Race for semi-finals takes shape in Cayman Airways Youth Cup

There are tight races for semi-final spots in both groups of the 2018 Cayman Airways Youth Cup heading into the final day of pool play at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Thursday. Mt Pleasant Football Academy (Jamaica) and Central Brooklyn Soccer Club (United States) lead the standings of their respective groups.

Here’s a recap of Wednesday’s play:

Match 9

Cavalier Soccer Club (JAM) 2 VS Mt Pleasant Academy (JAM) 3

Mt Pleasant Academy continued their unbeaten run through three games, picking up their second win with a well-earned win over their fellow Jamaicans from Cavalier Soccer Club. Travelling to Grand Cayman for their first ever meeting between their Under-13 teams, it was an exciting affair among two of the country’s top youth programmes. A pair of goals from DeAndre Jackson in the 14^th and 16^th minutes gave Mt Pleasant the early lead. Omario Henry pulled Cavalier Soccer Club back within a goal in the 25^th. Shortly after the second half got going, Jalon Lopez added another for Mt Pleasant to restore a two-goal advantage for his side. Henry added another in the 61^st but Cavalier did not have enough time to mount a comeback and lost for the first time in two matches.

Match 10

Harbour View Football Club (JAM) 1 VS Phoenix All Stars (JAM) 2

A pair of second half goals from Dujuan Richards ensured Phoenix All Stars secured three points from the all-Jamaica derby. After a scoreless first half, Richards struck within the first minute of the resumption of play. Jahiem Nelson equalised for Harbour View in the 43^rd minute but three minutes later, it was Richards to the rescue with another goal. Phoenix picked up their first win of the tournament, while Harbour View tasted defeat for the first time in two matches.

Match 11

City Soccer Pro (USA) 1 VS Future Sports Club Select (CAY) 3

An even battle at the start saw the teams feeling each other out before Kevin Diaz put one in the back of the net for City Soccer Pro in the 8^th minute. The Americans maintained the one-goal advantage at the half. Nathan Messam had a solid strike from distance that beat the keeper to level the scores. With a sharing of the points a distinct possibility late, Future pushed forward. Javon Henry stepped up to show why he was trusted with the captain’s armband and scored the winner in the 61^st before adding another in stoppage time to give the local side its first win of the tournament.

Match 12

Cavalier Soccer Club (JAM) 7 VS Academy Sports Club Select (CAY) 1

Returning to the pitch under the lights for their second game of the day, Cavalier showed clear intention of booking a spot in the knock-out round. After Omario Henry scored his first of two goals in the 20^th minute, goals came regularly with Nathaniel Brooks, Rashaun Linton, Christopher Ainsworth, Marques Davis, and Jhaeem Bryan all getting goals. Despite the game being out of reach, Kaden Brown gave the local fans something to shout about when he scored just before the final whistle, leaving the keeper searching for answers.