Cavalier face FC Cincinnati test at ‘The Office’
Published:Thursday | February 22, 2024 | 12:12 AMLivingston Scott/leaner Writer
CAVALIER COACH Rudolph Speid is calling on the football public to come out and support his team in their Concacaf Champions Cup first-round, first-leg tie at the National Stadium this evening at 9:00, noting that it is important that Jamaican teams do well in this competition for multiple reasons.
According to Speid, they are not only representing Jamaica, but the wider Caribbean, saying that if Jamaican teams can consistently do well at this level, it can enhance the country’s and the region’s reputation as a football force.
“It is not just Cavalier that is playing. It is Jamaica that is playing. Ourselves, Robinhood, and Moca are not just representing ourselves. We are representing the Caribbean, and people believe our football is behind that of the bigger nations.
“So this is a chance to say ‘No, we are a little bit better than you think’ because in the long run when they start to give out spots to regions, we can demand more spots.
“If Jamaican teams do well, we can demand more spots in the Caribbean (Club) Championship and in the Champions Cup or they might decide to seed us because we have done well in the competition.
“So it is important that Jamaican teams do well, not just for ourselves, but for Jamaica and the Caribbean, and so we need the public to come out and support the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Speid believes that his team will be in for a difficult match. He noted that Cincinnati has been improving drastically over the last three seasons under coach Pat Noonan.
However, he said the main aim is to prevent the Americans from scoring on the night.
“The first thing we want to do at home is keep them off the scoresheet because the away-goal rule is in effect and then any lead we get we would be grateful.
“If we get a draw, that would not be too bad because away, anything can happen in a one-off game. So we are trying to ensure that we get a positive result out of this game one way or the other,” he reasoned
Still, a win would be the more ideal result.
“It is important to try and get a lead because this is a knockout. There is no tomorrow if you do not make it in the first or the second leg.
“Going back to Cincinnati, they will have everything in their favour. So it is important that we try and do something here that will throw them off for when they return home.”
Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga said his team is also expecting a tough challenge.
“They are a good team. They are obviously in this competition for a reason. It’s going to be a challenge for sure. We know they are top of their own respective league. So they are accustomed to winning. So it’s going to be a challenge.
“They are 18 or 19 games in (their season), so they are definitely fit and prepared. We will look at them tonight (Wednesday), get more familiar, get a game plan and get ready,” he said.