JPL ‘Trilogy’ to include Golden Boot storyline

JALMARO CALVIN once again proved to be Cavalier FC’s clutch performer, scoring the decisive goal in the 59th minute to seal a 1–0 victory over Arnett Gardens FC and secure a 2–1 aggregate win in their Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) semi-final clash.

The defending champions now set up a third consecutive finals showdown with Mount Pleasant FA, adding another chapter to what fans have dubbed “The Trilogy”. Earlier on Sunday evening, Mount Pleasant booked their ticket to the final with a 1–1 draw against Montego Bay United, also progressing 2–1 on aggregate.

Speaking after the match, Calvin praised his team’s maturity and their response to lessons learned from the first leg in Montego Bay.

“I am very proud of my team. In the first leg we made a couple of mistakes, we didn’t finish off Arnett Gardens. We went back to the training ground, corrected our mistakes, and came back and did what we had to do,” he said.

At just 21 years old, Calvin is a senior figure in the youngest squad in Concacaf and embraces the responsibility of leading his team towards back-to-back titles.

“I have to fight. I have to go out there and play for my team, no matter what. Whether it’s a bad day or a good day, I’ll always give 100 per cent.”

Though his goal secured Cavalier’s place in the final, it also added intrigue to the race for the Golden Boot. Calvin’s semi-final strike brought his tally to 21 goals, just one behind Arnett’s Warner Brown, who scored in the first leg and leads the chart with 22.

With Arnett Gardens set to face Montego Bay United in the third-place playoff, Brown will have the first chance to increase his lead. However, Calvin made it clear that the individual award is not his main concern.

“I’m glad to score and keep up with Warner Brown, but my main focus is going to the final and winning it.

“It would be a big achievement to win the Golden Boot, but the priority is getting the team over the line. If I get the chance, I’ll score, but the goal is the title.”

Having faced Mount Pleasant in two previous finals, winning one and losing the other, Calvin knows what’ i required to claim the crown once again.

“Mount Pleasant is a very tough team, so we just have to go out there and fight. They’ll bring their A-game, and we have to bring ours.”

With Cavalier having played more matches than most teams this season due to their Concacaf campaign, recovery is top of mind for the young striker.

“We’ve played a lot of games, so right now rest is important.”

As the curtain prepares to fall on the 2024–2025 JPL season, all eyes will be on Friday when Cavalier and Mount Pleasant meet once again at the National Stadium in Kingston for the ultimate prize.

One thing is certain: when the whistle blows, rest will take a backseat to glory.