DIRECTV W Connection and Caledonia AIA both shook off midweek disappointments in the CONCACAF Champions League yesterday evening albeit without especially inspiring Pro League performances.
Twenty-two year old Connection captain Joevin Jones scored his first goal of the season as the “Savonetta Boys” edged Police FC 1-0 in the first game of a double header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Connection was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage on Thursday night after a 2-0 home loss to Panamanian team Arabe Unido.
Caledonia also crashed out of the CONCACAF competition after a humbling 5-1 loss to Toluca on Wednesday night in Port of Spain. It was the fourth successive loss for the “Eastern Stallions.”
Under the circumstances, Caledonia coach Jamaal Shabazz might have been happy enough with a goalless result against Central as the two teams neutralised each other in Couva.
The game marked the return of former World Youth Cup goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel, who had not played since a 3-0 home loss to CSD Comunicaciones in the Champions League, while Grenada striker Kithson Bain made his Pro League debut after scoring in his maiden appearance against Toluca on Wednesday.
Bain was well shackled by the fierce Central defensive trio of Jamal Jack, Akeem Benjamin and Keino Goodridge. But there was late concern for Central coach Terry Fenwick as young striker Dwight Quintero left the field on a stretcher after a challenge in the opposing penalty area.
Connection and Point Fortin Civic FC end round two on top the Pro League with a maximum six points from two games while St Ann’s Rangers, Police and Defence Force are yet to get their first point of the season.
Defence Force, the Pro League’s defending champion, was on a bye this round and has not played since its opening 3-1 loss to Central.
Pro League results
(Fri Sep 20)
San Juan Jabloteh 6 (Kerry Baptiste 11, 51, 71, Rennie Britto 67, 81, Shane Hospedales 85 FK), St Ann’s Rangers 5 (Clevon McFee 14 FK, 23, 30, Kennedy Isles 43, Jelani Peters 89) at Hasely Crawford Stadium
Point Fortin 1 (Bevon Bass 90), North East Stars 0 at Port of Spain
(Sat Sep 21)
W Connection 1 (Joevin Jones 49), Police 0 at Couva
Central FC 0, Caledonia AIA 0 at Couva
[standings league_id=1 template=extend logo=true]