Waite pleased despite loss
Atletico Pantoja defeated Arnett Gardens 6-5 on penalties in the final of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex Yesterday.
As a result, Pantoja secured the automatic CONCACAF Champions League spot and the U$50,000 prize money. Meanwhile, Arnett Gardens got one of three CONCACAF League places and U$30,000.
Arnett Gardens coach Jerome Waite thought they were unfortunate not to have won it in regular time, but said it was a good tournament for them and something to build on.
In a high tempo first half, Arnett came close through Fabian Reid and Vishunal Harris, and also had a number of half chances which they failed to make use of.
SERIOUS SAVE
Despite being equally zestful offensively, Pantoja only forced goalkeeper Dymian Hyatt into one serious save.
However, in the final minute of the half Luis Espinal gave the home fans a scare when he fired into the side netting after beating his marker in the box.
In the second half, Hyatt had to be at his best to deny Jean Carlos Lopez’s free kick, and Leonardo Silva’s curling effort.
But Arnett responded with a header from Jamar Jackson, that hit the bar, then an effort from Newton Sterling as well as a stinging 40-yard shot from Nesbeth. Lennox Russell also had a shot cleared off the line. The teams then went straight into penalties and the Dominica Republic club capitalised on misses from Fabian Reid and Jamar Martin to take the regional title.