Sunday, May 17, 2009

MACOYA, TRINIDAD -- The Puerto Rico Islanders were unable to make up a two-goal deficit Sunday in Trinidad as they fell to the host W Connection in the Final of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship 2-1.

Having secured a return to the CONCACAF Champions League with their advancement to the championship game, head coach Colin Clarke kept numerous starters on the bench for most of the CFU Final, including Bill Gaudette, Nicholas Addlery, Sandy Gbandi and Cristian Arrieta.

The Islanders fell behind early as Jonathan Frias put two past Chris McClellan in the sixth and 20th minutes of the contest.

Martin Nunez cut the deficit in half in the 35th minute courtesy of Sean Fraser, but Puerto Rico were unable to find an equalizer in the second half despite several quality chances and the majority of possession.

The closest opportunity came just five minutes into the second stanza from the spot, but Petter villegas’ missed on the attempt.

Clarke was sent off in the 59th minute for Puerto Rico.

In the Third Place contest, the other host club San Juan Jabloteh bested last year’s fourth-place finish behind Puerto Rico with a 2-1 victory over Tempete of Haiti. Cyrano Glen put the hosts on the board in the 33rd with Elton John doubling the lead in the 44th. An own goal by Karlon Murray in the 55th gave the visitors hope, but they were unable to find another tally in the remaining time.

Puerto Rico Lineup:  Chris McClellan, Nigel Henry, Alexis Rivera (84’ - Nicholas Addlery), Sean Fraser, Martin Nunez (65’ - Jonathan Steele), Petter Villegas, John Krause, Fabrice Noel, Kyle Veris, Andres Cabrero (65’ - Kendall Jagdeosingh), Kevon Villaroel
Subs not used: William Gaudette, Noah Delgado, Sandy Gbandi, Cristian Arrieta