Thomas disappointed as Portmore lose CFU semi
RED STRIPE Premier League champions Portmore United went down 4-3 to Dominica Republic’s Atletico Pantoja, in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship semi-final at the Anthony Spaulding Sport Complex yesterday.
Luis Jose and Eduardo Ernesto scored two goals each to give the visitors the win and a place in tomorrow’s final.
Pantoja went ahead after 24 minutes through a strike from Jose, But Javon East equalised three minutes afterwards in an exciting start to the contest. Pantoja regained the lead through Ernesto on 30 minutes, but East again tied the game at 2-2 to bag his second goal of the game.
However, Jose ensured his team went in at the break with the lead thanks to a goal in added time and although Jeremie Lynch found the equaliser on 52 minutes for Portmore United, Ernesto’s 69th minute header, sealed the win for Pantoja.
Portmore’s coach Shavar Thomas pointed to what he described as his team’s poor defensive showing, as the reason for the loss.
“At this level you can’t make the mistakes we made and come out victorious,” Thomas said.
Portmore can still advance with a third place finish and Thomas said they will look to regroup and come again tomorrow.
Pantoja’s coach Lenin Bastidas was not happy with his team’s performance but was nonetheless pleased with the result.
“It wasn’t the best game from us but we are happy to be in the final. Portmore are one of the best teams in Jamaica, so we knew it would be a close game,” he said.
Arnett Gardens were scheduled to tackle Central FC from Trinidad and Tobago in last night’s late fixture.