Reigning Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier FC will take their rich vein of form into the Concacaf Caribbean Cup semi-final clash against Dominican Republic’s Moca FC as the two continue their hunt for a spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup.
Though they will be away at Estadio Moca 85 for Thursday’s first-leg clash, Cavalier, who are currently on a five-match unbeaten run in the JPL, will start as slight favourites, as they were 3-0 winners when the two teams last met at Sabina Park.
However, Moca FC are no flukes and will enter the encounter on the back of an unbeaten run of their own after they registered three wins and a draw in the group stages of this tournament. In fact, they were only edged by their compatriots Cibao FC on goal difference for the top spot and, as such, will have Cavalier to contend with.
Cavalier FC topped Group A with three wins and a loss, but were still the most lethal attacking team in the group stages with 11 goals to their credit.
Dwayne Atkinson, with four goals and two assists, and Shaquille Stein, with four goals and an assist, head the race for the coveted golden boot, and both are expected to prove problematic for Moca FC’s defensive unit.
Cavalier’s Head coach, Rudolph Speid, is confident about his team’s chances in the two-leg tie.
“We will give a good account of ourselves. We are really going there to get a positive result, not going there to try and draw and come back to win at home.
“We are the only team from Jamaica left in the competition, and we really need to do something special this year so that Jamaica can feel proud.
“We are very comfortable playing home or away. I don’t think that will be affecting us. And we have prepared properly,” he said.
Still, Moca possesses enough quality in that regard, as their backline is marshalled by the ever-reliable Guillermo de Pena. De Peña was one of the top defensive players of the group stage with six steals, one goal, and seven shots.
Beyond him, Moca will also have the likes of midfielder Clifford Thomas and striker Gustavo Ascona, who were both named to the group stage Best XI, along with de Pena, giving the Dominican Republic side a top player in the tournament across each line.
Thomas provided one goal and one assist, along with nine steals and two clearances, while Argentine-born Ascona added three goals and one assist.
Ryan Gauld scored a hat-trick to help Vancouver Whitecaps thrash Portland Timbers 5-0 in the Western Conference Wild Card match.
Brian White and Stuart Armstrong also got in on the goals as the Whitecaps set up a meeting with top seed Los Angeles FC in the Best-of-3 First Round.
Most of the damage was done by three goals in 11 first-half minutes, with Gauld opening the scoring by capitalising on a goalmouth scramble on 20 minutes.
Mathias Loborda created the second with a lovely bit of skill, setting up White for a first-time finish, before Gauld scored a sumptuous volley, giving James Pantemis no chance.
While Portland offered some fight at the end of the first half, they could not keep their momentum in the second, with Armstrong’s diving header just six minutes after the restart putting Vancouver out of reach.
Gauld then wrapped up his hat-trick just before the hour mark, peeling off the back of the Timbers’ backline to slot his low finish past Pantemis from a tight angle.
Data Debrief: Five-star Whitecaps back on track
Vancouver booked their playoff spot early, but slumped over the line at the end of the season, going winless in their last seven outings in the regular season and losing the last four.
Vanni Sartini could not have asked his players to rekindle their form at a better time though, getting the better of their Cascadia Cup rivals for the first time since March.
Despite losing their home advantage due to scheduling clashes, Vancouver looked at home at Providence Park. They matched Portland's 12 shots, but got eight on target and accumulated 2.38 expected goals (xG).
Gauld was responsible for four of those efforts, hitting the target with each one. He also had the most touches in the opposition box (eight) and made the most passes in the final third (17) among his team-mates.
Jamaica's bodybuilders made their mark at the 51st Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships in Georgetown, Guyana, held from October 19-20, bringing home five medals in a competitive field that featured over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries. While the host nation dominated the event with 25 medals, Jamaica held their own with two gold and three silver medals.
Leading the charge for Jamaica were Rayon Henry and Sean Taylor, who both captured gold in their respective categories. Henry, fresh off winning a national title, triumphed in the Medium Class (176 cm), showcasing his refined physique and superior form. Taylor, competing in the Short Class (170 cm), delivered a standout performance after a challenging year, rebounding from earlier fourth-place finishes in the Muscular Men’s Physique and Men’s Physique Short Class to claim the top spot.
Nicolas Wilson also impressed on his international debut, taking home a silver medal in the highly competitive Bodybuilding Middleweight category (80 kg). Wilson's disciplined preparation paid off, as he made a strong impression against seasoned competitors, proving that he's a rising talent in the sport.
On the women’s side, Jamaica’s national champion Dianne Brown captured a silver medal in the Bikini Fitness Tall Class (169 cm). A former pageant expert, Brown dazzled both the audience and the judges with her flawless physique and commanding stage presence, solidifying her place among the top contenders in the region. Shana Davis Roman added another silver to Jamaica's medal tally in the Fitness Challenge, displaying exceptional athleticism and versatility in the demanding category.
Natasha Gordon also delivered commendable performances, placing fourth in both the Bikini Fitness Open and Masters divisions, contributing to the overall success of Jamaica’s six-member team, which was led by former JABBFA and CAC President, Lt. Col. Bruce Bartley.
Despite competing against a large field of athletes, Jamaica’s bodybuilders proved they could hold their own on the international stage, bringing home valuable hardware from the prestigious event.
Rob Valentino is delighted Atlanta United have hit their stride in time for the MLS playoffs and is relishing their Best-of-3 Round One clash with Inter Miami at Chase Stadium.
The Five Stripes overturned the odds on Decision Day to snag a place in the Eastern Conference Wild Card round.
They took a 2-0 lead over CF Montreal before former player Josef Martinez pegged them back to force spot-kicks. Brad Guzan saved one, setting up Saba Lobjanidze to score the winner.
A tough test now awaits them in Miami on Friday, but Valentino is sure they can come up with a plan to get the better of Lionel Messi and co.
"We have worked so hard this season, every training, every game," he said. "Now we're starting to succeed, and it's the best timing in the end of the season to show that. Three in a row is very good! Let's continue!
"I think every time a team plays them, [how to stop Messi is] the question that is asked, right? He's arguably the best player that's ever played.
"We've faced him a few times and we know obviously his qualities. But they've got other players that are good, too. So there has to be a focus on him and also these teammates around him.
"We'll just show up when the game is there, and we'll go to win it."
Meanwhile, Miami, who are playing their first home playoff game, finished the regular season in record-breaking fashion, with their 6-2 victory over New England Revolution taking them to 74 points.
The Supporters' Shield winners are on an 11-match unbeaten streak coming into this match, and head coach Gerardo Martino believes their strong finish will benefit them in the playoffs.
"[The record points total] gives our team an injection of confidence," said Martino.
"These 74 points is not something we aimed for at the start of the year, but as soon as it was within reach, we tried to get it and we did it. It's a triumph for the whole Inter Miami family."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Messi was involved in 1.82 direct goal contributions per 90 minutes this season, his highest rate in a league season in over a decade.
His 11-minute hat-trick off the bench against New England last time out took him to 20 goals for the campaign, adding to his 10 assists, and he is bound to be a threat in the playoffs.
Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze
Lobjanidze has come up with big goals throughout the season for Atlanta, but none more so than his match-winning penalty against Montreal on Tuesday.
Though that does not count towards his nine-goal haul for the season, he was still a threat in the Wild Card match, having three shots, two of which were on target, while he also had the most touches in the box among his team-mates (eight).
MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN
After a resounding end to the season, Miami are unsurprisingly favourites to win the first of the Best-of-3 series, but they have stumbled when coming up against Atlanta as of late, drawing their most recent meeting after two straight defeats.
They lost just twice at Chase Stadium in the regular season (W11 D4), with the most recent of those a 3-1 defeat to the Five Stripes back in May, though they are unbeaten in their eight such matches since.
It is just the second time that Miami have made the playoffs – their only previous playoff match was a 3-0 defeat on the road at New York City FC in Round One in 2022.
Meanwhile, Atlanta are making their fifth appearance in the playoffs. They won the MLS Cup back in 2018, but in their two most recent appearances in the postseason, they have failed to get past Round One, losing to Columbus Crew.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Inter Miami – 62.7%
Draw – 19.8%
Atlanta United – 17.5%
Guyana put on a dominant display at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships over the weekend, securing 333 points to top the overall standings. The host nation fielded 25 athletes and took home 25 medals, including seven golds, edging out Barbados, who finished second with 327 points. El Salvador placed third with 165 points.
The highlight of the event for the host nation was Emmerson Campbell, the National Men’s Physique Champion, who earned a prestigious Pro Card after winning gold in the Men’s Physique up to 173cm category. Despite finishing second in the overall pose-off, Campbell’s physique was deemed superior, securing him the professional status he had been striving for over the years.
Remalton Siland also delivered an impressive performance, winning gold in the Men’s Physique Masters Open and earning two bronze medals in fitness and the seniors up to 170 cm category. Julio Sinclair added to Guyana’s success with a gold in the Men’s Bodybuilding over 90 kg.
Delrae Mclean claimed bronze in the Men’s Bodybuilding Masters 40-49 years class and silver in the seniors up to 75 kg. Overseas-based athlete Rawle Greene took silver and bronze in the men’s bodybuilding seniors up to 85 kg and the masters class.
Guyana’s medal haul continued with Anthony Bayley, who won gold in the Men’s Junior Physique, and Christina Ramsammy, who secured two silver medals in the Bikini Masters over 35 and Women’s over 35 Bodybuilding categories. Angelica Barroncas earned silver in the Wellness Masters over 35.
Additional medalists included Jamal Pollydore, Joel Caldeira, Orlanzo Valenzuela, Kadeem Bowen, and Christopher Anthony, rounding off a dominant performance by the host nation at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships.
Atlanta United will play Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs after edging past CF Montreal on penalties in an enthralling encounter at the Stade Saputo.
Atlanta won only their second away playoff game in club history and the first since 2018. They will start a best-of-three series on Friday against Lionel Messi's Miami.
The visitors took the lead in the 29th minute when Brooks Lennon nodded Pedro Amador's cross beyond Jonathan Sirois, before Stian Gregersen doubled their tally a minute before the interval.
But Montreal responded after the break, as Josef Martinez reduced the deficit just after the hour-mark against his former employers.
Martinez notched his second, this time from the penalty spot, in the 89th minute after Lennon was brought down by Kwadwo Opoku, with the Venezuelan scoring his eighth goal in six games.
The winner would be decided on penalties, as Tom Pearce's spot-kick proved decisive with his effort saved by Brad Guzan. That left Saba Lobjanidze to send Atlanta through.
Data Debrief: No Five Stripes joy for Martinez
It proved to be a gut-wrenching end to the season for Montreal, having ended the contest with more shots (15), more shots on target (seven) and a higher expected goals (xG) tally (1.57) than Atlanta.
It was even more heartbreaking for Martinez, who almost dealt his former side a hammer blow to their hopes of continuing in the post-season.
He ended the encounter by having all of Montreal's shots on target, while also registering the most touches in the opposition box (nine) than any other player on the pitch.
Eltham High remained perfect so far in this season’s ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup with a 2-0 win over Hydel High in their Zone A clash at Homestead on Tuesday.
Eltham have now won all eight of their games to have a perfect 24 points in the preliminary phase while Hydel are also already through with 18 points from their eight games.
In Zone B action, Jonathan Grant kept their hopes of advancing alive with a 2-0 away win over Waterford to move to 18 points from nine games, equal with Charlie Smith, who have played all their games, in second.
Jonathan Grant will advance with a win over Gaynstead High in their final game on Thursday.
The day’s other game saw Excelsior High defeat Bridgeport High 5-0 at Dunbeholden in Zone F.
Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girl Shania Hayles is brimming with excitement as she makes a long-awaited return to the setup ahead of their highly anticipated friendly international against France on Friday.
Hayles, currently enjoying a rich vein of form with her new club Newcastle United, is eager to make her mark once again for the Reggae Girlz as they continue to build toward greater international success.
The striker, who earns her Jamaican stripes through her grandparents, has always spoken fondly of her deep connection to the island, attributing her decision to parade her skills for the Reggae Girlz to the love and pride she feels for her Jamaican heritage.
“I was excited to come back. Obviously, Jamaica's in my family, my grandparents, which is lovely, so when I got the call, it just showed that all the hard work that I've been putting on the journey so far had paid off,” Hayles said in an interview with JFF media from the team’s base in France.
For Hayles, the decision to play for Jamaica over other potential options came from a place of family loyalty. Born in England, she grew up with stories of her grandparents’ life in Jamaica, and the culture became an integral part of her identity.
Shania Hayles in action against United States during the Women's Soccer Summer Series. (Photo: Alamy)
Now, each time the 24-year-old, who made her Jamaican debut in 2021, pulls on the black, green, and gold jersey, she feels a strong sense of responsibility and pride. Her tree appearances for Jamaica were in the United States Women's Soccer Summer series in Houston in 2021.
“Obviously, it (choosing to represent Jamaica over England) wasn't an easy decision, but my grandparents mean a lot to me and for me, being a role model to other black children out there, that's the big thing for me. I did a lot that last season just so they can see someone like me playing for Jamaica and for my club, and they can aspire to be like me,” Hayles shared.
“Each time I come into camp, it's like family. I felt comfortable as soon as I came here; everyone's so lovely, so it was really nice to catch up with the girls and obviously going back to Jamaica, I went there for the first time for one of my camps and, yeah, it was just unreal,” she added.
Having recently made a move to Newcastle United, Hayles has quickly settled into life with her new club, where she has been in scintillating form. Her four goals in six appearances so far, including a hat-trick last weekend, have not gone unnoticed, and the forward is keen to carry that momentum into the national setup, especially now expected to lead the attacking line in Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s absence.
Prior to joining Newcastle United, Hayles had a two-year stint with Bristol City, where she tallied 11 goals in 37 appearances.
Hayles celebrates a goal for her club, Newcastle United.
“I think I just had a fresh start from last season, new team, so I had a lot to prove so I just went in with a lot of confidence and I think grabbing the first couple goals early on is always good for a striker because you kind of want to get them first goals. So when I got them, I went on to find a few more. Obviously, getting my hat-trick at the weekend was a proud moment for me because that was the first one in my career, so hopefully I can get a few more this season,” Hayles stated.
“Obviously, scoring goals is a big thing; that's part of my game, so it’s about just being confident and kind of showing what I can do. I think before I probably wasn't as ready as I am now, so coming back in (the Reggae Girlz team), I already feel a lot more confident and I'm just ready to give everything for the team,” she declared.
The friendly against France is expected to be a tough test for the Hubert Busby-coached Reggae Girlz, but Hayles is optimistic about their chances and is eager to contribute. In fact, she is also already looking forward to the two fixtures against South Africa on November 29 and December 2 on Jamaican soil.
“I think you want to play against some of the best national teams, so for me, France is up there. It will be a hard game, a tough game, but it is one I'm looking forward to,” she noted.
“Even the home games against South Africa, I think, are a big thing. I think when we have the support behind us, it's always a big thing, so I just think, the more support you get, obviously it helps, like the crowd... everything just helps us play well,” she ended.
A number of teams booked spots in the Round of 16 as action rolled on in the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup on Tuesday.
Cornwall College and Kemps Hill secured 4-0 and 1-0 wins over Spot Valley and Rusea’s, respectively, to advance from Group 1 of the second round.
In Group 3 action, STETHS and Manchester each finished the second round on seven points after wins over the Manning’s School and William Knibb Memorial, respectively. STETHS defeated Manning’s 3-0 on the road while Manchester beat William Knibb 1-0 at home.
In Group 7, Glenmuir got their third win in as many games in the second round with a 3-0 win over Paul Bogle High at home while Clarendon College defeated Titchfield High 2-0 at Wembley Community Centre to finish on six points.
In Group 8, McGrath advanced as group winners with seven points from three games thanks to a 3-2 win over Christiana at Dinthill Technical while Garvey Maceo also advanced thanks to a 5-0 win over St. Mary High at Highgate Community Centre.
Vanni Sartini says he has hope as Vancouver Whitecaps look to end their recent losing run against Portland Timbers in the MLS playoffs Western Conference Wild Card match.
The Whitecaps finished eighth in the table, only above Wednesday's opponents having secured more wins, but due to scheduling conflicts, will not have home advantage for this tie.
It is a disappointment to the club, who failed to win any of their last seven matches in the regular season, losing their last four on the bounce.
However, Sartini took heart from their playoff qualification and is confident his team can get back to winning ways in a game with so much resting on it.
"We need to be honest with each other," he told reporters. "We were honest when we had bad performances against Minnesota and Seattle, but the performances in the last two games were good.
"There were some moments [against Real Salt Lake] that make me really optimistic for Wednesday.
"Everything is not black now. It's a playoff game, everybody's happy to be in the playoffs, we're not moody. It will be a good game to turn up and play a good game against them."
Portland also slumped over the line at the end of the regular season, failing to win any of their last five, and failed to snatch a win at 10-man Seattle Sounders in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
They have not won at Providence Park since mid-September, and head coach Phil Neville is looking for improvements among his front line to get the better of their rivals.
"The front six, four in particular, have to do better for us," he said. "It falls on all of them to get us through the playoffs.
"Their effort is unbelievable, as is the concentration and discipline, but we need them to deliver in these big moments.
"Our forwards have been phenomenal this season, but they've got the challenge of working around the pressure, and the big players always step up, and we believe that ours can."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Isaac Boehmer
The Whitecaps lost their final four matches of the regular season and will be the first team in MLS history to enter the playoffs on a four-match outright losing streak.
In that run, Isaac Boehmer conceded eight goals and scored an own goal that turned out to be the winner against Real Salt Lake last time out. He will be keen to put things right when they face Portland on Wednesday.
Portland Timbers – Evander
Evander recorded an assist on Portland's lone goal in their season finale, his 18th of the season to go along with 15 goals.
Evander's 18 assists and 33 goal contributions are both Timbers single-season club records, surpassing Diego Valeri’s assist total from 2019 (16) and goal contribution total from 2017 (32).
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
This will be the second MLS playoff tie between Portland and Vancouver after the Timbers defeated the Whitecaps 2-0 on aggregate in the 2015 Conference Semifinals.
Overall, the eight meetings since the start of the 2022 season have been split, with each side winning three times and drawing twice.
The Whitecaps are only narrow favourites to win this game and have been eliminated in six of their previous seven MLS Cup playoff ties, only advancing past San Jose Earthquakes with a 5-0 win in the 2017 First Round. Vancouver have scored five total goals in their other nine all-time MLS playoff matches.
Meanwhile, Portland have not lost any of their five one-leg playoff matches at Providence Park (W2 D3), though they were eliminated on penalties twice after draws in those matches. The Timbers failed to score in their last two home matches this season, their first back-to-back scoreless games at the venue since 2019.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 39.9%
Draw – 26.6%
Portland Timbers – 33.5%
Trinidad and Tobago has named a 52-member team for the inaugural Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will see a plethora of the regions rising stars showcase their skills at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, from November 29-30.
The team to represent the Twin Island Republic across 10 categories was selected after a recent two-day trial event at Woodbrook Youth Facility.
Gymnasts were selected from eight clubs, with Tots & Tumblers (28) and Olympia (14) set to field the most representatives at the event, which will also see Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, along with host Jamaica, in action.
Thema Williams Gymnastics Academy (three), Gymnastics Explorers and Lees Gymnastics qualified two, while Academic Flippers, Golden Stars Gymnastics Academy and Mucurapo Artistic Achievers all qualified one athlete.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Gymnastics Federation explained that athletes who qualified were required to make minimum scores and finish in the top four positions within their level and age group to earn an automatic placement on the team.
“The fifth and final spots within each level and age group were subsequently awarded to the fifth place all-around qualifiers out of the trials event,” the federation said in a statement.
Anabeth Vargas (Panama) and Mabel Moreno (Colombia) officiated at the trials.
Team:
USAG Level 1 – Andaya Singh, Azalea Pierre, Brittney Joseph, Genesis Canzius, Imani Regis, Janicia Hall, Krisanne Ramoutar, Ricquel Marcellin, Sophie Espinoza, Yarii Alexander
USAG Level 2 – Ashley Castillo, Avni Lopez, Eemaan Boucaud, Harleigh Chin Leung Kam, Keira-Leigh John, Kenzie Gonzales, Larisah Nevins, Miya Mondesir, Savannah Thomson, Xara Rampersad
USAG Level 3 – Arya Hagley, Bren Newallo-Badal, Cacique Darbeau, Isoke Morgan, Jael Baker, Kyra Johnson, Zariah Dopwell-Gittens, Zoey Ottley
USAG Level 4 – Aaliyah Gosai, Annabelle Aanensen, Asia Ali, Jaelyn Heywood, Me’Hera Callendar, M’Kaiyah Williams, Onia Hepburn
USAG Level 5 – Alicja Chang Kit, Alissa Mathias, Gabriella Christopher
USAG Level 6 – Chelsea Edwards, Haley Caldeira, Soriya Alleyne
USAG Level 7 – Amba Boodansingh, Gabrielle Webb, Michaela Francis, Shanika Joseph, Tessica Laurence, Tyanna Edwards, Yandy Stafford
USAG Level 8 – Annaleigh Edwards, Dailia Burke, Kathryn Alexander
USAG Level 9 – Alora Morang
PAGU Hopes – Shanika Joseph, Yandy Stafford, M’Kaiyah Wiliiams (level one), Annaleigh Edwards, Alora Morang (level two), Dailia Burke (level three)
Atapharoy Bygrave’s lone strike proved enough to secure Waterhouse a third win on the trot and fourth of the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) campaign as they edged Harbour View FC 1-0 in a keenly contested encounter at Waterhouse Mini Stadium in Drewsland on Monday.
Bygrave’s 54th minute goal, his fifth of the season, propelled Waterhouse into third position on 12 points, the same as second-placed Portmore United, who boast a slightly better goal difference. Montego Bay United are now in pole position on 13 points.
Harbour View slipped to eight on seven points.
Interestingly, Bygrave, the former Dunbeholden FC and Mount Pleasant FA striker, has accounted for all five goals registered by Waterhouse so far this season, a feat that has left assistant coach Damion Gordon pleased.
“We are pleased; we are overall pleased with the three points. In terms of how we were compact today (Monday) and how we played defensively, it was also a plus for us. But we had some chances that we could have put away the game early, but that’s just how it is sometimes. We asked for the support from the community, and we got that, and you can see that the guys fed off that energy, and I am pretty impressed with our transition, so overall this team is growing and growing as a unit,” Gordon said in a post-game interview.
Despite the wet conditions, both teams were purposeful at the start, as they showed good attacking intent in the early exchanges.
Waterhouse gradually gained the ascendancy with a couple half chances from a melee in the 10th minute, but Harbour View's defenders stood firm at that point.
That started a decent passage of play for Waterhouse, who again breached Harbour View’s defensive line in the 15th minute when Shemar Boothe’s long pass from the middle of the park found an unmarked Shamarie Dallas, but the striker sporting the number 63 jersey failed to bring the ball under control to cause any problems.
Four minutes later, Martin Davis found space deep inside Harbour View’s 18-yard box for a right-footed drive that was easily collected by a well-positioned Romario Palma in goal for the ‘Stars of the East’.
Though Waterhouse were more threatening in the attacking third, it was Harbour View that had the best opportunity of the half to break the deadlock in the 26th minute when Demar Rose dispossessed a defender and went on the break.
However, instead of attempting to beat the advancing Kemar Foster in a one-on-one situation, Rose chose to play a pass across the 18-yard box for David Reid, whose right-footer was deflected over the crossbar.
Waterhouse again came to life on the resumption and had an early opportunity five minutes in, but Dallas wildly fired his effort high and wide despite having time and space deep in the danger area.
The hosts inevitably found the go-ahead goal on a well-worked transitional play in the 54th minute. It started with goalkeeper Foster finding Leonardo Jibbison, who played a delightful pass in the danger area to Bygrave, who slipped two defenders and drove a left-footer past Palma.
Harbour View continued to play their game and threatened a response in the 71st when Rose’s weighted cross fell nicely for Luca Kung, whose effort was deflected over.
Still, Waterhouse had the final say and should have doubled their lead, but Palma came up big to deny substitute Andre Fletcher on the break, while Nicholas Hamilton’s attempt on the rebound was charged down by a recovering defender in time added.
Harbour View’s Head coach, Jason Henry, was left disappointed with the loss.
“When you play against teams like Waterhouse and you get chances, you have to find a way to take one and throughout the run of play, Waterhouse got one against the run of play and that’s what hurt us. So it is just painful at times to know that we put the work in to win games and we create the chances and don’t take them,” Henry said.
Matchweek six results
Molynes United 0, Arnett Gardens 3
Humble Lion 0, Montego Bay United 0
Portmore United 2, Chapelton Maroons 1
Vere United 3, Dunbeholden 0
Cavalier 2, Mount Pleasant 2
Tivoli Gardens 1, Racing United 0
Waterhouse 1, Harbour View 0
The historic achievements on the track for Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton in the 2024 season need more attention and recognition according to President of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), Drumeco Archer.
The 28-year-old broke Susanna Kallur’s 16-year-old 60m hurdles world record of 7.68 when she ran 7.67 to win at the Millrose Games in New York on February 11.
Charlton then broke her own world record with a 7.65 effort to win gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in March, her first major title and a step up from her silver medal at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
“Today, her success and her achievements are still understated,” Archer said on the latest episode of the Out D’ Blocks podcast on the SportsMax TV YouTube channel.
“She is the best 60m hurdler in the world and that’s something that goes into the history books and can never be taken away from her,” Archer added.
Charlton also had some good results outdoors in the 100m hurdles last season, producing wins at the Racers Grand Prix (12.64) on June 1 and the New York City Grand Prix (12.56) on June 9.
She also had runner-up finishes at the Diamond League meetings in Xiamen (12.49) and Shanghai (12.64) on April 20 and 27, respectively.
Charlton didn’t have the result she wanted at the Olympic Games in August, however, finishing sixth in the final in 12.56.
Archer says, based on his recent conversations with Charlton, she is keen to begin her preparations for the 2025 season
“I have spoken with Devynne recently and she has indicated that, so long that she has fee that can move at the level that she wants to compete at, she will continue to be back so I’m expecting her at full force,” he said.
“Obviously, next year is a very long season and she is looking forward to championing back to the World Championships and doing well,” Archer added.
CF Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois says the club "want more" as they look to overcome Atlanta United in the MLS playoffs Eastern Conference Wild Card match.
Montreal had looked unlikely candidates to make the playoffs, having endured a torrid run which saw them win just three of 15 games between June and mid-September.
However, they rallied in their final five games of the regular season, winning four of their final five games to seal eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Having secured home advantage for the tie, their first playoff game at Saputo Stadium since 2022, Courtois expects his players to be ready for the big match.
"We kind of surprised people already, but Tuesday is just an amazing game, and I'm so proud of these guys and staff, all the people that support us to do something interesting," Courtois told reporters.
"We're pleased to get the playoff spot in front of our fans, but now we want more. There's no cockiness, not too much humbleness. We just go.
"You don't switch on on game day. It just doesn't happen that way. We trust the guys to recover body and mind and be ready for the task against Atlanta."
Meanwhile, Atlanta overturned the odds on decision day to book ninth place on goal difference, as they beat Orlando City 2-1, but also got help as D.C. United and Philadelphia Union both lost.
They have won both of their matches since losing to Montreal at the start of October, and interim head coach Rob Valentino was delighted that they proved people wrong.
"There's a lot of emotions, but mainly joy for the players and staff who have had a tough year," he said.
"It shows that you can do anything if you keep showing up, doing your work, staying resilient, staying persistent.
"I believed in this group until the end, and it feels better after people wrote us off, but we've got ourselves in, and now we need to go and prove ourselves again."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Josef Martinez
Atlanta United's all-time leading scorer, Josef Martinez, now playing for Montreal, has scored four goals in 211 all-time minutes against the Five Stripes.
The resulting 1.71 goals per 90 minutes rate is the highest of any player against Atlanta in MLS play (min. 200 minutes played).
Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze
Saba Lobjanidze finished the regular season as Atlanta's leading goalscorer, netting nine times, including one in their final match against Orlando City.
He only had two shots in that game, creating just 0.13 expected goals (xG), but converted his big chances, and had the most touches in the box amongst his team-mates (five).
MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN
This will be the first postseason meeting between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. Montreal won both meetings this season, their first league double over the Five Stripes.
Montreal have won five of their six all-time home playoff matches (L1), though the lone defeat came in their last home playoff match, a 3-1 loss to New York City FC in the 2022 Conference Semifinals.
This will be Atlanta's second single-leg playoff knockout match on the road after losing 2-0 at NYCFC in the 2021 First Round. Atlanta have lost their last four away playoff matches overall, including both games in Columbus in the 2023 First Round.
However, they won their final two matches of the regular season, their first set of back-to-back wins in all competitions since March. The Five Stripes have not won three straight matches in all competitions in over three years, since a three-match run in September 2021.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 41.2%
Draw – 26.7%
Atlanta United – 32.2%
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
