Hey everyone, Two years ago, the CFU announced the format for this tournament in January. Last year, we had to wait until March for them to confirm anything. So, what do we have this time around? Good news is that the CFU has already settled on the teams and design of the competition. However, we're only going to find out about it in bits and pieces. The first is a leak out of the Dominican Republic: A few things to note about this schedule: 1) It's a huge step forward for the DR to not only enter a team in this tournament (make that two - Cibao FC also qualified IIRC) but to host a group. 2) In case you were wondering (like me), the team Scholars International in Group 3 is from the Cayman Islands. Of course, the defending CONCACAF Champions League winner's namesake in Group 4 is actually América des Cayes from Haiti. 3) "Looser"? Really? **facepalm**
Just to add to that: La Gauloise (correct spelling) and CS Moulien are from Guadeloupe (wonder why clubs in Martinique haven't participated yet). Don Bosco (correct spelling) is from Haiti. Somerset Cricket Club is from Bermuda. Anyone have a clue where "Atlético FC" in Group 1 is from? They might have meant Atlántico FC, the actual runner-up from last year's inaugural Dominican pro league season (I was wrong mentioning Cibao); I haven't heard anything suggesting Cuba or Puerto Rico entering teams this year. Also worth noting that no Guyanese teams (mainly Alpha United) will be joining us this year; and only one of last season's CCL participants Montego Bay and Central FC will be able to make it to the final round this time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_CFU_Club_Championship says Dominican Republic has Club Atletico Pantoja and Atlantico FC.
...in which case, I have two questions: Why does CONCACAF's announcement have Atlético San Cristóbal participating in this tournament? More importantly: @brentgoulet how the hell does a team that finished NINTH! in the league make it to the CFU level?
According to Ruben Garcia, general manager of Atlántico fc, the CFU has made a mistake Pantoja and Atlántico fc will be the teams representing DR No doubt about that
So apparently Puerto Rico is the new Jamaica: their clubs aren't participating in CFU because they're broke. Although the new Puerto Rico FC is almost certain to jump in next year...
It starts tomorrow with games in groups 1, 2, 3 (games on February 24, 26, 28). Group 4 will be played next week (March 2, 4, 6).
Good, so Don Bosco just needs to tie on Sunday and they're through to the final round. Any updates elsewhere?
W Connection - Inter 3-1, W qualifies to the semis. I would have loved to see Surinamese side in the CCL. BTW, one thing is sure, I don't see it mentioned - CFU will give at least one debutant (Don Bosco or Atletico Pantoja/Arnett Gardens/America des Cayes/Notch) in CCL group stages.
Atlético Pantoja beat América des Cayes 1-0 , so it's between them and Arnett Gardenas on Sunday for the semifinal ticket - tie favors the Jamaicans.
I hope they qualify to F4. It's the third biggest Caribbean country, they should have CCL team to boost their football.
Arnett Gardens won the "final" 1-0 and qualified for the final four round. Hard luck for Pantoja, but they (Dominican Republic teams) must build on this and try to do better next time around. Three of the four finalists are known, Arnett will face W Connection, Don Bosco awaits their opponent - Montego Bay, Central or Schoolars. The last group starts in two days. Don Bosco lost (CCL) playoff match against Montego Bay last year. Jamaica will have CCL team third season in a row, it might be two teams for the very first time.
You sure about that? I wouldn't necessary consider Central FC an underdog against Montego (the latter being hosts aside), and then all we'd need is for Arnett to pull the short straw in the final round and Jamaica misses out. Not that I believe it will happen, but I wouldn't be pouring out the Red Stripe just yet.
Arnett Gardens is alleged to have fielded ineligible players. Pantoja has filed a complaint and are currently awaiting response from the CFU & CONCACAF http://ldf.com.do/arnett-gardens-al...tletico-pantoja-podria-obtener-clasificacion/
Montego - Scholars 4-0 Central - Scholars 6-0 "Final" tomorrow, Montego needs a win to qualify to final 4.