Portmore’s Haitian test begins at home

Portmore United will be seeking a crucial first-leg advantage when they host Haitian outfit Violette AC in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup at Sabina Park today. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

The reigning Jamaica Premier League champions face a stern test against a Violette side that has won all four of its matches in the competition so far.

Portmore secured their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over Cibao FC and a second-place finish in Group B. They will be aiming to record back-to-back Caribbean Cup victories for the first time this season.

Violette, meanwhile, topped Group A with a perfect four-from-four record, becoming only the second team in the competition’s history to reach the semi-finals without dropping a point.

They follow in the footsteps of defending Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant Football Academy.

The Haitian club scored seven goals during the group stage, with forwards Elyvens Dejean and Miche-Naider Chery accounting for four of those strikes.

Dejean was rewarded for his performances with selection to the Caribbean Cup Best XI for the group stage.

However, Portmore also possess attacking threats of their own, including veteran striker Corey Burke.

Burke, who has extensive playing experience in the United States, demonstrated his eye for goal with two crucial strikes against Cibao in the final group-stage match, helping to secure Portmore’s place in the semi-finals.

Portmore will also look to Javier Brown and Rashaun Small, who were both named in the Caribbean Cup Best XI for the group stage.

AWAY-GOAL RULE

For Portmore, today’s encounter will place significant emphasis on their defensive performance, as the hosts will need to avoid conceding.

With the away-goal rule still in effect in the Caribbean Cup, Portmore will be aiming to become the first team to shut out Violette this season.

The task will not be easy. Violette have scored seven goals in four games, the most by any team in the competition this season, while conceding just once, giving them the best defensive record.

On the domestic front, Portmore enter the match with an inconsistent record, having won only one of their last three games while registering consecutive draws.

For Violette, the situation is different as the Haitian league has not yet started, making the Caribbean Cup the club’s only active competition.

The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled to be played at Estadio Cibao in the Dominican Republic.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com