Honours even but …
Waterhouse coach banking on adjustments against Pacific
Published:Thursday | July 28, 2022 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
WATERHOUSE COACH Marcel Gayle believes that while his team is evenly matched with Pacific FC, following their 0-0 preliminary round Concacaf League first-leg match at Sabina on Tuesday, he can get the better of the Canadian outfit.
The results left the teams evenly poised going back to Canada for the return leg on August 2, Gayle saying Waterhouse took a lot of heart from the first meeting. He has great expectations of the second leg.
“We (teams) are very similar. They are in the middle of their season and we are at the back end of our season. We have all to play for the next time we meet and they are a good-quality team. But we will be ready and up for the task,” he said.
The game on Tuesday was evenly contested with both teams getting good chances in either half, and Gayle thought they did well to match their in-season opponents.
“We surprised ourselves and played for 90 minutes. I thought we matched Pacific for a team at the back end of our season.
“We take heart from it. We have a chance to watch back the game and see what adjustments we can make.
“We are optimistic. We have great expectations for our group and our chances are as good as any,” he said.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Waterhouse are appearing in their third Concacaf League in four years and Gayle believes this shows the continued growth of the club.
“We had players making their debut at this level and it is tremendous, as it signals growth and development at Waterhouse. We just have to keep these young players confident so they go out and ply their trade and make the community proud,” he stated.
Pacific coach James Merriman praised his team’s effort after they encountered travel difficulties en route to the game.
He believes the tie is now in their hands, going back home for the return game.
“It was an excellent effort. It was not an easy travel but the work and togetherness of the group really helped.
“It (Sabina) is not an easy place to come and play. Waterhouse caused problems in transition and had some good chances. We had our chances and didn’t take our chances.
“Overall, we are happy with 0-0. We will go home for the next leg and look at how we can be better and prepare for the next leg,” he said.