PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago’s San Juan Jabloteh conceded a late goal to lose their opening encounter of the CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round against Santos of Mexico on Tuesday night.
The reigning Pro League champions did not utilise home advantage at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya and gave up the goal to lose 1-0 to the visiting Mexicans.
Rodrigo Ruiz broke the deadlock and the hearts of the home fans when he netted from inside the six-yard box, giving Santos a valuable goal win.
The 38-year-old came off the bench to run onto a soft pass inside the box after it was crossed by another substitute Oribe Peralta, who beat Jabloteh defender Jose Leon Hoyo near the goal line.
Jabloteh, out of action since July 9 due to the TT Pro League’s mid-season break, carved out their best chance in the 58th minute when Marvin Oliver hit a volley from the top of the area, forcing a great save out of goalkeeper Miguel Bercerra.
Santos dominated the early exchanges but failed to find the back of the nets as the home side were forced on the back foot.
San Juan Jabloteh withstood the barrage and began to counter well, dominating possession and eking out chances, and taking control of the game up until the first half.
Despite being pushed back into their own half, Santos had an opportunity to take the lead when Jaime Toledo produced a defence-splitting pass for Oribe Peralta who pulled his resulting shot wide.
Late in the second half, Atualia Guerra muffed two chances to put his side ahead before Ruiz put the game to bed.
