Veteran defender Donald “Foulie” Stewart headed the “Stars of the East” into the lead at the stroke of halftime from a Jermaine Hue freekick, raising hopes for the home team by going to the halftime break leading 1-0.
The good ball possession by the visitors from Washington thrilled the large crowd as the hosts responded in kind adding deft ball artistry to the menu for a delightful exhibition of professional football. Tight ball control dominated play as both goalkeepers were called upon to make good saves particularly Leighton Murray in the first half then Nick Rimando in the second.
The better second half midfield organisation lead by Jaime Moreno moved the ball into attack with regularity before their sharper finishing on goal in minutes seventy four (74) and seventy seven (77) broke the game wide open in favour of DC United. The left-sided buildup was swung inside for the flashing header by substitute Jamil Walker to deflect to the far post and equalise the game. The second was a classic Moreno moment as a right-sided approach play was collected just outside the penalty box, he stalled before expertly chipping both defenders and goalkeeper to the left with a swerving left footer inside the far post. The lead reverting to DC United taking a 2-1 lead.
The crowd stayed riveted to the game as Harbour View hurried the changes of McCreath andBlackburn for Gordon and Richards, soon 19 year old Akeem Priestley made his entrance for Donald Stewart. They added life and spice to the game quickly drawing fouls, one of which Jermaine Hue’s 23 yard drive brought out a good save by custodian Rimando tipping it over for a corner, then McCreath’s control in the box and shot goalwards but straight at goalkeeper Rimando.
In the end superior finishing meant DC United advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF CHAMPION’S CUP next month. Harbour View Fc continues its advance in the local Premier League in an effort to win and in so doing, repeat qualification for the next International season.
Harbour View Strkes back to challenge for late End Of Second Round spot by defeating Reno by 4-1 at the Compound.
20 year old Lovel Palmer hits a second half brace after being denied an early goal.
UNDER 21:
Harbour View stay in touch for the semifinals with a resounding 12-0 trashing of Reno F.C.
Five (5) goals from Kemar Petrekin lead the demolistion campaign against a very youthful looking Reno squad, made up of schoolboys from DaCosta Cup Champions, Frome Technical.. Assisted by a rare goal scoring feat, a Hatrick, from Kevin Woolery plus two from 16 year old John-Ross Edwards. Anthony Cristie and substitute Nicholas Beckett, completed the rout.
Harbour View lead by 7-0 at the Halftime break.
PREMIER LEAGUE:
A renewed sense of purpose overshadowed the previously questioned state of affairs that dogged the lethargic looking Caribbean Club Champions, Harbour View FC in Round Two action. Glimpses of Round One form peeped out ever so often to the delight of the adoring die-hard fans waiting for the December 2004 form to return.
After Referee Victor Stewart called back Palmer’s early strike from a Robert Scarlett cross eluded everyone included the desperate dive from former National goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence which left him injured on the ground. Not to be denied the youngster burst aggressively out of midfield into the Penalty area twice, in minutes sixty one (61) and again in minute eighty nine (89) to close the door for the “Stars of the East” second straight victory.
Jermaine Hue’s chipped pass drifted away from the Reno defender into the path of striker Luton Shelton who rounded two bewildered defenders on the touchline before tapping back to strike partner Jomo Gordon to turn and rifle it into the goal., on the stroke of halftime in minute forty- five. The half ended 1-0.
A rare sight of a perfect right-footed square from left-back Robert Scarlett, was expertly glanced wide of Aaron Lawrence by the head of nineteen (19) year old sensation Luton Shelton. The official time clock recorded the goal as minute fifty-eight (58).
NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 20th, 2007 ALL PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS jointly put on it’s first promotion at the National Stadium starting with the HVFC versus Tivoli game and followed by Arnett Gardens versus Waterhouse FC.
HARBOUR VIEW FIGHTS DESPITE THE ODDS, TO SLIP 1-2 TO DC UNITED IN COLD CONDITIONS IN MARYLAND, USA.
On a cold and blistering night at temperatures estimated about 7 Degrees on the field the Harbour View Fooitball Club fought gallantly but could not overcome an organised looking DC United at the Maryland, Soccerplex before a capacity crowd measuring 3,823.
The five days acclimatisation method adopted the mind and bodies adequately to the general weather pattern that showed a range of 30 – 60 Degrees temperatures but nothing near the prevailing conditions of play on game night. Heavily supported by a large contingent of jamaican residents in and around the Washington DC area, aided by masses from the New York Tri-state area and Florida the “Stars of the East” shone brightest in minute 22 as teenaged (19 years) sensation Luton Shelton scored but left without a point and all to do on Wednesday night as a 62nd minute headed goal by Gros gave the advantage to DC United.
The early goal scored after just four minutes hit hard as the hosts treatened to run away with the game when Eskadarian scored a volley, from a Freddy Adu left-sided square.
Players experiencing nose bleeds, severe chest pains and freezing ears, nose, fingers and toes the dedicated solders battled manfully to stay in the game with every fibre of their body. Shelton an acute Asthmatic shrugged of the ill-effects of the cold to torment the DC United backline with his blistering pace and grit. Outstanding performances by Robert Scarlett, Damion Stewart, Leighton Murray in goal and early glimpses of brilliance by Captain Jermaine Hue lead to a creditable team performance all-around.
The return leg takes place in Kingston, Jamaica on Wednesday, March 16th, 2005 at 7:30pm at the Harbour View Football Stadium. A large contingent of fifty (50) persons, DC United arrive from Miami at 6pm on Monday evening at the Norman Manley Airport.