
Cavalier head coach Rudolph Speid is hoping that Shaquille Stein’s goal in a 2-1 victory over Vere United will be the first of many for the remainder of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season after the forward endured a frustrating goal drought.
Stein, who hadn’t found the net in 10 matches, struck in the 59th minute to hand Cavalier a much-needed win at Stadium East on Monday. The reigning JPL champions, who had been struggling with a four-game winless run, also benefitted from an early eighth-minute opener by Jalmaro Calvin. Kevaun Atkinson (21st) had briefly drawn Vere United level.
With the win, Cavalier remained fifth in the standings on 37 points, closing the gap on fourth-place Portmore United (38points), while also pulling three points ahead of Waterhouse (34 points). Vere United remain in relegation danger in 13th place on 17 points, three ahead of bottom-placed Humble Lion.
The Suriname-born Stein was an instrumental figure in Cavalier’s attack last season as well as in their historic Concacaf Caribbean Cup triumph before a drop in form. However, with their JPL title and a coveted shot at the Concacaf Champions Cup to come, Speid believes now is the best time for the 24-year-old to once again rekindle his fire for scoring.
“He hasn’t been scoring for about 10 games now. He’s one of our talismans, so it was good to see him back on the scoresheet. We just hope that he can kick on from here for the remainder of the season,” Speid shared.
"If you look at our performance against Racing in the first round, I think this is an improvement. What I am trying to do is look at what we did against each team in the first round and try to mirror that or even do better and so far I think we are on the right path," he added.
After drawing three and losing one of their last four games, Cavalier wasted no time imposing themselves. Calvin showed why he is among the recent Reggae Boyz call-ups when he rifled home a perfectly weighted pass from Dwayne Allen.
However, Vere United struck back in the 21st minute through Tyreek Magee’s clever play. Magee’s powerful left-footed shot forced Cavalier’s goalkeeper Vino Barclett into an awkward spill, which allowed Atkinson to pounce and level the score.
Cavalier came close to restoring their lead in the 35th minute, but Stein headed wide despite being unmarked. Moments later, Adrian Reid squandered another golden opportunity, as Vere United’s defenders forced him into a rushed finish.
The breakthrough finally came just before the hour mark when Stein ditched his marker to get on the end of a floated ball and glanced a header past Vere United’s custodian, Shakur Adair.
Though both teams continued their respective attacking press, neither were able to make their half chances count.
Vere United’s technicaldirector,r CraigButler,r expressed a mixed bag at the outcome.
“For what the team is doing, I’m proud of the effort, and it was a tough loss. If there’s a game that I don’t want to lose, it’s against Rudolph Speid. It’s important that we keep people’s egos in check and let them understand that they are only dominating the Premier League in Jamaica,” Butler stated.
LATEST STORIES
Molynes United edge Humble Lion in lukewarm JPL contest
- 2025-01-28 07:06:24
- Hits 787
Mount Pleasant Academy achieves new standard in Wray & Nephew Premier League with 11th straight win
- 2025-01-27 11:43:56
- Hits 712
Golden Boot prospect Warner Brown hits three as Arnett Gardens rally to top Tivoli in eight-goal thriller
- 2025-02-04 07:56:41
- Hits 513
Harbour View FC snaps Mount Pleasant FA’s win streak at 12 with 2-1 upset win in Wray & Nephew Premier League
- 2025-02-03 12:00:05
- Hits 223
Cavalier's Speid hoping Stein’s goal sparks scoring run as JPL heats up
- 2025-02-04 07:38:02
- Hits 173