Santos stun Reno in Champions Cup

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

The opening round of the Flow Champions Cup provided the first upset of the competition as Super League outfit Santos overcame their Premier League counterparts Reno 4-2 on penalties yesterday at the Bell-Chung Oval, after the two were locked at 0-0 following full and extra time.

Santos, who came into the match punching well above their weight, sit 13 places below their opponents. They managed to keep Reno off the scoresheet during regulation and extra time and were then perfect from the penalty spot to emerge winners.

Santos got their goals from the penalty spot courtesy of their captain Terrence Allen, Demetrio Billet, Andrew Morris and Oneil Gayle all converting. Reno's Andre Patterson and Davion Thorpe scored for their team, while Kirk Wright hammered his kick on to the right upright. Santos' under-20 custodian Mark Bryan then pulled off a smart save to thwart Jahshane Foster's attempt and earned his team the win.

The Westmorland-based Reno, who are sixth in the Premier League, created numerous goal-scoring opportunities but failed miserably to capitalise on their chances. The first of these fell to Kirk Wright in the 30th minute when he was played through by Thorpe, but his volley from eight yards out flew well over the crossbar. Reno came even closer on the stroke of full time when Santos' Ricardo Martin cleared a Kenroy Hutchinson header off the line.

Double save

Bryan was forced into a double save in the second half. The first of these came in the 53rd minute when he just managed to keep out a curling, dipping effort from Thorpe. Four minutes later, he dove to his right to thwart an attempt from Reno's captain, Linval Wilson.

The best player on the field, Reno's Troy Reid, came close to stealing the game in the ultimate minute of extra time when he hammered a shot from the top of the area, which grazed the right upright.

Santos' coach, Carlton Dennis, was very pleased with his team's performance.

"This brings back memories of the good old days, Santos versus Reno, we use to beat up Reno," Dennis shared. "I told the boys if they believe in themselves they can do it and we played a good game today; probably our best game of the season in terms of discipline and character," he added.

Wendell Downswell was very disappointed with his team's poor finishing.

"We created numerous opportunities which we failed to convert, and if you fail to convert your chances once it goes down to penalties it is about nerves and temperament," he added.

Other results: Arnett Gardens 1 Seba 0; Port Morant All-Stars 1 Montpelier 2; Eagle Strikers 0 St Georges 2; Newell United 0 Sandals Whitehouse 0 (Sandals won 4-3 on penalties); Holland United 0 Humble Lion 2; Frazer's Whip 2 Star Cosmos 0; Monymusk 4 Village United 1; Benfica 2 Police National 1; Downs 5 Standfast 1.