St Lucia hold NY Boyz 1-1

BROOKLYN, New York (CMC):

St Lucia played the game of their life on Sunday to hold powerhouses Jamaica to a 1-1 draw in their last preliminary round game of the New York Digicel Caribbean Football Cup and qualify for the playoffs.

Needing a draw or win to reach the post-season scheduled to begin August 15, they came out swinging against the defending champions and despite falling behind in the second half, rebounded to equalise and hold on valiantly for a share of the points.

After scores were locked nil-all at half-time at the Jefferson High School Stadium, the New York Reggae Boyz took a 59th-minute lead through Rohan McDonald.

Three minutes later, however, St Lucia found the equaliser through a blast by Sheldon Emmanuel five yards outside the penalty area.

Second place

Sunday's draw ensured them of second place in the East Zone on eight points, three points behind the six-time Cup champions.

"The competition is great, especially for the West Indian community and other teams here," said Tyron Clovis, who is coaching the St. Lucia team in his first season.

"It's great. We have a great group of guys, and we're hoping to win the competition."

However, his Jamaican counterpart Arthur 'Jetty' Mikes said his side relaxed because they knew they were already through to the next round.

"St Lucia played a forceful game but our guys, knowing that we already qualified in the zone (for the play-offs), played comfortably not to lose the game," he said.

"We're looking forward to winning the trophy again."

The Jamaicans thought they had the match in the bag when McDonald's shot, 15 yards outside the penalty box from the left flank, slipped through the legs of St Lucian goalkeeper Dani Michael.

Spectacular conversion

But their celebration was short-lived with Emmanuel's spectacular conversion three minutes later.

In the earlier matches in Sunday's triple header, Guyana enhanced their prospects in making the playoffs by crushing Colombia 3-0 while Trinidad and Tobago beat Dominica 2-0.

Guyana ended the preliminary round in third position, on seven points but their fate will be determined by the outcome of this Sunday's final preliminary round duel between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic are currently locked on six points and a draw and goal fifference will determine Guyana's fortune.

The top three teams in both zones, East and West, qualify for the playoffs.

Dominica will challenge St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda will battle Barbados next Sunday.