Cavalier and Portmore United reach Jamaica Premier League semi-finals

Defending champions Cavalier and seven-time former titleholders Portmore United have reached the Jamaica Premier League semi-finals after quarter-final return-leg victories over Waterhouse and Racing United on Wednesday night.

Cavalier endured an up-and-down regular season but lifted their play for the knockout rounds in their tie against Waterhouse at the National Stadium. After fighting back from two goals down to draw the first leg 2-2, the champions seized control in the second meeting when Dwayne Allen opened the scoring in the 28th minute. They kept the pressure on after the break and sealed the win in the 79th minute when Christopher Ainsworth converted a well-struck free kick.

Speaking after the match, assistant coach David Leila said several players recently called to the national programme led the effort and urged supporters not to underestimate the club. "I can tell you for one the players that got called up for the national team, they really turn up well today. Jiovan Lang Hans, just all of them, they just turn up today and they delivered well. For those who doubt Cavalier, I don't know why they would doubt Cavalier. We are last year champion and before that too, and Cavalier whenever we reach the playoff they get a different level of football, a different level intensity, and so at the end of the day we are here for keeps," he said at the post-match press conference.

In the later fixture, Portmore United posted a 2-0 return-leg win over Racing United after the St. Catherine rivals shared six goals in a 3-3 first-leg draw. The seven-time champions controlled much of the contest and were rewarded when Tyreek Zimz broke the deadlock in the 46th minute. Substitute Rashan Hall added a second in the 83rd minute, giving Portmore a 5-3 aggregate victory.

The Portmore side said they were in charge for long stretches, moved the ball well, limited Racing United mainly to set pieces, and were pleased with the two-goal margin despite chances to extend it further.

Cavalier will face Montego Bay United in one semi-final, while Portmore United meet Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant FA in the other. The first legs of both semi-finals will be played on Sunday at the National Stadium.