KINGSTON, Jamaica – Mount Pleasant FA won 2-1 against Arnett Gardens FC in the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup on Tuesday at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
The two Jamaican clubs met for the first time in a Concacaf club tournament. Mount Pleasant rebounded from a defeat during the opening match week with its first three points of its campaign, while CFU Club Shield winners Arnett Gardens lost in its opening match.
Jahshaun Anglin scored the opening goal in the 33' with a header inside the box, connecting on a short cross from Daniel Green.
Jean Ferreira had an attempt inside the penalty area in the 44’ but was denied by Arnett Gardens goalkeeper Asher Hutchinson.
Hutchinson came up with another big stop in the 45'+2 to deny Shaqueil Bradford as Mount Pleasant attempted to extend its lead before the end of the first half.
Jamone Shepherd nearly equalized for Arnett Gardens in the 45'+3 but his shot from outside the box was just over the crossbar.
Shai Smith tied the match in the 54’ with a header at the edge of the goal area to connect on a long cross from Kimani Arbouine.
Arnett Gardens nearly took the lead in the 58' but Fabian Reid was denied by the crossbar on a hit in front of goal following a corner kick.
Nicholas Nelson was also denied by the woodwork in the 76' as Mount Pleasant nearly retook the lead.
Kimoni Bailey earned the match-winning goal in the 82' with precise footwork inside the box to find the back of the net and secure the full three points.
The victory elevates Mount Pleasant to second place in Group A behind fellow Jamaican side Cavalier FC. Mount Pleasant will next be in action against Miscellaneous Police FC on September 26 in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.
Arnett Gardens FC will also travel to Police FC, doing so first on September 19, for its second encounter of its campaign. The Jamaican club will then return to Sabina Park on September 25 when it meets Real Hope FA of Haiti.
