McLoud says determination earned Humble Lion draw with Cavalier

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

Humble Lion are determined to make a push for the Red Stripe Premier League title, surpassing last season's fourth-place finish.

After suffering defeat to defending champions Portmore United while conceding a goal in the final seconds of the game last week Monday, they somewhat bounced back, coming from behind two times to earn a 2-2 draw with Cavalier at Effortville Sports Complex on Sunday.

Led by captain Omando McLoud, Humble Lion showed a never-say-die attitude in squeezing out a point from the game after staring defeat in the face.

Raymond Thompson put Cavalier in front in the 33rd minute, but his goal was cancelled out two minutes after when Omar Walters climbed high at the back post to nod home a cross from Jermaine Christian.

Cavalier went back in front in the 56th minute when Girvon Brown sweetly curled a free kick into the top right corner of the goal from just outside the 18 yards box.

With time running out, Humble Lion kept the fight going and were rewarded a penalty in the 85th minute when substitute Denzil Watson was brought down in the 18-yard box after darting towards goal. Watson scored the resulting kick, rescuing Humble Lion from the jaws of defeat.

"We never gave up, we kept on fighting because we told ourselves that we are not going to lose any more games at home so we had to dig deep," McLoud said.

"We wanted a win but due to the state of the game we had to at least go for the draw. It wasn't our best game, but the team fought to the end."

played in the United States

The man from Moores in Clarendon, a neighboring community of Effortville, the home of Humble Lion, has been playing for the team since he left Vere Technical High.

He migrated to the United States for a time where he played in the semi-pro league with Central Florida Crave. He rejoined Humble Lion in 2008 and cemented himself in the club as one of the team leaders, one whom other players look to for inspiration.

McLoud scored five goals in last season's campaign, but has showed more zeal this time around and has so far notched four goals while playing as the team's main striker.

"I know we are going to do better than last season. We play all the teams and only Portmore (United) really gave us a good run," McLoud said.

"We wanted the championship from last year," he stated. "This year, however, we set out that we are going all out for it. We just have to be consistent and follow the coach's instructions and it will happen."