Jim Curtin is confident the Philadelphia Union have put themselves in a good position, but admits they need to stop dropping points ahead of their trip to Orlando City.
The Union had recorded back-to-back wins in MLS before last weekend, when they let a lead slip to draw 1-1 with Atlanta United.
It leaves them ninth in the Eastern Conference, one of three teams on 37 points, as they push for a place in the playoffs.
Despite the tight table, Curtin is optimistic that their solid work to this point will be enough to help them qualify.
"We're at a point in the year that every team in and around that red line are very desperate," he said.
"It's going to go down to the last day for sure, and we've put ourselves in a situation where we're still in control of our own destiny, but our margin for error is small.
"Not taking the extra two points against Atlanta makes it a little more challenging, no doubts about that."
Meanwhile, Orlando clinched their playoff place last time out with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas.
Sitting fourth in the table, Oscar Pareja was proud of how his team turned around a poor start to the campaign but is still pushing them to finish the regular season strongly.
"We're so excited, and we have a lot of gratitude with the club and with the fans that have supported us this year," Pareja said. "One more time we qualify for the playoffs.
"It's great for a group of players that have a big heart and a big love for the club too, and a lot of passion for what they do. So, I'm very happy.
"We still have a journey to navigate. The boys are in a good mentality."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
With a goal on Saturday, Facundo Torres has contributed to at least one goal in five straight regular season matches, equalling the longest streak of his career.
The Orlando City club record for consecutive games with a goal contribution is six, done three times before, including by Martin Ojeda earlier this season.
Philadelphia Union – Nathan Harriel
The Union drew, 1-1, with Atlanta United on Saturday despite taking a 1-0 lead, with Harriel scoring their lone goal.
Philadelphia have now dropped 24 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in MLS in 2024 (St. Louis City – 25) and most in a single season in club history, and Harriel will want to help his fellow defenders ensure it does not happen again.
MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando defeated the Union 3-2 at Subaru Park on May 11. The Lions have never defeated Philadelphia twice in a single season before.
Indeed, Orlando are unbeaten in nine straight home matches (W6 D3) in all competitions, including keeping clean sheets in each of the last four. This is the first time they kept clean sheets in four straight home matches in all competitions in club history.
Meanwhile, the Union have won two of their last three regular-season away matches (L1), including a 5-1 victory at New York City FC on September 18. Philadelphia had won only one of their previous eight road league matches prior to this run.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 45.9%
Draw – 26.7%
Philadelphia Union – 27.4%
Phil Neville knows his Portland Timbers team have their fate in their own hands, and says they are "exactly where we want to be".
The Timbers drew 1-1 with their Pacific north-west rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps last time out.
With FC Dallas losing to Orlando City, Portland are eight points clear in the final playoff wildcard spot in the Western Conference with only nine points left to play for.
It means that a win against Austin FC on Wednesday would guarantee the Timbers' place in the postseason.
A draw may also be enough, depending on Dallas' result elsewhere, though Portland then face the team from Texas in their penultimate regular-season match.
Neville said: "It's in our own hands.
"What I've said to the players is that at the start of the season, when we were in preseason and setting the goals for the season, if we'd have known with three games to go, our destination is in our hands, then I think we would have snatched their hands off.
"Now it's over to us, it's up to us to do what we do at home.
"Two really tough games against two really well-coached teams but it's in our own hands. We’re exactly where we want to be and we want to chase down the people in front of us."
Austin are not mathematically out of the equation for the playoffs, though they would have to win to keep their slender hopes alive.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers - Evander
Evander has recorded an assist in an MLS-record nine straight home matches.
The Brazilian has 12 assists in home matches this season and could equal the third-most in a single season in league history with one more as only Carlos Valderrama (15 in 2000) and Preki (15 in 1997) had more than 13 in a single season.
Austin FC - Sebastian Driussi
Two years ago, Driussi plundered 25 goals in MLS. Last year, he scored 11.
It has been slim pickings in comparison this term for the Austin playmaker, who has netted five times, and has not scored since May in the league. If he is to come good, this is the time to do it.
MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND WIN
Austin scored in the 81st and 89th minutes to come from 2-0 down to earn a draw against Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
It marked the second time Austin have overcome a two-goal deficit in the 80th minute or later also doing so in a 3—2 win against D.C. United in April 2022.
However, the Timbers are made the favourites by Opta's model.
Austin have managed just six wins in 38 away from home in all competitions (D9 L23), while the Timbers have won 10 of their last 12 home matches in all competitions (D2). Portland have scored four times in five of those 12 matches, including three of the last four.
The Timbers have won five of their last six matches against Austin (D1) after losing each of the first two meetings, both in Austin.
Austin scored seven goals in their first two matches against Portland but have managed just five goals in the six meetings since.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers - 53.4%
Austin - 22.7%
Draw - 23.9%
Los Angeles FC coach Steve Cherundolo labelled Denis Bouanga as "unstoppable" when the forward is at his best.
Bouanga came off the bench to score the winner as LAFC beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 over the weekend.
That victory saw LAFC, fresh from winning the US Open Cup, clinch their spot in the playoffs.
Bouanga, who has scored 18 goals and set up a further eight in MLS this season, was not impressed with having to settle for a super-sub role, but Cherundolo cares not.
"Denis always wants to play; he never wants to rest," Cherundolo said.
"He was quite upset with me for not starting. And that's okay. Everybody can hate me, that's fine.
"But I think freshness and also making sure he's getting enough rest makes him also better.
"Obviously, he's physically capable of playing every game, but when he loses his explosiveness, he is still extremely good and we're happy to have him.
"But with explosiveness and freshness, he's unstoppable."
Ahead of playing St. Louis City SC on Wednesday, the challenge that now faces LAFC is to go on and secure a home playoff seed.
"To have that sort of response, it's going to be huge going forward for us," defender Ryan Hollingshead said after the win over Cincinnati.
"The team's already confident. And then you throw that result on top of it, I think it's going to be exactly what we need to go get a really good seed in the West moving forward and then go make another run for a cup."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LAFC - Kei Kamara
Kamara set up LAFC's opener against Cincinnati.
It was Kamara's 49th assist in MLS. He is now one away from becoming the fifth player in league history with 100 goals and 50 assists.
St. Louis City SC - Cedric Teuchert
Teuchert has recorded eight goal contributions in his first seven MLS matches (five goals, three assists), including three in Saturday's win over Sporting Kansas City.
He is the first player to record eight goal contributions in his first seven MLS matches since Alejandro Pozuelo (10) in 2019.
MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN
St. Louis, who are 12th in the Western Conference, are unbeaten in four straight away matches for the first time in club history. Indeed, they have lost only six of their last 15 on the road dating back to the beginning of March (W1 D8).
However, LAFC are nevertheless backed by Opta's predictor. They have now hit 50 points in five of their six full MLS seasons, becoming one of two teams, along with the Philadelphia Union, to reach 50 points five times in the last six full seasons dating back to 2018 (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
The omens are good for LAFC, who are unbeaten against St. Louis, winning two of the three meetings (D1). In fact, LAFC have kept clean sheets in all three matches against St. Louis, making them the only opponent the latter have faced but never scored against.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LAFC - 62.1%
St. Louis City - 17.8%
Draw - 20%
After 30 matches in the preliminary phase, we have finally come to the portion of the 2024 Caribbean Premier League where a champion will be crowned…the playoffs.
The four-match spectacle, all to take place at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, is set to bowl off with the eliminator on Tuesday evening between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Barbados Royals.
The loser of that encounter will unfortunately see their 2024 CPL campaign come to an end while the winner will advance to the second qualifier to face the loser of Wednesday’s Qualifier 1 between hosts, defending champions and league-phase table toppers, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the St. Lucia Kings.
That game will take place on Friday and the winner will face the winner of Qualifier 1 in the final on Sunday.
The Kings are the only team in these playoffs yet to lift a CPL title, finishing as runners up in consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.
The Knight Riders will be looking to add to their record four titles, with the last one coming in 2020.
The Royals are two-time champions, with their wins coming in 2014 and 2019 when they were named the ‘Tridents.’
The Amazon Warriors won their first title last year after being beaten finalists five times from 2013-2019.
With all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the key players for each franchise heading into the business end of the tournament.
Guyana Amazon Warriors
Shimron Hetmyer
The 27-year-old left-hander has had an excellent season with the bat for the defending champions. The former West Indies U-19 World Cup-winning captain scored 353 runs in 10 innings at an average of 39.22 and a phenomenal strike rate of 186.77.
He hit four fifties including a highest score of 91 against the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots on September 3. Against the Kings, Hetmyer hit 58 in their second-to-last game of the league phase and will hope that form carries over to Wednesday’s game.
Gudakesh Motie and Imran Tahir
On those spin-friendly pitches in Guyana, the Amazon Warriors will need their spin twins Gudakesh Motie and Imran Tahir to shine with the ball. They’ve both been in excellent form this season with 31 wickets between them.
Motie’s 16 wickets have come at an average of 14.37 while Tahir’s 15 have come at 16.37.
St. Lucia Kings
Johnson Charles
The no nonsense right-hander has always had a reputation of being a hit or miss type of batsman. This season, he’s been doing more of the former. He scored the third most runs this season with 366 in 10 innings at an average of 40.66 and a strike rate of 152.50. He’s had scores of 19 and 12 against the Amazon Warriors this season and will be hoping to make a significant contribution against them on Wednesday.
Noor Ahmad
Still only 19-year-old, Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers this season with a tournament-leading 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of just 13.16. In his two outings against the Amazon Warriors, he recorded figures of 3-22 and 2-26 and should get a lot of assistance from the pitch in Guyana on Wednesday.
Trinbago Knight Riders
Nicholas Pooran
2024 has been a phenomenal year in T20 cricket for Nicholas Pooran. He recently broke Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan’s record for most T20 run scored in a calendar year and followed that up with a brilliant 101 in his team’s final league phase game against the Amazon Warriors on Sunday.
In total, Pooran finished with 413 runs in 10 innings at an average of 45.88 and a strike rate of 174.26. In his two games against Tuesday opponents the Royals this season, he recorded scores of 35 and 27.
Waqar Salamkheil
The second Afghan left-arm wrist spinner on this list, Salamkheil has been the Knight Riders’ strike bowler this season with Sunil Narine missing the final four games of the league phase. The 22-year-old took 15 wickets in 10 games at an average of 21.73 with his best figures of 3-13 coming against the Royals in Bridgetown on September 12.
Barbados Royals
Quinton de Kock
One of the premier T20 batsmen in the world over the last few years, the South African has shown his class all season for the Royals. His 434 runs in 10 innings at an average of 54.25 put him at the top of the list for most runs. The Royals have been heavily reliant on de Kock’s production this season as he is the only Royals batsman in the top 15. He also had the highest individual score this season, 115 against the Amazon Warriors in Bridgetown on September 13.
Maheesh Theekshana
In his first CPL season, the Sri Lankan mystery spinner has been the best performing bowler for the Royals. He played all 10 games, taking 15 wickets at an impressive economy of just 5.87 and an average of 15.26.
All the matches can be viewed live on Sportsmax and the Sportsmax app.
FC Dallas forward Logan Farrington urged his side to "take care of what we can control" as they bid to qualify for the playoffs.
Dallas' hopes of clinching a playoff spot took a blow as they lost 3-1 to Orlando City last time out.
The result left Dallas eight points behind the Portland Timbers, who occupy the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
Next up is a trip to the San Jose Earthquakes, who sit bottom of the West with just 18 points.
And Farrington, who had a goal disallowed for offside in Saturday's match, is taking confidence from a strong finish to their game against Orlando, despite the defeat.
As quoted by Big D Soccer, he said: "I think it shows what we can do and we know what we can do, but it needs to be a lot earlier in the game to get results and we know that. We're disappointed with the result.
"Right now we need to take care of what we can control. Go on the road, get six points, come back, and hopefully get another three points.
"We need to take care of business and hope the rest falls in place for us."
Reflecting on the loss to Orlando, Farrington added: "I think we definitely underperformed in the first half, especially after the game we had last week against LAFC. We came out flat, and they came out sharp and killed us on the ball.
"I think we were lucky to only be down by one. In the second half, we put in a better performance and came out stronger. We almost made the comeback but it was just too late."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes - Cristian Espinoza
It has been a dismal season for the 'Quakes, but that has not been for the efforts of Espinoza, who has provided 11 assists in MLS this season.
He is the star player Dallas must keep under lock and key if they are to get their playoff push back on track.
FC Dallas - Paul Arriola
Arriola got the goal for Dallas against Orlando, taking his tally for the season to five in MLS.
He is Dallas' second-highest scorer, behind Petar Musa (15).
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
The Earthquakes have lost seven of their last eight home matches (W1) including the last four in a row.
San Jose's only longer regular-season home losing streak (excluding breakaway shootouts) was a six-match run in July-August 2000.
Dallas, however, have won just one of their last 15 regular-season away matches in 2024 (D5 L9). The only season in which Dallas did not manage at least two road wins over a full campaign was 2003 (one).
Seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams have ended in draws, with Dallas winning twice and San Jose winning once.
San Jose are winless in seven straight meetings with Dallas (D2 L5).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose - 33%
Dallas - 41.4%
Draw - 25.6%
Nicolas Wilson and Dianne Brown took home the top awards at last Saturday’s Mayberry/JOA Jamaica Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) National Senior Bodybuilding Championships at the AC Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.
Wilson took home the biggest prize of the day, taking home the trophy as the overall bodybuilding champion or Mr. Jamaica Bodybuilding.
Like he did last year, Wilson also won top spot in the Light Heavyweight bodybuilding category. The other bodybuilding category winners were Andrew Chisolm-Heavyweight, Wendell Martin-Middleweight and Steve Rodgers-Lightweight.
Chisolm also took top spot in the Bodybuilding Masters category.
Rayon Henry, winner of the medium class men’s physique category, beat out tall class winner Sheldon Harper and short class winner Malik Griffiths to take the overall men’s physique crown.
On the women’s side, tall class winner Dianne Brown was crowned Ms. Jamaica Bikini Fitness after beating out short class winner Donaith Anderson for the overall title.
Ashane Gordon-Morrison, just like she did in 2023, took the titles for Women’s Body Fitness and Women’s Physique.
Other winners on Saturday included Kymani Kirby-Classic Bodybuilding, Bryana Johnson-Bikini Wellness and Nicole Lewis-Bikini Fitness Masters.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday announced the appointment of Lynford Inverary as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision was made by the Board of Directors during a meeting held in Port of Spain on September 28, 2024.
With over a decade of experience at CWI in various roles, Inverary, an Antiguan national, born in Guyana, has played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s strategic and operational initiatives. Most recently, he spearheaded the formation of CWI's 2024-27 Strategic Plan, titled 'The Long Run', which outlines a comprehensive roadmap focused on improving governance, enhancing cricket development, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the organization.
A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Inverary holds a First-Class Honors Bachelor of Science in Management with a major in International Business. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Wales.
Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, remarked on the appointment noting, "Lynford brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of CWI’s strategic goals, paired with an operational capacity to execute with precision. Over his decade-long tenure, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding critical projects to successful completion while steering key initiatives with purpose and vision. His unyielding commitment and expertise leave us confident in his ability to lead CWI through this pivotal phase of growth and transformation."
Reflecting on his appointment, Lynford Inverary stated, "I am honored and grateful to the CWI Board of Directors for their vote of confidence in my ability to lead. I embrace this new challenge as a platform to continue contributing to the development of the sport that means so much to me and the people of the West Indies. I look forward to working with the Board, management, and staff to implement our four-year strategic plan, improve operational efficiency, and shape a strong future for West Indies cricket."
During his career at CWI, Lynford Inverary has led multiple high-impact projects, including contributions to the Wehby Report on Governance Reform, the 2018 -2023 Strategic Plan, and the development of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) Business Plan and Master Plan. As Business Planning Manager, he has overseen the organization’s strategic planning process since 2018 and has contributed to critical business decisions, establishing himself as a leader within the organization. Inverary, has also previously served as Acting Corporate Secretary.
Lynford Inverary’s appointment as COO will be effective from October 1, 2024, and his role as Acting CEO will commence on November 1, 2024, following the departure of Johnny Grave.
Nick Cushing credited New York City's resilience after they inflicted a crushing derby loss on the New York Red Bulls, calling on them to carry that momentum into Wednesday's meeting with FC Cincinnati.
NYCFC were routed 5-1 by the Philadelphia Union just two weeks ago, but they responded by thrashing their cross-city rivals by the same scoreline on the road on Saturday.
That result lifted them to fifth in the Eastern Conference and within one win of sealing a playoff place, something their next opponents Cincinnati have already done.
Reflecting on NYCFC's last result, Cushing said: "I've got some things to say about the 5-1 loss. A lot of the way that I see that game is in a boxing metaphor.
"I know there are many champion boxers that have been champion and have been knocked out in the first round, and they don't retire. They go back to the training ring.
"They go back to the gym, and they come back and become champions again. It's difficult and you have to accept it. Now our focus turns to Cincinnati."
Cincinnati, meanwhile, have seen their hopes of retaining the Supporters' Shield all but extinguished after losing 1-0 at home to Los Angeles FC last time out.
With the MLS Cup now the Orange and Blue's target, Pat Noonan is focused on getting the best out of star midfielder Luciano Acosta, who has been battling a niggling injury.
Noonan said of Acosta: "The more games he gets, the better going into the playoffs.
"He's had enough games and been back without physical limitations but obviously he did take that knock.
"A lot of times our attack does go through him and when he's on it, he's on it. It's just about us trying to find good spots for him."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York City – Alonso Martinez
Martinez netted twice in NYCFC's derby rout of the Red Bulls last time out, pulling further clear at the top of the club's scoring charts for 2024 with 14 MLS goals.
He also has five goals in New York's last three regular-season home games, last failing to net in such a match in late June.
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has 28 goal involvements (12 goals, 16 assists) in MLS this season, a tally only bettered by Portland Timbers star Evander (29 – 15 goals and 14 assists).
No player can match Acosta's 98 chances created in the league this year, though, and he will be key if Cincinnati are to seriously challenge for the MLS Cup in the coming weeks.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Cincinnati saw their four-game unbeaten run in MLS play (two wins, two draws) brought to an end with their defeat to LAFC last time out.
They have gone unbeaten through their last five MLS matches against NYCFC, winning three and drawing two while outscoring their opponents 12-6 in those games.
However, NYCFC have only lost two of their last eight MLS games on home soil (four wins, two draws), versus the MLS Cup holders, the Columbus Crew, and the Union. A draw could be on the cards on Wednesday.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York City – 36.7%
FC Cincinnati – 37.1%
Draw – 26.3%
Frank Klopas is keen for the Chicago Fire to end the season on a high note despite being eliminated from the playoff running, as they prepare to visit Charlotte FC on Wednesday.
A 1-1 draw with Toronto FC last weekend left Chicago on 30 points with two regular-season games remaining, bottom of the Eastern Conference and seven points adrift of the playoff picture.
They have now gone seven seasons in a row without making the playoffs, and with games against Charlotte and Nashville SC to come, are simply playing for pride.
"It's frustration because there was a slim chance and of course, you fight until the end," Klopas said. "Now that chance is gone and it's disappointing for all of us.
"But we're professionals and we have to regroup and finish strong. We have two games left and we have to go on the road and try to get a result to at least finish on a positive note."
Charlotte, on the other hand, occupy the East's final guaranteed playoff spot and boast a five-point cushion to their closest rivals after drawing 1-1 with Inter Miami last time out.
Dean Smith was delighted with the way they restricted Lionel Messi and company in that match, saying they had been working on an alternate gameplan for some time.
"We went there with a gameplan to restrict them centrally and make them go around the outside of us," Smith said.
"They got through a couple of times but our production with the ball was really good. I do still think there's more to come on that, small details, but it was a pretty open game.
"That's something we've been working on, building as a back three and being comfortable on the ball, and we caused them problems all night."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang was limited to the role of substitute versus Miami but did score in Charlotte's last home game – a 4-0 thrashing of the New England Revolution.
His eight goals in MLS this year is a team-high tally and he will be desperate to reach double figures before the season ends.
Chicago Fire – Brian Gutierrez
Chicago's lack of firepower has cost them in the playoff race, with the Fire only netting once in their last three MLS matches. Gutierrez, who has created a team-high 39 chances this season, could come into their lineup and have a positive impact here.
MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN
Chicago have a simply terrible record on the road of late, losing five of their last six away matches in all competitions (one draw) including their last two in a row.
The Fire have lost six of their last eight away matches in MLS play since beating Toronto FC on June 16, and they also went down 1-0 to Charlotte on home soil in May.
With the visitors having little of substance to play for and Charlotte still looking over their shoulders in the playoff battle, the hosts go in as favourites.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Charlotte FC – 57.3%
Chicago Fire – 20.5%
Draw – 22.1%
Atlanta United's interim coach Rob Valentino says results are all that matter at this stage of the MLS season, with the Five Stripes and CF Montreal both in playoff contention ahead of Wednesday's head-to-head meeting.
Atlanta have drawn their last three MLS matches, sharing four goals equally with the Philadelphia Union last weekend, but they are just three points adrift of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Montreal, meanwhile, are only outside the playoff picture by virtue of goal difference, having thrashed the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 on Saturday.
Asked how he rated Atlanta's playoff hopes with three regular-season games remaining, Valentino said: "We'll see. We've got a home game coming up now against Montreal, and that game is one we've got to win.
"At this stage, we've said to the players that it's just about winning games. We'll see at the end where we're at.
"But we think that last point could be massive. It's not the way we want it to be, not exactly, but the players are showing great fight. Every point is massive at this stage."
Montreal have taken 10 points from their last four league games after losing each of their previous three, with their upturn since the Leagues Cup break convincing midfielder Bryce Duke of their postseason credentials.
"I've been thinking that we can make the playoffs since day one, even though we were going through a tough stretch, and I still think we can make playoffs," Duke said.
"With the performances that we've been giving I think that's just showed you and all the people out there that doubted us that we can do it, that we can prove people wrong."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze
Lobjanidze has two goals in his last three outings, including one versus Philadelphia on Saturday. No current Atlanta player can match his eight league goals this term, while his three assists are also a joint-high among Five Stripes players.
CF Montreal – Bryce Duke
Duke had two assists as Montreal thrashed the 'Quakes last weekend, for Josef Martinez and Caden Clark. No Montreal player can match his 38 chances created in MLS play this year.
MATCH PREDICTION – ATLANTA UNITED WIN
Laurent Courtois' visitors enter this game high on confidence following back-to-back wins, but their away record leaves plenty to be desired.
Indeed, they are winless in their last 12 regular-season road matches, drawing four and losing eight, while conceding multiple goals in each of their last eight on their travels.
Atlanta, meanwhile, have only lost one of their six home league games since June 2, going down to Nashville SC earlier this month (two wins, three draws).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Atlanta United – 52%
CF Montreal – 23.5%
Draw – 24.5%
The 30th and final regular fixture of this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw reigning champions Guyana Amazon Warriors suffer a heavy 74 run defeat at the hands of Trinbago Knight Riders on home turf in Providence. Despite this loss the Amazon Warriors finish top of the table and will face the Saint Lucia Kings in Qualifier 1 on 2 October. The Knight Riders will face Barbados in the Eliminator match on 1 October.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first the Knight Riders innings got off to a rocky start as Warriors captain Imran Tahir bowled Shaqkere Parris with a perfect googly that completely bamboozled the batter and scudded into the stumps. Tahir wheeled away in celebration but it was to be the last thing his side would have to celebrate for a while on what turned out to be a bruising night.
Nicholas Pooran played one of the finest innings in the history of the CPL by striking a majestic century for the Knight Riders, finishing with 101 off just 59 balls with nine fours and eight sixes to his name. Jason Roy played the anchor role with 34 runs off 26 balls and watched on in awe as Pooran dispatched the Warriors stellar bowling line up to all parts of the Providence stadium.
After Player of the Match Pooran was eventually dismissed at the end of the 16th over – caught behind by Shai Hope off the bowling of Shamar Joseph – Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard (19 off 13) and Keacy Carty (27 off 13) ensured the visitors made it past the 200 mark and set a challenging total of 211-5 for the Warriors to chase.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Shai Hope both got starts but failed to go on and make a decisive big score as the Warriors chase failed to ignite in the face of scoreboard pressure and smart bowling. Waqar Salamkeil’s left arm wrist spin and Terrance Hinds’ medium pace seamers proved the undoing of the home side, the middle overs seeing a bundle of wickets fall as each bowler picked up three wickets apiece.
When Moeen Ali fell with the Warriors score on 88-8 it looked as if the 2023 CPL champions were going to be handed an emphatic 100 plus run defeat but some late order resistance from Gudakesh Motie and Captain Tahir saw them up to a final total of 137 all out.
Nevertheless, it was a chastening 74 run defeat for the Warriors after looking so dominant in their previous four matches and a huge confidence boost to the Knight Riders ahead of next week’s tournament run in.
Defending champions Cavalier SC delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over a 10-man Waterhouse FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday, climbing to the top of the Jamaica Premier League standings. Early goals from Jalmaro Calvin and Dwayne Atkinson sealed the win, leaving Waterhouse struggling after goalkeeper Kemar Foster was sent off in the first half.
Cavalier wasted little time asserting their dominance. Calvin fired the opening goal in the 12th minute after Atkinson skillfully turned his defender inside out and set up Calvin to score from six yards out. The defending champions nearly doubled their lead in the 24th minute, but Adrian Reid Jr couldn’t convert a free kick from close range.
Waterhouse’s fortunes worsened in the 32nd minute when a poor back pass from Nickoy Christian forced goalkeeper Kemar Foster into a last-ditch tackle outside the box, resulting in a straight red card. With substitute goalkeeper John Wilson brought on, the pressure mounted. Just three minutes after entering the game, Wilson's pass from the back was intercepted by Atkinson, who slotted home to make it 2-0.
Atkinson nearly added a third goal two minutes before halftime, rattling the crossbar after more defensive errors from Waterhouse. Despite being a man down, Waterhouse showed resilience in the second half, with Elvis Wilson coming close to pulling one back with a towering header that Cavalier’s goalkeeper Vino Barclett had to save at full stretch.
However, Cavalier continued to exploit Waterhouse’s defensive lapses, with Shaquille Stein hitting the post in the 55th minute after another error at the back. Waterhouse failed to mount a significant comeback, and Cavalier comfortably saw out the match to claim their second win of the season.
The victory lifts Cavalier to seven points, one ahead of Harbour View, who secured a 2-1 victory over Molynes United earlier in the day.
Elsewhere, Humble Lion were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Vere United at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. Dominating much of the match despite the wet conditions, Humble Lion took the lead in the 73rd minute through a penalty from Karim Bryan after Vere defender Michael Forbes was sent off for bringing down Andre Clennon in the box.
However, Vere, despite being a man down, fought back in the dying moments of the game. Substitute schoolboy Kishane Gordon found the back of the net in stoppage time, slotting home after a neat pass from Josiah Daniel to snatch a point for Vere United.
Harbour View made their return to their home ground at Compound a successful one, securing a 2-1 win over Molynes United. The victory moves Harbour View to six points, just behind Cavalier on the Jamaica Premier League table.
In the late game on Sunday, Arnett Gardens and Racing United played to a exciting 1-1 draw.
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has announced its full support for the referees who took strike action over the weekend, leading to the cancellation of all DaCosta Cup and Manning Cup schoolboy football matches. The referees' strike, which stemmed from safety concerns, has prompted the JFF to back their decision not to officiate until their safety can be guaranteed.
In a statement released on Sunday, the JFF emphasized the importance of referees in football development and stressed the need for their safety while performing their duties.
"The Jamaica Football Federation stands in solidarity and empathizes with the referees in the ongoing 2024 season of ISSA Schoolboy Football. The referees should feel safe when performing their duties, and their decisions on the field should be respected," said JFF General Secretary Dennis Chung.
"The referees are an integral part of football development, and they should not feel threatened in any way when performing their duties. The JFF supports the decision for them not to participate in any ISSA Schoolboy Football matches until they can be assured of their safety. Any further incidents will have more consequential action," Chung added.
The JFF also commended the Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA) for their work in ensuring the professionalism and integrity of referees across the country and extended well wishes for their upcoming assignments.
The strike action by referees was triggered by two recent incidents in the DaCosta Cup competition. In one case, a referee was allegedly physically assaulted by a Dinthill Technical player after a match against McGrath High, leading to disciplinary action by ISSA. Two Dinthill players, Maalick Whyte and Shamair Hutchinson, have been banned from participating in ISSA competitions for one year, while Tyrese Gowe received a three-match suspension. The school has been placed on a three-year probation.
In a separate incident, assistant referee Richard Ball was allegedly struck by a missile thrown by a spectator during a Zone A DaCosta Cup match between Maldon High and Cornwall College on September 14.
The referees' strike prompted ISSA to engage in discussions with the JFRA in hopes of reaching an agreement. While games over the weekend were canceled, referees are set to resume duties on Monday, September 30. ISSA has committed to addressing the referees' concerns related to safety and security at matches and reviewing penalties for those who verbally or physically abuse match officials.
"We are disappointed that a conciliatory position could not have been arrived at that would allow today’s games to be played, but look forward to a quick and smooth resumption on Monday, September 30, 2024," ISSA said in a statement.
As matches are set to resume, ISSA and the JFF will work together to ensure the safety and well-being of referees, players, and spectators as the schoolboy football season continues.
West Indies Women missed the chance to build crucial momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, falling to a 20-run defeat against India Women in a warm-up match in Dubai on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to field, the West Indies women managed to restrict India to 141-8 from their 20 overs. India's total was anchored by Jemimah Rodrigues, who top-scored with a well-crafted 52 off 40 balls before being run out. Yastika Bhatia (24) and Smriti Mandhana (14) provided valuable support, but the Indian innings was largely contained by West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who produced a stellar bowling performance with figures of 4-17.
In response, the West Indies Women got off to a poor start, losing early wickets, including that of captain Matthews, who was dismissed for a duck. The Caribbean side quickly slumped to 13-3, putting them on the back foot in their pursuit of 142.
Chinelle Henry tried to rescue the innings with a fighting unbeaten 59, forming a crucial 57-run partnership with Shemaine Campbelle, who added 20 valuable runs. However, once Campbelle was dismissed, the West Indies struggled to maintain their momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Afy Fletcher’s quickfire 21 from 14 balls gave the West Indies a glimmer of hope late in the game, but they ultimately ran out of time, finishing at 121-8 from their 20 overs, falling 20 runs short of the target.
India's bowlers put in a disciplined performance, with Pooja Vastrakar leading the attack, taking 3-20. Deepti Sharma was also instrumental in choking the West Indies' scoring, delivering an economical spell of 2-11 from her three overs.
The loss leaves the West Indies Women with work to do as they prepare for their T20 World Cup campaign.
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