Confident Cavalier look to turn back Moca
Published:Tuesday | September 19, 2023 | 12:08 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Cavalier SC will host Moca FC of the Dominican Republic in a crucial Group A Concacaf Caribbean Cup game at Sabina Park at 6 p.m. today, and assistant coach David Laylor says they intend to capitalise fully on home advantage as they draw closer to qualifying for the last four.
Cavalier, four points, lead the group on goal difference ahead of Defence Force of Trinidad. Moca are third with three points while Golden Lion and Port-of-Spain are still to get a point.
A win for the home team would put them in a good position with most of the teams having two rounds of matches remaining, while they will have one.
At yesterday’s prematch press conference, Laylor emphasised the importance of playing at home.
“Whenever you play at home, you do have an advantage. There are well-wishers and supporters and that will encourage you to go a little bit harder and a little bit faster.
“So home advantage is a plus and we are enjoying it. We hope to make the best of it, and the guys are looking to put their best foot forward,” he said.
He believes the young team has grown significantly over the two games and he said they are brimming with confidence ahead of this match.
“It is all about the players and the confidence they put out. They are growing in confidence, so they will be a dangerous bunch of youngsters going forward.
“The more they play this competition is the more they gain confidence. So, for now, there is a lot of confidence, and it is all about going forward for them trying to improve themselves and get better,” he commented.
With a win and a draw over the two Trinidadian teams, Laylor expects his charges to continue their good form against a Moca team that has won its only game to date.
“Moca have done well to reach this far. They are a good team. We have seen them play but, as long as we do what we are supposed to, we should get the better of them.
“We are just trying to keep the players focused on the task at hand and get the job done.
“And, as confident as the players are, the coaches are confident. We have shared confidence, so we are pretty optimistic and we believe we can go all the way,” he said.
Cavalier drew 1-1 with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force in the opening match on August 24, then clipped Port-of-Spain 2-1 in the second match on August 31. Moca defeated Port-of-Spain 1-0 in their only match on August 25.