3 months ago
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VINO BARCLETT, Cavalier’s choice goalkeeper, said the defending Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions are on a mission to defend both their domestic and regional titles following their 2-1 aggregate win over Portmore United in the competition’s quarterfinals.
Cavalier edged Portmore in the first round of the JPL playoffs after a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win across both legs, the second of which ended on Monday.
Barclett was one of the heroes in Cavalier’s march to the final four as the St Lucian shot-stopper denied an Emelio Rousseau penalty in the second leg to keep his team’s campaign alive.
He explained that he had stepped up in the critical moment as the team’s attackers can only play at their best if they have a strong defence behind them.
“It is very important for me because we know our defensive line had to keep a clean sheet to leave it to our attackers to play freely and score, and that’s what we did,” Barclett said after the match.
Barclett’s penalty save would give Dwayne Atkinson the chance to play separator with his 97th-minute strike the sole goal of the game.
As they prepare for the semi-finals tomorrow, Barclett said they are aiming to defend both their JPL and Caribbean Cup titles.
He draws confidence from their experience as defending champions and their ability to produce results under pressure.
“We know what is ahead, and we know how to get there. We are the champions of the Caribbean also, so we have to get back into the Caribbean Cup so we can defend that title as well.”
He added, “That is what we want. We’re going to defend both of our titles.”
However, Barclett is aware that Cavalier will not be entering the final four as favourites.
He admitted that his team did not enjoy their best run of form during the regular season, finishing fourth in the standings, 24 points behind league leaders Mount Pleasant.
Barclett believes that their regular season will not matter in the playoffs as they are now ready to take on the best the JPL has to offer.
“In the regular season, we were not at our best, but we knew we had to come better in the playoffs. In training, we worked, and as you can see, all that training has paid off.
“We want to defend our titles. That is really the aim. That is what we have been working towards.”
Cavalier will face Arnett Gardens in their semi-final fixture, playing the first leg tomorrow at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex before the return leg on Sunday at Sabina Park.
English (US) ·