SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic – Cavalier FC are winners of the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, losing 2-1 against Cibao FC in the second leg of the final to tie 2-2 on aggregate and win on away goals on Tuesday at Estadio Cibao FC in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
Cavalier FC entered with a 1-nil lead after winning the first leg last week. Shaquille Stein struck the goal in the opening encounter, extending his lead to eight as the leading scorer in the campaign.
Juan Díaz opened the scoring in the second leg with a penalty kick conversion in the 27', tying the series 1-1 on aggregate.
Rivaldo Correa scored the second for the hosts seconds later, in the 28', with a header inside the box to connect on a cross from Ernesto Trinidad.
Dwayne Atkinson answered for the visitors in the 54', striking the ball into the net to tie 2-2 on aggregate and retake control of the series on away goals.
José Barreto attempted a wondergoal from deep in midfield in the 70' but Cavalier goalkeeper Vino Barclett forced the ball over the crossbar.
Orlando Russell nearly put the series to bed in the 84’ with a promising look inside the box but was wide of the left post.
Eddipo Rodríguez struck from outside the box in the 85’ but was denied by Barclett.
Drama ensued in the closing stretch as Jalmaro Calvin was denied by the right post after finding isolation inside the penalty area.
The Dominican Republic side had a few last looks in stoppage time before Barclett captured the ball for the last time, ending the night with three saves, as Cavalier withstood the pressure to win on away goals.
Runners-up in the 2023 edition, Cavalier FC completed a comeback effort to return to the final and win the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. As tournament champions, Cavalier FC will begin the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup in the Round of 16.
