Portmore start CFU Championship with win

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (CMC):

Portmore United and Puerto Rico FC launched their bid for the Caribbean Football Union's Club Championship title with contrasting victories on Tuesday.

Portmore stopped Scholars International of Cayman Islands 2-0 and the home team prevailed 1-0 over SV Transvaal of Suriname in Group D matches at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.

Kareem Manning struck twice in the first half to secure the victory for Portmore - the only Jamaican side left in the competition - following the exit of Montego Bay United.

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Manning struck in the fourth and 21st minutes from open play to give the Jamaican top-tier side a winning start to the group.

In the other match, a first-half penalty converted by Hector 'Pito' Ramos was sufficient to see Puerto Rico FC to the win and three points.

PRFC is owned by New York Knicks basketball star Carmelo Anthony and play in the North American Soccer League in the second tier of the sport in the United States.

The group play continues today, when Portmore face Transvaal before PRFC tackle Scholars International.

The CFU Club Championship is the qualifying tournament for the CONCACAF Champions League.

All matches are being played at PRFC's home ground, Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.