2018 Caribbean Club Championship Thread

[Flex]

Sancho spends $.3M for Sharks Jamaica trip.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).

T&T’s two-time Caribbean Club Champions Central FC will set off for Jamaica to compete at the 2018 Flow CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship Finals in Kingston this week.

After being blanked financial support by Government through the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and corporate T&T, the club’s owner and managing director Brent Sancho told Guardian Media Sports yesterday he has had to fork out between $200,000 - $300,000 to ensure the team’s bills, inclusive of airfare, salaries for players and technical staff, and other costs for preparation, are covered.

“It’s unfortunate that no one saw it fit to come out and support a group of people who will be representing the country. When I saw this I told myself I couldn’t embarrass my country like this, as we will be the only team that will not be there.

“Even the Jamaican teams are hyped about it, so to prevent the country being disgraced like that, I decided to dig into my own pocket,” Sancho explained.

The former national defender will capitalise on an offer by Caribbean Airlines for a discount of seven per cent for 24 persons to the destination. He said he’s hopeful that government’s monetary support for pro league teams will help him when they return.

The Central ‘Sharks’ which won the CFU Club Championship back in 2015 and 2016 as well as consecutive  T&T Pro League titles in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, the first club to do so, will wing out in Wednesday ahead of its opening game on Friday against Jamaica’s Arnett Gardens in one of two semi-final matches at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Portmore United will face Atletico Pantoja of the Dominican Republic in the other semi-final encounter.

The winners of both semi-finals will meet in the final on Sunday, May 13, to determine the Caribbean champions which will automatically advance to the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League.

The runners-up will advance to the CONCACAF League while the third-place finishers will also have a final opportunity to qualify for the CONCACAF League through a play-off with CONCACAF Caribbean Shield winners Club Franciscain of Martinique.

Team coach Stern John said his team’s preparations have been intensive.

“The preparations have been okay. We have faced some financial constraints but we’ve gotten on with the job.

“We have some experienced players coming back into the fray and they are hungry for success.

“They want to go to Jamaica and win this Caribbean title and advance to the CONCACAF Champions League,” John said.

Two integral members from the team’s success in the previous round, T&T internationals Carlyle Mitchell and Nathan Lewis have moved onto USL club Indy Eleven.

But they have snapped up defender Daneil Cyrus and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip who are current T&T senior team members, while the veteran duo of Densill Theobald and Anthony Wolfe, two members of the T&T’s 2006 World Cup in Germany, are also in the squad for the matches.

[asylumseeker]

Best of luck to Central.

[Deeks]

The former national defender will capitalise on an offer by Caribbean Airlines for a discount of seven per cent for 24 persons to the destination. He said he’s hopeful that government’s monetary support for pro league teams will help him when they return.

There you go! Government to the rescue again. Good luck. Best wishes!

[Tallman]

Central FC focused on Caribbean glory
concacafleague.com

In recent years when it comes to the Caribbean Club Championship, one team that seems to get the job done is Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago.

The club took home top honors in the 2015 and 2016 editions of the CCC to qualify for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League and have a chance to do it again, beginning with their semifinal clash against Arnett Gardens of Jamaica.

"Before we even think of the Champions League, the Sharks are focused on winning the CCC for the third time in four years," said Central FC Operations Director Kevin Harrison in an interview with CONCACAF.com.

"We were very bitter about how we lost to Cibao last year and we're not coming to compete, we're coming to win," added Harrison.

For Harrison, Friday's clash with Arnett Gardens promises to be a tight, tense affair in which the opening goal will be key.

"I expect the game to be physical and the team that can maintain intensity for the whole 90 minutes should be the victors. I think if one of the teams scores, particularly in the last 20 minutes, they will probably use their momentum to score a second," said Harrison.

Utilizing a dangerous counterattack, Central FC believe they have the weapons to take down the Jamaicans.

"Central tend to play a high intensity style of football with the focus on closing down opponents, forcing errors and winning the second ball. It may not be pretty, but with 90-minute box-to-boxers like [MF] Darren Mitchell and the wealth of experience of [DF] Densill Theopald feeding and supporting our strikers, it's an incredibly hard system to break down because opposing defenders are aware that we can switch from defence to attack instantly," said Harrison.

No matter the results over the weekend, Harrison feels that the experience of playing such important CONCACAF matches will help the club's younger players adapt quicker to the rigors of international club football.

"The crowds often create a hostile environment for visitors, particularly in Haiti and Jamaica, so players need to learn to focus more on the game. It's also great for the youngsters to travel abroad as this is often their first overseas trip, particularly to play competitive football. And of course, there's the buzz of playing on a bigger stage, to an international TV audience, with the chance to shine and attract interest from overseas clubs," concluded Harrison.

[Tallman]

Phillip, Cyrus, Muckette, Armstrong to feature for Central in Jamaica as Couva Sharks resume chase of a third Caribbean crown
ttproleague.com

Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper Marvin Phillip and defender Daneil Cyrus are among eight recent acquisitions expected to suit up for Central FC in Jamaica as the Couva Sharks attempt a third Caribbean Club Championship crown.

Central, led by head coach Stern John, flew off to Jamaica today and must tackle home team Arnett Gardens in one of two semi-final clashes at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston on Friday.

“We’re coming to win,” Central FC operations director Kevin Harrison told concacaf.com. “Before we even think of the Champions League, the Sharks are focused on winning the CCC for the third time in four years."

Another Jamaica team Portmore United will face Atletico Pantoja of the Dominican Republic in the other semi-final.

Both semi-final winners will meet on Sunday 13 May at the same venue to decide the new Caribbean champions and the regions automatic spot at next season’s CONCACAF Champions League.

The runners-up will advance to the CONCACAF League for Central American and Caribbean teams while the third-place finishers will have a final opportunity to qualify for the CONCACAF League through a play-off with CONCACAF Caribbean Shield winners Club Franciscain of Martinique.

Central, Caribbean champions of 2015 and 2016 and consecutive Pro League champions of 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, have put together a side that not only boasts the experience of Phillip and Cyrus and T&T 2006 World Cup teammates Densill Theobald and Anthony Wolfe who both joined the Sharks from the group stage earlier this year.

Like Phillip (Point Fortin Civic) and Cyrus (Juticalpa), new to the Sharks are midfielders Duane Muckette (North East Stars), Akim Armstrong and Jared London (both Club Sando), forward Jamal Creighton (UTT) and back-up keeper Keinol Paul (ex-Police FC).

They will combine with Jason Marcano, Johan Peltier, Darren Mitchell, Taryk Sampson, Rondell Gibson, Kaydion Gabriel, Wolfe, Theobald, Tyrone Charles, Jameel Neptune and returning midfielder Keron Cummings for the Caribbean finals.

“We have some experienced players coming back into the fray and they are hungry for success,” said John. “They want to go to Jamaica and win this Caribbean title and advance to the CONCACAF Champions League. We also have some good experienced players coming into the set up such has defender Daneil Cyrus and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip who are both current members of the Trinidad and Tobago national team.”

John said his players, some of who were part of the team’s Caribbean success in 2015 and 2016, are “very eager to taste more success”.

“They are relishing the opportunity because they know how important it is to get into the Champions League and compete with the clubs from the MLS and other big leagues in CONCACAF,” continued the Central coach. “This is a really important assignment for us because for obvious reasons Central wants to maintain a presence at the top level of CONCACAF club football and it would certainly be a welcomed boost for us before our regular season begins in Trinidad.”

[Deeks]

any streaming for this game?

[Tallman]

WATCH LIVE: Arnett Gardens FC (Jamaica) vs Central FC (Trinidad and Tobago). Caribbean Club Championship Semifinals. Kick-off at 10pm EST.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/33Y9Em3E3iw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/33Y9Em3E3iw</a>

[Big Magician]

lets go Central FC

[Tallman]

Central FC Roster
1. Marvin Phillip (GK)
5. Daneil Cyrus
7. Johan Peltier
8. Akim Armstrong
9. Tyrone Charles
10. Keron Cummings
11. Darren Mitchell
12. Taryk Sampson
13. Rhondel Gibson
15. Kaydion Gabriel
17. Anthony Wolfe
18. Densill Theobald
19. Jason Marcano
22. Jameel Neptune
24. Jamal Creighton
26. Jared London
27. Duane Muckette
30. Keinol Paul (GK)

LIVE - https://www.concacaf.com/en/video/ccc2018-arnett-gardens-fc-vs-central-fc

[Deeks]

Is the lights in the stadium gone just so?

[Tallman]

Is the lights in the stadium gone just so?

Yep

[Deeks]

Hard luck dey,  Central. Could have been better, but the the team that put away their chances deserve to win.

[soccerman]

Hard luck dey,  Central. Could have been better, but the the team that put away their chances deserve to win.

What was the score?

[Tallman]

Hard luck dey,  Central. Could have been better, but the the team that put away their chances deserve to win.

What was the score?

Arnett Garden stops Central FC 2-0.
CONCACAF.COM

Former Jamaican champion Arnett Gardens put in s solid shift to turn back former back-to-back Caribbean champions Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago 2-0.

Tamar Edwards in the 35th minute and national player Marvin Morgan put the icing on the cake in the 55th minute to set his club on course for its first regional title.

"The team applied themselves as to where the game plan was concerned. In addition to that we created so many chances that we should have put away this game as early as the first half," said Arnett coach, Jerome Waite.

Central FC coach Stern John was left forlorn by the loss.

"I have no problem in losing, but it's the manner in which you lose. We never fought for the game and Arnett Gardens came out and fought and were hungrier than us," lamented the former Soca Warrior forward.

Meanwhile, Dominican Republic's Club Atlético Pantoja and Jamaica's Arnett Gardens will do battle on Sunday for the FLOW Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship tile and a place in the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.

This after Club Atletico Pantoja edged Jamaica's Portmore United in 4-3 thriller at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston on Friday night.

The title match between the victors will kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time, with the losers to dispute third-place at 5:00 p.m.

Second- and third-place finishers in FLOW Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship will earn spots in the confederation second-tier club tournament, the Concacaf League.

The fourth-place team, meantime, will engage the Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield champion Club Franciscain of Martinique for the final Caribbean spot in the Concacaf League.

Results

Arnett Gardens FC 2 v Central FC 0.

(Team)

Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip; 17.Anthony Wolfe (7.Johan Peltier 69th), 5.Daneil Cyrus, 12.Taryk Sampson, 22.Jameel Neptune; 26.Jared London, 18.Densill Theobald (capt) (27.Duane Muckette 69th); 9.Tyrone Charles, 11.Darren Mitchell, 10.Keron Cummings (19.Jason Marcano 60th); 8.Akim Armstrong.

Unused substitutes: 30.Keino Paul (GK), 13.Rhondel Gibson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 24.Jamal Creighton.

Coach: Stern John.

Referee: Bryan López.

[Deeks]

What is the deal with this tournament?

[Flex]

Central FC go down 2-1 to Portmore Utd but still not out.
CONCACAF.COM.

Jamaica's Portmore United edged Trinidad and Tobago's Central FC 2-1 in the Flow Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship third-place play.

Rosario Harriott (59th minutes) and Jermie Lynch (63rd) hit the mark for Portmore, while Duane Muckette (27th) found Central FC's consolation.

Based on the number of chances created in the title match, Arnett Gardens should have settled the argument in free-flow action, but attacking players were found wanting on the night.

Arnett's Al Nesbeth had one of those chances but watched as his long-range scorcher was expertly parried by Baez in the Pantoja goal.

Other good chances for the home team came on both sides of the break as substitute Jarmar Jackson, Fabian Reid and the speedy Lennox Reid had glaring misses.

Portmore, like Arnett Gardens, will compete in the Concacaf League. Central FC, for its part, will engage Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield champion Club Franciscain of Martinique for the final Caribbean spot in the Concacaf League tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Club Atlético Pantoja maintained the regional dominance of Dominican Republic clubs when it was crowned champion of the FLOW Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship.

Pantoja became the second-straight Dominican Republic team to lift the title by denying hosts Arnett Gardens 6-5 in a penalty shootout.

Results

Portmore United FC 2 v Central FC 1.

(Team)

Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip; 17.Anthony Wolfe, 5.Daneil Cyrus, 12.Taryk Sampson, 22.Jameel Neptune, 26.Jared London, 18.Densill Theobald (capt) 27.Duane Muckette, 11.Darren Mitchell, 19.Jason Marcano, 8.Akim Armstrong.

Substitutes From: 30.Keino Paul (GK), 10.Keron Cummings, 9.Tyrone Charles, 7.Johan Peltier, 13.Rhondel Gibson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 24.Jamal Creighton.

Coach: Stern John.

Referee: Kimbell Ward St Kitts).

View Full Game Here.

[Flex]

What is the deal with this tournament?

Central FC, for its part, will engage Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield champion Club Franciscain of Martinique for the final Caribbean spot in the Concacaf League tomorrow.

[Flex]

Central FC lost 2-1 to Club Franciscain, a team considered as an amateur team.

[Flex]

Central FC out Concacaf League.
T&T Guardian Reports.

T&T Pro League club, Central FC failed in its third and final attempt to qualify for 2018 Concacaf League after falling to Martiniquan Club Franciscain 2-1 in the team’s play-off encounter in Kingston, Jamaica, on Wednesday night.

Central FC, Caribbean Football Union Club champions of 2015 and 2016, and fourth-placed finishers of 2017 which earned them a place at last season’s inaugural Concacaf League for Central American and Caribbean teams, took the lead for the second straight match in the 15th minute courtesy former T&T World Cup striker, Anthony Wolfe who beat goalkeeper Didier Sully from a tight angle on the left after Tyrone Charles towered in the French islanders’ box to head on a Duane Muckette free-kick to the veteran-attacker-turned-defender.

However, in the 26th minute, Djenhael Mainge latched onto captain Stephane Abaul’s diagonal feed into the box before hitting low past the T&T custodian Marvin Phillip to get two-time reigning Martinique champions level.

And on the stroke of half-time, a lapse in concentration by Wolfe allowed Johnny Marajo a free move in the Central box which the Franciscain midfielder made full use of by curling his effort past Phillip for a 2-1 lead after he had rocked the crossbar earlier in the contest.

It was the third loss from as many matches at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, in Jamaica for the former two-time Caribbean Football Union Club champions, Central FC which first went under to Jamaica’s Arnett Gardens 2-0 in their Concacaf League qualifying semifinals on Friday last and then 2-1 in their third-place play-off to another Jamaica outfit, Portmore United on Sunday with Duane Muckette scoring an early goal for the T&T club.

To their credit, the Stern John-coached Central FC was able to put up some spirited performances over the three matches even though the local Pro League season doesn’t kick off until June 1 while Arnett Gardens and Portmore United, both qualified to the second-tier of the Concacaf League as second and third placed finishers were both at the end of their 2017/2018 Jamaican domestic Premier League competitions.

However, Central FC was still expected to qualify to the Concacaf League with a victory against the Martiniquans, who qualified to the play-off as the winner of a second-tier qualifying competition, the Caribbean Cup Shield

Dominican Republic’s Atletico Pantoja defeated Arnett Gardens 6-5 on penalty-kicks in the Flow Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship final after a goalless deadlock to claim the title and will compete in the top flight of the Concacaf League against the top teams from USA, Mexico, Costa Rica and the other major Central American nations.

For their win, Atletico Club Pantoja earned themselves U$50,000 while Arnett Gardens got $30,000 and Portmore and Central FC, both US$15,000.

In the second-tier final which was played on April 21, the Caribbean Cup Shield, Club Franciscain battled past Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe 2-1.

This after the Martinquans defeated Real Rincon 2-0 and Moengotapoe hammered Nacional 4-0 in their respective semifinals on April 19. Real Rincon grabbed third with a 3-1 win over Nacional.

Central FC, owned by former T&T World Cup defender and Minister of Sports, Brent Sancho was awarded the Fair Play trophy at the end of the first stage of the competition on Sunday, while the Golden Glove Award went controversially to Pantoja’s goalkeeper Odalis Baez who conceded three goals in the semifinal compared to Damian Hyatt of Arnett Gardens who kept a clean sheet in both games.

The Golden Boot went to Luis Espinal of Pantoja, who scored twice against Portmore United in the semifinal.

Results

Club Franciscain 2 v Central FC 1.

(Team)

Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip; 17.Anthony Wolfe, 5.Daneil Cyrus, 9.Tyrone Charles, 12.Taryk Sampson, 13.Rhondel Gibson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 22.Jameel Neptune, 18.Densill Theobald (capt) 27.Duane Muckette, 19.Jason Marcano.

Substitutes From: 30.Keino Paul (GK),  26.Jared London, 10.Keron Cummings, 7.Johan Peltier, 24.Jamal Creighton, 11.Darren Mitchell, 8.Akim Armstrong.

Coach: Stern John.

View Full Game Here.