Jabloteh clash with Chicago Fire

CL FINANCIAL San Juan Jabloteh head coach Ricky Hill has described the team’s spirit as “high” ahead of tonight’s CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal first leg encounter against Chicago Fire. The match will be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 7 o’clock while the return leg will be contested at the New Soldier Field, Chicago on March 24. The English-born coach said that, despite injuries to national players Keyeno Thomas and Travis Mulraine, he will have a vast amount of experience and versatility on his team.

This includes national captain Angus Eve, and fellow nationals Ansil Elcock, Cyd Gray, Nigel Daniel, Ian Gray, Cornell Glen, Otis Seaton, Michael Celestine, Trent Noel and Kerry Baptiste. Hill, who admitted seeing the Fire squad in action via satellite television, stated that “they are an attack-minded side who will come with a counter-attacking system in their mind.” Included in the Chicago Fire team are US senior team players Chris Armas, who will wear the captain’s armband for tonight’s match, fellow midfielder Da Marcus Beasley, defender CJ Brown and striker Ante Razov; as well as the Jamaican attacking pair of Andy Williams and Damani Ralph. “I know they have very capable players,” Hill continued, “and we’re looking forward to a close-fought encounter.” The Chicago squad arrived in Trinidad on Monday and were expected to hold a practice session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 6 pm yesterday.

Teams —
San Juan Jabloteh (from): Daurance Williams, Marvin Phillip (goalkeepers); Cyd Gray, Ronald Primus, Ansil Elcock, Vernon Bailey, Ian Gray, Nigel Daniel (defenders); Trent Noel, Angus Eve (capt), Kerry Baptiste, Fabian Garcia, Josh Johnson, Joseph Peters, Kerry Baptiste, Michael Celestine, Otis Seaton (midfielders); Kerry Noray, Cornell Glen, Devon Mitchell, Ijanar Mark (strikers).
Chicago Fire (from): DJ Countess, Henry Ring (goalkeepers); CJ Brown, Jim Curtin, Logan Pause, Orlando Perez, Evan Whitfield (defenders); Chris Armas (capt), Da Marcus Beasley, Craig Capono, Kelly Gray, Justin Mapp, Jesse Marsch, Andy Williams (midfielders); Nate Jaqua, Damani Ralph, Ante Razov, Dipsy Selolwane (strikers).