McPherson elated at saving Portmore

Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer

Portmore United's goalie, Garice McPherson, came up trumps on Sunday night as he reeled off at least five saves, as Portmore United drew 0-0 with newcomers Highgate United, in a National Premier League football match at Ferdie Neita Park.

With the draw, Portmore moved to seven points from three games, while Highgate inched up to three points, also from three matches.

McPherson, playing one of the best games of his life, kept the scoresheet clean with some timely saves. The Portmore goalie, who was part of the Under-23 national team that had an unsuccessful campaign in Suriname months ago, said he was delighted with his performance.

"I thought my performance tonight was very good," an elated McPherson told The Gleaner during an exclusive interview after the match.

He added: "I kept my team in the match with a few key saves, I'm really working hard and it paid off tonight."

McPherson, who is now 22, has been with Portmore since age 15 and is now seen as a seasoned player. He said that Real Madrid's ace goalie, Iker Casillas, inspired him to do greatness as a goal-tender.

"Casillas is a great goalkeeper and he really motivates me to do my best," he said.

Future hopes

As for the future, McPherson dreams of playing in one of those cash-rich leagues in Europe, preferably in Germany or Norway.

"Playing in Europe will help to elevate my career," McPherson expressed.

During the game, McPherson twice denied Highgate's Richard Orette a goal. The first save came early in the second half where he skilfully parried Orette's blast over the crossbar. Orette tested McPherson again mid-way the half and the keeper blocked the low shot and a Portmore defender mopped up and cleared the ball.

However, it was in the dying moments of the match that spectators saw the best of McPherson, as he acrobatically saved two shots from two Highgate attackers from point blank range, a mere second apart, saves which left the Highgate supporters who came in droves mystified.

Portmore's coach, Calvin Lewis, thought it was a fair result.

"We had more possession of the ball, but kept losing it in midfield cheaply. Highgate came out aggressive and they played well and a draw I think, is a fair result," he said. "We just have to regroup for our next game."

If what a diehard fan of Highgate said is anything to go by, then Portmore will have a torrid time when they travel to St Mary for the second round.

"Coach Calvin know say that the side him have can't beat we, a lucky them lucky tonight, wait till them come a Highgate next round," he said.