINNATI WIN

Cincinnati’s victory against Minnesota was the club’s 27th regular-season win by a one-goal margin since the start of last season. No other MLS team has more than 16 one-goal wins in that time.

However, Nashville defeated this weekend’s opponents in the first encounter between the sides this season after Cincinnati had gone unbeaten in the previous four meetings in all competitions (W2 D2).

As mentioned, the Coyotes have recorded consecutive shutout wins after losing their previous eight regular season matches, allowing multiple goals in all of those. Nashville have not kept three straight clean sheets in a single regular season since doing so in four straight in May 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nashville SC – 31%

Draw – 25.1%

FC Cincinnati – 43.9%

Trinidad and Tobago’s Miscellaneous Police FC registered their first win of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup and kept their semi-final hopes alive after they bettered Jamaican outfit Arnett Gardens 2-1 in a lively Group A clash at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Thursday.

Joevin Jones (47th) and Ezekiel Kesar (84th) did the damage for Police FC, while Warner Brown (49th) got the ‘Junglists’ strike.

With the win, Police FC jumped to third on four points, the same as second-placed Haitian outfit Real Hope, but with a slightly inferior goal difference. Jamaica’s Cavalier remain atop on six points, while their compatriots Mount Pleasant FA (three points) and Arnett Gardens (zero point) complete the five-team standing.

With both teams coming off losses and hunting their first win, it was always expected to be an intriguing encounter, and fans that turned out at the venue were not disappointed.

Kimani Arbouine proved a menace for Arnett Gardens in the early exchanges as he unleashed a stinging 10th-minute effort that rocketed off the left upright.

Police also displayed their attacking prowess, led by veteran Kevon Woodley, who rose above defenders in the 32nd minute, but the lanky striker’s header came back off the crossbar.

Arbouine was at it again in the 36th minute as he sidewined his way into the danger area, but his well-struck effort failed to beat the right upright on this occasion as the score remained goalless at the break.

Police showed more purpose on the resumption and eventually broke the deadlock two minutes in when Jones fired home from just inside the arc as Richard White in goal for Arnett Gardens had no chance.

Brown pulled Arnett Gardens level seven minutes later with a calm right-footed finish, which left Police’s custodian Adrian Foncette flat-footed.

Try as they did, Arnett Gardens failed in the probe to add to their tally, and it was Police FC that had the last say.

This, as Kesar found the winner when he pounced on a rebound and slotted past White, who blocked an initial attempt.

Police FC will now be aiming to take the scalp of Mount Pleasant FA in its final group contest next Thursday and hope other results fall in their favour to secure a top two finish.

Meanwhile, having lost their first two games, Arnett Gardens face an uphill task to make the semi-finals, as they would have to win their next two encounters handsomely, while hoping others above them stumble. They will cross swords with Real Hope at the National Stadium next Wednesday.

LA Galaxy’s defeat to Portland Timbers was not a reality check said head coach Greg Vanney, but he lamented his side being their own worst enemy in their seventh loss of the season.

The Galaxy were beaten 4-2 at Providence Park last time out, seeing their lead at the summit of the Western Conference table cut to five points by Real Salt Lake following their victory.

While Vanney’s side have already secured their place in the playoffs, the Galaxy head coach was keen to eradicate those recent mistakes during the final five games of the campaign.

"I don't know if it's a reality check. I think everybody understands the challenges of this league and competing on the road, and they're a good team,” Vanney said.

“We create our problems with how we lose the ball, in rushing and forcing attacks and things that need to be allowed. We need to allow ourselves to develop. We did such a good job of that the other night (vs. LAFC) specifically in the second half.

“Tonight, for sure through the first half of the game and some stretches in the second half when we were chasing the game, impatience is sometimes our biggest enemy. That's ourselves undoing ourselves.

“We have to recognise this again as we come to the end of the season and go to the playoffs, because it's these things that hurt ourselves.”

Vancouver, meanwhile, continued their impressive MLS form with a 1-1 draw against Houston Dynamo and have now lost just one of their last 10 league matches.

The Whitecaps also set a new club record of 25 points from their games away from home, leaving them in sixth place in the Western Conference standings.

Ahead of their trip to Dignity Health Sports Park, head coach Vanni Sartini is expecting a tough encounter, but is confident his players can keep their run of form going this weekend.

“I think that against the Galaxy, we need to be pressing in a way that is intelligent because if we put being relentless ahead of being organised, they can break our press and kill us,” Sartini said.

“We need to be willing to play a game where they may have more possession than us, but not defending in our final third because we have seen the quality that they have.

“The key for me is to try and have the ball as much as we can because we will be doing something that they hate. Maybe then we can sneak a victory – that would be fantastic.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LA Galaxy – Joseph Paintsil

Paintsil scored his ninth goal of the season for the Galaxy on Wednesday after Dejan Joveljic (14), Gabriel Pec (12) and Riqui Puig (10) have already reached the 10-goal mark for LA in 2024.

No team in MLS history has had four 10-goal scorers in a single regular season campaign.

Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White

White came off the bench to score the equalising goal in Vancouver’s draw at Houston on Wednesday.

The goal was White’s fifth as a substitute for the Whitecaps, equalling Pedro Morales for the most in regular season play in club history.

MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN

The Galaxy won each of their first seven home matches against Vancouver from 2011 through the end of the 2014 season. Since 2015, however, the Galaxy have just four wins in 12 home matches against Vancouver in all competitions (D3 L5).

However, the hosts have won 11 of their last 12 matches at Dignity Health Sports Park (D1), including the last nine in a row. The Galaxy have lost only one of its last 23 league matches in Carson, dating back to June 2023.

But Vancouver are unbeaten in seven straight away matches in all competitions (W4 D3) dating back to the start of July, the longest road unbeaten run since the club joined MLS in 2011. The Whitecaps have allowed multiple goals in only one of those seven matches.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LA Galaxy – 46.9%

Draw – 26.4%

Vancouver Whitecaps – 26.7%

Former Trinidad and Tobago football star and ex-head coach Russell Latapy has revealed that he has been "indirectly contacted" by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) following the sacking of head coach Angus Eve in July. Latapy, a legendary figure in Trinidad and Tobago football, made the revelation during the launch of Brian Lara’s book Lara: The England Chronicles on September 17.

Eve, who was appointed Soca Warriors head coach in 2021, was dismissed after Trinidad and Tobago earned four points from their first two FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Grenada and the Bahamas in June. Since then, Derek King has taken over as caretaker coach but has struggled to get positive results. Under King’s guidance, the Soca Warriors were beaten 4-0 by Honduras on September 6 in the Concacaf Nations League A, followed by a 0-0 draw against French Guiana on September 10.

When asked by Newsday if he had applied for the head coach position, Latapy, fondly known as the "Little Magician" during his playing days, stated that while he had not formally applied, he remains open to helping the national team if needed. "No, I haven’t applied for the Soca Warriors job," Latapy said. However, he confirmed that there had been indirect contact from the TTFA regarding the position.

Latapy, who represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup and previously coached the national men’s team from 2009-2011, acknowledged the difficulties the TTFA has faced as it transitions under new leadership. "I think a lot has been happening with the TTFA, which has changed hands from the normalisation committee to the new president Kieron Edwards," Latapy explained. "The new president needs a bit of time to settle into the job. I think it’s documented the difficulties the TTFA and football in general has been through."

Though he has yet to apply for the head coaching role, Latapy made it clear that he is willing to return to the national setup if his expertise is called upon. "I’ve never turned my back on Trinidad and Tobago and football by extension. If the opportunity arises that the TTFA thinks I can support in any way, I would be more than happy to assist," he said.

 

Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (CPJ) has officially announced its continued partnership with Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) as a main sponsor of the 2024 Mouttet Mile Invitational, which will be held at Caymanas Park on December 7, 2024. The Grade One event, which features three-year-olds and upward competing over a mile (1,600m), will offer a historic purse of US$250,000.

As a premier food and beverage company in the Caribbean, CPJ's sponsorship marks its third year supporting this prestigious event. The Mouttet Mile has grown in prominence, drawing elite horses, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts from around the world. CPJ's backing will continue to ensure that the event maintains its reputation for high-quality entertainment, premium hospitality, and an elevated experience for racing fans.

Natesha Powell, Brand Manager of Spirits and Beverages at CPJ, highlighted the synergy between the Mouttet Mile and CPJ’s premium offerings. “This is our third year sponsoring the Mouttet Mile, and it’s a perfect fit for us," Powell said. "Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and we wanted to bring that same prestige to Jamaica. Last year, we introduced Woodford Reserve at the event, and the feedback was phenomenal. This bourbon is relatively new to the Jamaican market, and there’s no better platform to showcase it than the Mouttet Mile.”

In addition to the main race day, CPJ will play a key role in the build-up to the event with a series of "Trail to the Mile" events. The first of these events, hosted by CPJ, is scheduled for September 28, 2024, and will feature a special Woodford Reserve tasting. These events will give fans a preview of the premium experience they can expect at the Mouttet Mile in December.

SVREL, the operators of Caymanas Park and promoters of the Mouttet Mile, expressed their satisfaction with CPJ's ongoing commitment. Christopher Wills, VP Operations at SVREL, shared his enthusiasm about CPJ’s continued involvement. "The SVREL team is pleased that the Mouttet Mile continues to attract corporate sponsors in the third staging of this unique entertainment product," Wills said. "We are excited to have CPJ back onboard with us for another year. Their premium brands are a big part of creating the elevated experience for our patrons. CPJ’s return as a sponsor for the third-year running is not only a good signal for the Mouttet Mile, but also a positive indicator of the growth potential of the horseracing industry in general."

As the Mouttet Mile Invitational grows into one of the Caribbean’s premier horse racing events, CPJ’s continued sponsorship, along with other corporate support, will play a crucial role in enhancing the fan experience and expanding the international reach of the event. With the combination of top-tier racing and premium entertainment, the 2024 Mouttet Mile promises to be a standout day at Caymanas Park.

 

 

 

 

 Another intriguing match full of incident in Port of Spain saw the previous evening’s winners, Trinbago Knight Riders lose to Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by six wickets with an over to spare.

The win sees the Falcons keep their slim chances of progression alive and also gave them double bragging rights over the Knight Riders in this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The Falcons won the toss and chose to field first, canny bowling restricted the Knight Riders to a below par 134-8, Kieron Pollard's 37-ball 47 giving the home side a shot in the arm on a dewy night that made run scoring quite tricky. Last evening’s man of the hour Tim David chipped in with 25 off 20 balls to help haul his side to a competitive total.

Justin Greaves then played a Player of the Match innings to give the Falcons their third victory in this year’s competition. Compiling a patient 46 off 48 balls he then retired himself at the death to allow a fresh, and bigger hitting teammate to finish the job. The somewhat risky decision ultimately paid off for the visitors.

Hassan Khan played a vital cameo with 36 off 20 deliveries and Imad Wasim was there at the end to see his side home in an eventful 19th over – in shades of the 2019 World Cup final - a deflection off the bat as the batter’s returned for the second run saw the ball run over the boundary rope and six runs awarded to the batting side. Eighteen runs were plundered off the Josh Little over in total with Fabian Allen nudging the winning runs to midwicket to seal the victory and keep the Falcons flying in this year’s CPL.

“To win at Queen's Park Oval is a special thing” said a beaming Greaves in the moments after the match. “We haven't had a great season but to beat TKR twice is good. We’re just happy with how things panned out. To get the win against Trinidad in Trinidad, their fortress, feels good. We have to take one game at a time. You never know..."

The Knight Riders finish the evening still in second position in the table and the Falcons ended it with a little hope that they could still salvage something from their 2024 CPL campaign.

Defence is seemingly the best form of attack, so says Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy after his side kept an 11th clean sheet of the season in their 2-0 win over Toronto FC.

After securing their spot in the playoffs, the Crew will be looking to continue their momentum for the final games of the campaign, starting with the visit of Orlando City FC this weekend.

Nancy’s squad have been impressive at both ends of the pitch, keeping the most shutouts in the division along with scoring 54 goals, a total only bettered by Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami (67), while also conceding the fewest goals in the MLS this term (28).

The Columbus head coach lauded his players for their showings in attack and defence, saying their success this season has been down to the competitive spirit within the group.

“This is not only the backline because the front line, but they also do a good job avoiding certain things,” Nancy said. “Obviously, also the backline does it well.

This is the competitive spirit that we have. After that, we can talk about tactics that we are good at defensively, but for me, this is this desire to compete all the time.

“Sometimes we are unbalanced because it could happen, they are able to make a play at the right moment. This is the chemistry of the team, and this is the spirit of the team. That's why we can also be good defensively.”

But another head coach that has been impressed with his side’s defensive showing is Orlando’s Oscar Pareja, with the Lions having now kept three clean sheets in their last three league games.

Orlando have also scored eight goals during that run, with their last triumph over Charlotte FC moving them up to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

While the likes of Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire have starred for the Lions at the top end of the pitch, Pareja was quick to acknowledge the performances of his defenders.

“It’s also a very important phase that we have to highlight tonight as well,” Pareja said.

“Defending well as a group with consistency is probably one of the most difficult parts of the game. The back forward and those midfielders are sustaining the team in a very good way.

“We're solid. Individual performance has risen as well; it's better individually. I think that they have grown a lot during this period.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez

Hernandez came off the bench to record a goal and an assist in Columbus’ win over Toronto on Wednesday.

Since joining the Crew in July 2022, he has 11 games with both a goal and an assist in all competitions, third among MLS players in that time behind Lionel Messi (12) and Luciano Acosta (18).

Orlando City – Facundo Torres

Torres netted his team-leading 12th goal of the season for Orlando in their win over Charlotte on Wednesday and will be confident of adding to his MLS tally against the Crew.

The Uruguayan boasts an impressive record against this weekend’s opponents, contributing four goal involvements (two goals and two assists) in his five games against Columbus.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Columbus have won two straight matches against Orlando, both with 2–0 wins in last season’s conference semi-finals and in May this year. The Crew had won just one of their previous 10 matches against the Lions prior to last season’s playoff meeting (D1 L8).

The Crew’s 4-0 loss to Seattle Sounders earlier this month was just their second defeat in their last 39 home matches in all competitions dating back to May 2023. No MLS team under Nancy’s stewardship has ever lost two straight home matches in all competitions.

However, Orlando have won six away matches in the 2024 regular season, having only triumphed more on the road in a single season last year (nine). Only FC Cincinnati (17) have more away wins than Orlando (15) since the start of the 2023 season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 60.5%

Draw – 20.7%

Orlando City – 18.7%

Chris Armas says the Colorado Rapids' comprehensive defeat to Sporting Kansas City must serve as a wakeup call as they prepare to resume their playoff push against Toronto FC.

Colorado won their first two games upon returning to MLS play after the Leagues Cup break, but they were brought crashing back to earth with a 4-1 defeat in Kansas City in midweek.

Armas' men remain in a positive position, sitting fourth in the Western Conference standings with a game in hand on some of the teams around them, but he knows they need to ensure Wednesday's performance was a one-off.

"It's probably a wakeup call to all of us, what these games are going to look like," Armas said. "Everyone's fighting for something.

"Everyone's got something to play for and in our league, everyone is capable. A positive is we're on 47 points, we've earned every one of those points.

"We're in a good spot for the playoffs, we've put ourselves probably a win or two away from the playoffs. 

"We're going to get home and regroup quickly, then get right back where we've been all year."

Toronto, meanwhile, are occupying a wild-card spot in the East after losing 2-0 to the Columbus Crew in their last match.

"We should have taken something out of the first half, that's clear, then in the second half we had to capitalise on the moments we had," coach John Herdman said afterwards.

"For us, the lads were in the fight, there was a good spirit and they were tactically disciplined and committed. 

"We need that from every single player to get into the playoffs, we need every player to play above their level."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic

Mihailovic has 22 goal involvements in MLS play this season (10 goals, 12 assists), the most of any Colorado player. He has not scored in any of their last four regular-season home games, though, so he will be desperate to get back among the goals here.

Toronto FC – Deandre Kerr

Kerr has scored two of Toronto's last three goals in MLS play. He has five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) in just 10 league starts this year. 

MATCH PREDICTION – COLORADO RAPIDS WIN

Toronto have earned just 15 points from 45 available on their travels in MLS play this season, winning four, drawing three and losing eight.

They face a daunting task at Dicks' Sporting Goods Park, where Colorado have a record of nine wins, three draws and two defeats in regular-season action this season.

The Rapids are also unbeaten in their last nine league games on their own turf, winning seven and drawing two, and they are favoured to maintain that form here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids- 57.8%

Toronto FC – 20.3%

Draw – 21.9%

An inspirational super sub-performance by Sean-John Curchar propelled last year’s beaten finalists Hydel High to a 4-0 win over Clan Carthy High in ISSA/Manning Cup action at the Homestead Community Centre on Wednesday.

Curchar provided a goal and an assist as Hydel secured their second win in as many games this season on their quest to claim a maiden Manning Cup title.

Despite being two from two and yet to concede a goal, Hydel are currently second in Zone A behind Eltham High who improved their record to three wins from three with a 5-0 win over Dunoon Technical.

Eltham have now scored 20 goals in three games and have also yet to concede.

St. Andrew Technical High School defeated Camperdown 2-0 and moved to seven points as they continue to lead the pack for Zone D.

Vauxhall High again showed resilience as they held Calabar High to a goalless draw and remained second after yet another stellar home performance.

Elsewhere, STATHS moved to the top of Zone D with a 2-0 win over Camperdown at Boys’ Town while Calabar High and Vauxhall played out a 0-0 draw at Vauxhall.

Sandro Schwarz says the New York Red Bulls must change their behaviour amid a disappointing return to MLS action, ahead of Saturday's clash with Atlanta United.

The Red Bulls have not won since MLS returned following the Leagues Cup break, with Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire extending their winless streak to four games.

They have now slipped to fifth in the Eastern Conference and though a playoff berth still looks overwhelmingly likely, the pressure is on as they battle for a home seeding.

"Pressure is normal in professional sports, especially when you lose games like we did, or like the home game against Philly," Schwarz said.

"But we can influence this with our behaviour on the field and off the field, and it starts today. 

"We have to change our behaviour immediately now for the last five games and the pressure is normal. It's also normal to have pressure when you win, for the game after."

Atlanta, meanwhile, are one point outside the playoff picture, having earned a creditable 2-2 draw with Inter Miami in midweek.

"From a tactical point of view maybe it's not the type of soccer we want to play, but in terms of work rate and a commitment to try to win the game, it gets you far. You can't just turn it on or turn it off, it doesn't work that way," interim boss Rob Valentino said.

On the playoff battle, he added: "I think we were one point out of it so I can't sit here and think about being disappointed.

"We move forward, now we're going to have to pick up points on the road."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Dante Vanzeir

Vanzeir recorded his 12th goal involvement of the season as the Red Bulls were beaten in Chicago last time out, teeing up Dennis Gjengaar's equaliser.

His 10 assists in MLS play this term are more than twice that of the next-closest Red Bulls players, with Elias Manoel, Lewis Morgan and Dylan Nealis all having four apiece.

Atlanta United – Aleksey Miranchuk 

Miranchuk's late goal salvaged a draw for Atlanta versus Miami last time out, his first MLS goal in his fourth appearance in the competition. If the Five Stripes are to gatecrash the playoffs, they need him to produce in the coming weeks.

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN

The Red Bulls trounced Atlanta 4-0 at Red Bull Arena when the sides met in this exact fixture last season, and while Atlanta should be more competitive this time around, another home win looks likely.

Saturday's hosts have only lost one of their 14 home matches in MLS play this year, winning seven and drawing six. 

Atlanta, meanwhile, have lost half (7/14) of their road games, and have only won one of their last six matches in all competitions (three draws, two defeats).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 51.8%

Atlanta United – 23.7%

Draw – 24.6%

Dean Smith knows Charlotte FC must start producing in the final third if they are to cling onto an MLS Cup Playoff spot, starting with Saturday's meeting with the New England Revolution.

Charlotte sit seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, boasting a five-point cushion to those outside the playoff places, but they have struggled since the Leagues Cup break.

Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Orlando City was their third loss in succession, and they have only scored twice in four games since returning to MLS play, leaving Smith frustrated.

"At the moment we're having to work really hard to stay in a game, because we're not creating enough big chances, we're not scoring enough goals full stop," Smith said.

"So I was really frustrated. As I say, that's something that's probably crept in over the last four games since we came back from the break.

"We've only scored two goals in the last four games since the Leagues Cup and I feel some of the players are struggling to find their form and their confidence at the moment.

"At this point of the season, that little bit of a lack of concentration has been disappointing."

New England, meanwhile, threw away a 2-0 lead in their 2-2 midweek draw with CF Montreal, a result that leaves them five points adrift of the playoff picture at the foot of the Eastern Conference.

"It's another disappointing result. That's six points we've dropped in our last three home games," Porter said. "We could have been in a much different situation.

"We've got to pick ourselves back up and continue to look at the good, but as I told the guys, I'm tired of seeing them fall off in the second halves."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang

With the hosts struggling for goals, they may need Agyemang to step up. He started on the bench last time out and has appeared as a substitute eight times this season, yet his seven goals are still more than any of his team-mates.

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Gil laid on an assist as the Revs drew with Montreal last time out, his 10th in 22 appearances this season – more than any other Revs player.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Charlotte are winless in their last six regular-season matches, registering three straight draws then being defeated in each of their last three, having won four of their previous six before this run began.

New England have not fared much better of late, though, going four league games without a win (two draws, two defeats) and only winning one of their last nine (three draws, five losses).

No team in the Eastern Conference has lost more away games than the Revs' nine this term, so this match could come at a good time for Charlotte.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 51.5%

New England Revolution – 23.8% 

Draw – 24.7%

Clarendon College continued their quest to defend their ISSA/DaCosta Cup title with a 6-0 victory over Thompson Town High at Foga Road High on Wednesday.

Justin Hayles and Keanu Jennings both scored doubles to help the defending champs move to a perfect nine points from as many games to lead Zone H.

Denbigh High moved up into second place in Zone H after their 5-1 win over Edwin Allen High at Edwin Allen.

Three other schools also got their third win as Ocho Rios High, William Knibb Memorial and Manchester High secured victories over Aabuthnott Gallimore, Discovery Bay High and deCarteret College, respectively.

Ocho Rios High improved their advantage in Zone K after a 4-0 win over Aabuthnott Gallimore High with Tyrese Brown scoring a hat trick and Ryan Francis getting the other.

Ocho Rios High are now on nine points after a third straight win, four more than second place Ferncourt High.

William Knibb Memorial managed a 1-0 win over Discovery Bay High for their third win in Zone D while Michael Reid and Javis Lloyd scored for Manchester High in their 2-1 win over deCarteret College.

Tyrese Gowe and Raheem Harris both scored doubles to lead Dinthill Technical to a 6-0 win over Charlemont High as Gaybriel Anderson and Giovanni Afflick also got one goal each.

This was the second win for Dinthill Technical who now lead Zone J on goal difference over McGrath High.

At Jarrett Park, St James High rallied twice to earn an exciting 3-3 draw against Green Pond High in Zone A.

Green Pond got off to a fast start and were leading 2-0 with goals from Garth-Dane Bromwell in the seventh minute and Jerome Whynn in the 16th minute.

St James hit back with goals from Kevar Stewart in the 36th minute and Rory Smith in the 43rd minute as they were tied at 2-2 at half time.

Bromwell restored Green Pond High’s lead in the 46th minute but St James salvaged a point when Tariq Kerr scored in the 77th minute.

Garvey Maceo rebounded from their loss to Glenmuir High on Saturday with a 12-1 beating of Porus High with Omarion O’Brian and Rajay McLaughlin both leading the way with hat tricks while Maliek Robinson scored a brace.

Other results

Maggoty High 2-0 Lacovia High

Mile Gully High 0-2 Alphansus Davis High

Holmwood Technical 3-1 Knox College

Claude McKay High 0-3 Lennon High

Yallahs High 0-2 Morant Bay High

Robert Lightbourne High 1-3 Paul Bogle High

Seaforth High 0-4 Happy Grove High

Titchfield High 2-1 St. Mary High

Horace Clarke High 1-4 Port Antonio High

 

 

Jamaica’s Frazsiers Whip suffered a third-consecutive loss in the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup as they were hammered 7-1 by Mexican counterparts Tigres UANL Femenil in another lopsided Group A affair at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

Ana Dias (sixth), Ana Seica (14th), Thembi Kgatlana (23rd), Alison Gonzalez (60th), Belen Cruz (62nd), and a brace from Stephany Mayor (81st and 90+8) completed the rout for Tigres UANL.

Davia Richards (55th) got Frazsiers Whip’s first goal of the tournament which served as a consolation for the St Catherine outfit.

The win propelled Tigres UANL to the top of the group on six points, while Frazsiers Whip remain rooted at the foot of the five-team table without a point. NY/NJ Gotham (three points), Alajuelense (three points) and CF Monterrey (three points) are the other teams in the group.

It was always expected to be another tough encounter for Frazsiers Whip and they found themselves behind when Dias fired home a firm right-footer from dead centre of the box.

Seica doubled the lead for the six-time Liga MX Femenil Champions when she rose above defenders to head past Italya Robinson in goal for Frazsiers Whip from a corner kick.

Davia Richards celebrates her team's first goal of the tournament.

Before the Frazsiers Whip could catch their breath, they found themselves further behind, as Kgatlana found space inside the 18-yard box to drive home a right-footed effort to put Tigres UANL 3-0 up at the break.

Needing a goal to lift their spirits, Frazsiers Whip got just that from Richards, who fired home, from an angle, 10 minutes into the resumption to give the Jamaican fans something to celebrate.

However, it was back to regular proceedings for Tigres UANL five minutes later when Gonzalez converted from the penalty spot after being felled inside the red zone.

Cruz then added a fifth two minutes past the hour mark as she slotted home from a weighted Dias cross.

It was then time for the Stephany Mayor show as the former Mexican captain got in on the act with a well-taken effort on the volley that gave Robinson no chance at a save.

Mayor then completed her brace and her team’s win with another tidy right-footed finish in time added.

Tigres UANL will next host Costa Rican champions LD Alajuelense on October 2 in Mexico, while Frazsiers Whip will welcome NWSL champions NJ/NY Gotham on the same day, at the National Stadium.

CONCACAF has confirmed the schedule, venues, and kickoff times for the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) Group Stage matches that will take place during the October 2024 FIFA Match Window. 

The fourth edition of the CNL kicked off in September with thrilling matches across all three Leagues (A, B, and C). Some of the highlights included Elijah Seymour of the Cayman Islands scoring the competition’s 1,000th goal, Guadeloupe getting its first win in League A (1-0 vs Suriname), Bermuda defeating Antigua and Barbuda in an official match for the first time since 1992, and a closely contested draw between Costa Rica and Guatemala.  

A total of 37 CNL matches will be played next month (October 9-15), concluding Group Stage play for Leagues A and C, while League B will play through November.  

League A

In League A, the 12 matches that will be played in October will determine the four teams (group winners and runners-up) that will join Concacaf's four top-ranked teams - Canada, Mexico, Panama, and the United States (listed alphabetically) - in the Quarterfinals, as well as the third and fourth-place finishers and fifth and sixth-place finishers that will progress to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims and CNL Play-In, respectively. 

The CNL Quarterfinals will be played in a home-and-away format in November 2024, with the aggregate score winner in each matchup advancing to the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals and qualifying for the 2025 Gold Cup. The Quarterfinal losers will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims.  

CNL Quarterfinal pairings will be determined based on the Concacaf Rankings as of October 2024 (after the FIFA Window) and the Group Stage results, as follows: 

QF1: Fourth-ranked seeded team vs Best first place (1A/1B) 
QF2: Third-ranked seeded team vs Next first place (1A/1B) 
QF3: Second-ranked seeded team vs Best second place (2A/2B) 
QF4: Best-ranked seeded team vs Next second place (2A/2B) 

The CNL Play-In will take place in November 2024, and the Gold Cup Prelims will be in March 2025. Further details on the Play-In are available below.  

League B

League B will continue Group Stage play in October and November, as 16 nations battle for Gold Cup Qualification and promotion for the competition’s next edition. The confirmed host venues for October’s League B matches are as follows: 

Group A: Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 
Group B: Darren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia 
Group C: Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, Aruba 
Group D: Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, Bermuda 

League C

October will also conclude Group Stage play for League C. After the League’s last match on Tuesday, October 15, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher will advance to the CNL Play-In.  

The confirmed host venues for the October matches are as follows: 

Group A: Wildey Turf, Wildey, Barbados 
Group B: FFB Stadium, Belmopan, Belize 
Group C:  Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis 

2024/25 Concacaf Nations League Play-In

The CNL Play-In will take place during the FIFA Match Window of November. It will consist of a single direct elimination round and eight teams: the fifth and sixth-place finishers from the League A Groups and the group winners and the best second-place finisher from League C.   

The eight teams will be split into four pairings based on their Group Stage performance, as follows: 

PI1: Best 5th Place (League A) vs Best 2nd Place (League C) 
PI2: Next 5th Place (League A) vs Best 3rd Group Winner (League C) 
PI3: Best 6th Place (League A) vs Best 2nd Group Winner (League C) 
PI4: Next 6th Place (League A) vs Best 1st Group Winner (League C) 

After home-and-away play, the aggregate score winner in each matchup will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims. 

2024/25 Concacaf Nations League Schedule – October Matches 
*Matches listed by League and in ET | local time 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 

(C) 15:30 | 15:30 British Virgin Islands vs St. Kitts and Nevis - Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, SKN 
(C) 20:00 | 20:00 US Virgin Islands vs Barbados - Wildey Turf, Wildey, BAR 
(C) 22:00 | 20:00 Anguilla vs Belize - FFB Stadium, Belmopan, BLZ 

Thursday, October 10, 2024 

(A) 15:30 | 16:30 French Guiana vs Honduras - Stade Municipal Dr Edmard Lama, Remire Montjoly, GUF 
(A) 16:00 | 16:00 Cuba vs Trinidad and Tobago - Estadio Antonio Maceo, Santiago, CUB 
(B) 16:00 | 16:00 Bonaire vs Montserrat - Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN 
(B) 21:00 | 21:00 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines vs El Salvador - Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN 
(A) 22:00 | 20:00 Nicaragua vs Jamaica - Estadio Nacional, Managua, NCA 

Friday, October 11, 2024 

(B) 16:00 | 16:00 Sint Maarten vs Puerto Rico - Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU 
(A) 16:00 | 16:00 Guadeloupe vs Martinique - Stade Roger Zami, Le Gosier, GLP 
(B) 17:00 | 17:00 Grenada vs Curacao - Darren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA 
(A) 18:00 | 19:00 Suriname vs Costa Rica - Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium, Paramaribo, SUR 
(B) 19:00 | 19:00 Aruba vs Haiti - Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU 
(B) 20:00 | 20:00 Saint Martin vs St. Lucia - Darren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA 
(A) 21:00 | 21:00 Guyana vs Guatemala - National Track & Field Centre, Leonora, GUY 

Saturday, October 12, 2024 

(B) 13:30 | 14:30 Antigua and Barbuda vs Dominican Republic - Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER 
(C) 15:30 | 15:30 Cayman Islands vs British Virgin Islands - Warner Park Football Stadium r, Basseterre, SKN 
(B) 18:30 | 19:30 Dominica vs Bermuda - Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER 
(C) 20:00 | 20:00 Bahamas vs US Virgin Islands - Wildey Turf, Wildey, BAR 
(C) 22:00 | 20:00 Turks and Caicos Islands vs Anguilla - FFB Stadium, Belmopan, BLZ 

Sunday, October 13, 2024 

(B) 15:00 | 15:00 Montserrat vs Bonaire - Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN 
(B) 20:00 | 20:00 El Salvador vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Kingstown, VIN 

Monday, October 14, 2024 

(B) 16:00 |16:00 Puerto Rico vs Sint Maarten - Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU 
(B) 16:00 | 16:00 Curacao vs Grenada - Darren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA 
(B) 19:00 | 19:00 St. Lucia vs Saint Martin - Darren Sammy Ground, Gros Islet, LCA 
(B) 19:00 | 19:00 Haiti vs Aruba - Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadion, Oranjestad, ARU 
(A) 21:00 | 20:00 Jamaica vs Honduras - National Stadium, Kingston, JAM 
(A) 21:00 | 21:00 Trinidad and Tobago vs Cuba - Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago, TRI 
(A) 21:00 | 19:00 Nicaragua vs French Guiana - Estadio Nacional, Managua, NCA 

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 

(B) 13:30 |14:30 Dominican Republic vs Antigua and Barbuda - Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER 
(C) 15:30 | 15:30 St. Kitts and Nevis vs Cayman Islands - Warner Park Football Stadium, Basseterre, SKN 
(B) 18:30 | 19:30 Bermuda vs Dominica - Bermuda National Sports Centre, Devonshire, BER 
(A) 20:00 | 18:00 Costa Rica vs Guatemala - Estadio Nacional, San Jose, CRC 
(A) 20:00 | 20:00 Martinique vs Guadeloupe - Stade Pierre Aliker, Fort de France, MTQ 
(A) 20:00 | 21:00 Suriname vs Guyana - Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium, Paramaribo, SUR 
(C) 20:00 | 20:00 Barbados vs Bahamas - Wildey Turf, Wildey, BAR 
(C) 22:00 | 20:00 Belize vs Turks and Caicos Islands - FFB Stadium, Belmopan, BLZ 

 

 

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