Ari Rodgers was the hero as Kingston College (KC) defeated Camperdown 2-0 in their ISSA Digicel/Manning Cup quarter-final Group H game at Prison Oval yesterday. Rodgers' goals rescued the North Street-based school from elimination and put them into the semi-finals of the competition for a third straight season.
KC and St George's College, who defeated Charlie Smith 2-1, advanced from Group H to the semis with five points each. KC topped the group on goal difference.
Ludlow Bernard, the KC coach, who used Rodgers as a substitute all season, said he took the decision to throw him in from the start yesterday as he knew the qualities he would bring.
"This was a game we had to win. We made a couple of adjustments and they worked for us," he noted. "We know his (Rodgers') quality, his perseverance, his technical skills and his good reading of the game and all that really came to the fore. So it was indeed a good show from him here and the players really rallied around him," Bernard said.
KC dominated the first-half and kept asking questions of the Camperdown defence. The winners eventually took the lead a minute from the break when Dwayne Atkinson flicked the ball on for his strike partner Rodgers, who lifted the ball over goalkeeper Dejaun Gordon for the opener.
The second goal was a beauty. Jahmal Pusey held the ball well in midfield and broke down the left before delivering a precise cross for the Ugandan, who controlled on his chest before slamming a left foot shot past Gordon.
The striker said he was "proud" he was able to help his team get the win.
"I was ready, I know the coach has a lot of trust in me, so I never want to let him down. I got the job done, so of course I am feeling very proud," he said.
While other KC players admitted they felt the pressure of the game, Rodgers said his approach was to relax and enjoy the game.
"It was all about composure and being relaxed and taking the chances and thank God for the victory," he said. His brace took his tally to eight goals for the season.
Over in Group G, defending champions Jamaica College (JC) and St Andrew Technical advanced to the last four after JC defeated Holy Trinity 2-1 and STATHS drew 1-1 with Wolmer's. JC finished with seven points and STATHS five.