US college side lifts Brac Cup

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 29 August 2016

Johnson & Wales University – 2, Cayman Brac FC – 1

Johnson & Wales University lifted the Brac Cup Sunday, 28 August, after a tough battle on the pitch with Cayman Brac FC.

The Miami-based university team pulled out a 2-1 victory over the host side, with the two battling not only each other but the elements in the last match of the three-team Brac Cup International 2016. Persistent downpours drenched the players throughout the first half before letting up in the second.

Morrison celebrates his goal amid a downpour.

Gregory McDoom put the visitors ahead in the 13^th minute, with his second goal in as many matches. That advantage would only last nine minutes, as Ronaldo Morrison collected a cross in the box and drilled it past Joaquin Orlando to bring Cayman Brac FC level. Morrison was likely trying to ensure the Johnson & Wales coaching staff were pleased, as he leaves his local side to play for the university this week while he pursues his studies there.

Both teams had a few other reasonable chances to separate themselves but failed to convert. The score was 1-1 at the half.

In the second frame, both teams pressed hard for the advantage and with the match being even, a few hard tackles saw referee Caroline Reid-Willis fighting hard to maintain order. In the 79^th minute, Devyn Chevallier, who subbed on in the second half, found himself all alone with only the keeper to beat and put the match winner into the back of the net.

Codo (10) was named MVP.

Johnson & Wales University, having also beat the Cayman Islands National U20 Men 5-2 on Friday, were named tournament winners and were presented the Brac Cup by Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell, a legislative representative for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Johnson & Wales star player, Joao Victor “Guga” Codo, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. CI U20 forward, Zachary Scott was the tournament’s top scorer with three goals. CI U20 placed second, having beat Cayman Brac FC 4-2 on Saturday. The hosts placed third with two losses in two matches.

Zachary Scott (CI U20) was the top scorer.

Johnson & Wales coach, Phil Zayas, was pleased with the experience for his team ahead of the upcoming NCAA season.

“I thought the level of competition was intense,” he told CaymanSportsBuzz.com. “The U20s have some very talented players that we will definitely be looking at closely. Their level of play is impressive and the Brac team is physical and really matched basically what our conference is like in terms of physicality and quality.”

In all, he said it was great pre-season preparation. “Obviously, being here and travelling abroad helps us to bond as a team. Overall, the level was good. It was a great experience and it was fun,” he said.

Starters:

Johnson & Wales University: Joaguin Orlando (GK/capt.), Johnleo Andes, Francisco Bartoli, Guga Codo, Bradley Langhorne, Gregory McDoom, Schneider Peralte, Juan Perez, Patricio Rolon, Valentin Salinas and Emiliano Solar.

Cayman Brac FC: Dal Walton (capt.), Shawn Scott (GK), Davaughn Carter, Denrick Gayle, Rhojel Gayle, Akito Lewis, Michael Martin, Brian Martin, Bayron Martinez, Ronaldo Morrison and Stephen Tatum.

Officials: Referee – Caroline Reid-Willis; Assistant Referees – Kenroy Willis, Owen Knight; Fourth Official – Kenville Holder.