DAY 2:
Our game was switched to 3:30pm not 1:30pm as previously scheduled.
HVFC 2 MONTREAL IMPACT 3
AGUILAS (Mexico) 1 DC UNITED 0
Zone leaders Montreal Impact came into the game with their Assistant Coach stating they were going have a tough one after scouting the team yesterday in our game against Aguilas.
True to form HVFC went for all 3 points, right to the last minute falling short from the odd goal in a five goal thriller, that left both gladiators battle worn.
Better organized, relaxed and rejuvenated HVFC exchanged early blows with our french speaking Canadian opponents as the Mexican official, Eduardo Enriquez pointed to the penalty spot after 12 minutes. Captain, Brandon Phelps converted for Montreal to lead 1-0.
HVFC responded 7 minutes later as ace midfielder, Jahvarie Fletcher dribbled by two defenders on the left to enter the penalty area before being bundled over for a second penalty to be awarded, this time to HVFC.
Captain Rojaughn ‘RoRo’ Joseph scorched the back of the net to equalize. Game on.
Montreal made another impact to lead when Mathys Merineau scored to re-establish the lead 2-1 but the ever present fighting spirit of the young ‘Stars of the East’ rose up again to equalize. Captain, ”Roro Joseph once again leading from the front, the midfielder outfoxed the goalkeeper to draw level 2-2.
The second half was hot in pace, competitiveness and mixed with good ball playing sequences on both sides as nobody wanted to give any quarters or ask to be given. End to end action was on display keeping the referees very busy. Acclimatized now, learning from yesterdays errors and playing the kind of football this team was trained to do the eastern Kingston starlets put it all on the field.
Then the moment, nobody could expect, Referee Enrique blows correctly for an infringement against HVFC but inexplicably shows a Red Card to Fletcher, who arguably was having a ‘Man of the Match’ Performance. He never made the foul or was it an offense that warranted that action. Crying Jahvarie leaves the field as the Montreal Coaches console him, HVFC’s Coach Bobby hugs him and carries him to the changing room to manage the situation.
Unfortunate but the game goes on with 15 minutes to play with 10 men,Coach Sydney switches to 3 at the back and brings on Delroy ‘Tardo’ Jones and Matthew Coke later as goalscorer Joseph, sustains a hit.
Captain, Phelps popped up inside the area to head home from close range resulting from a left-sided freekick, the shouts for offside are unfounded as Montreal leads for the third time, 3-2.
Goal is the charge with 10 men, the boys turn up the heat pushing Montreal back. Kellijah Morgan bursts out of the two man shackles to be bumped inside the area, no call. Morgan then drives a full blooded 20 yards scorcher that the custodian deflects for a corner.
Two other corners and a 23 yard Zayne Palomino freekick are all repelled by the agile goalkeeper and a hurried defensive line but still no equalizer, as traffic is one way for the last ten minutes.
It was not to be as both teams greet each other with mutual respect at centerfield as some HVFC players cry, they have won the respect of their Canadian counterparts and the following crowd of Mexicans there.
Montreal Impact leads the Zone B, HVFC in third position go for another chance at victory tomorrow against DC United, who lost 0-1 to second placed Aguilas of Mexico.
CONCACAF carries all the eight squads to a CONCACAF Champions League game tonight at the Azyeca after dinner to relax, bond and view the highest standard of club football regionally.
Future stars are developing the professional attitude, good for the game and a wonderful experience for all involved.