Club Atlético Pantoja 1-2 Arnett Gardens FC
Arnett Gardens defeat Club Atlético Pantoja to book spot in 2024 CFU Club Shield finals
Club Atlético Pantoja 1-2 Arnett Gardens FC
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao (AUGUST 2, 2024)—Arnett Gardens FC of Jamaica secured a place in the finals of the 2024 CFU Club Shield when they defeated Club Atlético Pantoja 2-1 when the teams met at Stadion Rignaal Jean Fransica on Willemstad, Curacao on Saturday. The win also assured the Jamaican team of a spot in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, which kicks off in two weeks.
Both teams were immediately aggressive from the whistle, as they pressured equally offense and defense. Arnett Gardens, though a predominantly young squad, displayed a magnitude of composure on the ball, forcing Club Atlético Pantoja to pick up the pace and their stamina.
The team from the Dominican Republic soon responded with a series of combination plays around the Jamaican players. Still, with the brilliant goalkeeping from Richard White, their goal-scoring efforts all fell short.
In minute 18, midfielder Kaneldo Brown capitalized on a beautifully-timed pass over the top, displaying a mastery of control and placed the ball into the back of the net to give Arnett Gardens the lead.
With Club Atlético Pantoja down a goal, frustration brewed, resulting in midfielder Jeremy Baez receiving two yellow cards, equivalent to a red, leaving his team at a disadvantage and ending his eligibility to play for the rest of the competition.
The equalizer came soon after in the 21’ with a dangerous tackle in the box from Jamone Shepherd awarding a penalty to Club Atlético Pantoja. Captain Robert Rosado stepped up to the mantle and placed a beautiful ball down the left side of the goal, sending White to the right.
Gerard Laverngne, with his spectacular free-kicks, accurately shot a ball to the goal, but it wasn’t enough to pass the glue gloved hands of White to extend their lead.
Arnett Gardens capitalized on their opponents’ disadvantage and began dominating the second half of the game. Captain Fabian Reid, on attack, created several difficulties for the Pantoja defense with his ability to maneuver around his opponents.
After 71 minutes, Club Atlético Pantoja became even more defensive as they sat deep, trying to hold out to regular time and improve their chances in penalties. They made little-to-no offensive plays.
Super sub Rushane Thompson was given the perfect opportunity to extend Arnett’s lead, but struggled to put the ball on target, keeping Club Atlético Pantoja’s hopes alive.
That ended when Reid, at the 90+4 mark, showed resilience and proved why he’s his team leader. Reid capitalized on a goal-scoring opportunity, leading his team into the Club Shield finals scheduled for August 2 at 8 pm where they will play Grenades FC of Antigua and Barbuda.
Club Atlético Pantoja will play CCCUL Dublanc of Dominica to decide who takes home the bronze. That match is also on Sunday, at 5:30 pm.
