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Speid proud of Cavalier after semi-finals berth
May 13, 2025
Cavalier sporting director Rudolph Speid expressed pride for his players after securing their spot in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) semi-finals in what he described as one of the "hardest games we've ever played".
Cavalier clipped Portmore United 1-0 yesterday to complete a 2-1 aggregate win in the JPL quarter-finals at Sabina Park.
Dwayne Atkinson scored the all-important goal for the defending champions in the first half of extra time, as the two teams played out a scoreless draw during regulation time.
After the game, Speid praised Portmore United for their defensive performance and said they proved one of his most difficult opponents this season.
"First I must say that this is one of the hardest games that we've ever played. Hats off to Portmore because they really stuck in there and gave us a hard time and I must say their defence is really first rate," he said.
"This has been one of the hardest campaigns for us and I'm just proud that the guys that were able to pull it off."
Portmore had the chance to score the opener in the 21st minute after winning a penalty, but Emelio Rousseau saw his resulting effort saved by goalkeeper Vino Barclett.
Portmore would keep the pressure on for much of the contest as they saw several opportunities going to waste.
Tarick Ximines would prove a danger from distance as a speculative effort in the 73rd minute tested Barclett's reactions as his shot spun just wide of the mark.
But whereas Portmore spurned their chances, Cavalier proved more clinical in the 97th minute. Atkinson would prove to be in the right place at the right time to finish off a deflected interception in the box.
Portmore United's head coach Rodolph Austin was left disappointed.
"Throughout the season, we haven't been scoring and tonight we got the chances but we just didn't put it in the back of the net," he said.
The result means Cavalier will advance to the semi-final where they will face off against Arnett Gardens.
The first leg will be played on Thursday at Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James, before seeing a return to Sabina Park on Sunday for the second leg.
Montego Bay United were tackling Tivoli Gardens in the second quarter-final last night. The MoBay team won the first leg 2-1.
