The Puerto Rico Islanders advanced to the CFU final after a 3-1 win against local star-club Alpha United FC in Guyana’s Providence Stadium.
A goal by Matthew Bouraee in the 22nd minute gave the Islanders the lead until Alpha United managed to tie the game in the 36th minute. Still 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game went to 30 minutes of overtime in which the Islanders relentlessly attacked Alpha United’s goal.
After a scoreless first 15 minutes of overtime, Dominican striker Jonathan Faña finally put the Islanders ahead 2-1 with a goal in the 113th minute. English striker David Foley sealed the win with a goal in the 115th minute and gave the Islanders a 3-1 win after 120 minutes of play.
With this dramatic win, the ‘Tropa Naranja’ secure a ticket to the preliminary phase of the CONCACAF Champions League – as well as a spot in the Caribbean competition’s Final on Friday night.
"It was a great performance. The guys showed a lot of character and determination tonight. It is not easy to get a result like this away from home but we managed to get the win, however, our job here in Guyana is not done yet", said Islanders' head coach Colin Clarke.
The Islanders will defend their Caribbean crown on Friday (May 27th) at 8pm when they face Tempete FC of Haiti. Tempete FC advanced to the CFU final after winning 4-3 via penalty shootout after a scoreless match against Defense Force of Trinidad & Tobago. The Haitian team became the first club from that country to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.
"Although an even game, Tempete FC deserved to win against Defense Force. They guys know our job is not done yet and we are ready to defend our title on Friday and bring the Cup back home" Clarke added.
The defending champions will give it their all on Friday to bring the Cup home for the second consecutive year. The game will be played at 8pm at Providence Stadium in Guyana, after the 3rd place play-off between Alpha United FC and Defense Force scheduled for 6pm. The winner of the third place play-off will secure the third place in the CFU competition and earn a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League’s preliminary round.
The Islanders return to Puerto Rico on Saturday May 28th and will begin preparing to host the NSC Minnesota Stars for the match in the ‘Islandera’ on June 1st at 8:00pm. The Islanders are on the hunt for the 3 points that would propel the ‘Tropa Naranja’ over the Stars in the NASL league table. Individual tickets are available through www.ticketpop.com - and the new FLEX Pass can be purchased at the Islanders office located in the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon. Call today: 787-520-9684 or e-mail us at flex@prislandersfc.com to secure your FLEX Pass – 12 tickets for only $100, available for any NASL home games. For more information on the FLEX Pass, visit: www.prislandersfc.com
