BROOKLYN, New York, CMC – Jamaica wrote yet another note into the history books on Sunday when they captured the New York Caribbean Cup for a record six-successive season by beating St. Lucia 1-0 before a sell-out crowd at the Jefferson High School Stadium.
It was also the defending champions’ seventh Cup title in the championship’s 19-year history and gave them the distinction of being the undisputed Kings of New York Caribbean football.
After a hard-fought first half where both teams tried futilely to find the back of the net, the Jamaicans made the decisive strike in the 76th minute.
To the consternation of the large St. Lucian fan contingent, Denzil Watson capitalized on a spot kick 15 yards outside the penalty box, driving low to the left of goalkeeper Dani Michael, from the left flank.
“I feel very elated to win this title again,” said Jamaica head coach, Arthur “Jetty” Mikes, in a CMC Sports post-match interview. “It makes us exceptional. This is the outcome of eight years of hard work.”
Jamaican captain Desmond Breakenridge said the inclusion of younger players over the years had also helped significantly in the team’s success.
“The more younger players we have, the better for the team,” said the ex-Waterhouse defender in Jamaica’s Premier Lague. “It’s always a pleasure to win the tournament. We just hope the trend will continue.”
It was the St. Lucians’ second Cup final in the tournament and their second loss to the Jamaicans after being trounced 3-0 in their first appearance 15 years ago.
Hoping to stage an upset and earn a win in honour of slain 27-year-old forward Philip Tisson who was gunned down last week after celebrating his team’s 1-0 semi-final victory over St. Kitts and Nevis, the St. Lucians played the game of their lives but to no avail. With their fans’ loud backing, the St. Lucians made no significant errors, holding the New York Reggae Boyz at bay for most of the duel while making several forays through their opponent’s defence. The Reggae Boyz, on the other hand, displayed sound ball control and discipline, ensuring there was no way back for St Lucia in the dying stages.
A very disappointed St. Lucia head coach, Tyrone Clovis, said Jamaica’s conversion “killed” his team’s spirit.
