Mt Pleasant seek redemption

Mount Pleasant Football Academy will be hoping to bounce back from their shock opening-day defeat in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) when they travel to Ferdi Neita Park today to face Racing United.

The St Ann-based club will take on Racing in Match Week Two action, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

For Mount Pleasant, the contest presents an opportunity to recover from a disastrous start to the season, having suffered a 4-0 defeat to newly promoted Tru-Juice FC.

They will be confident of a better outcome this time around after their 1-0 victory over Cavalier in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, a result that secured their place in the semi-finals.

The club is also expected to welcome back several regular starters who were absent for the loss to Tru-Juice.

Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore, head coach of Mount Pleasant, said the team has already put its opening-day defeat behind it and is focused on getting back on track.

“We just have to put Sunday’s game behind us,” Whitmore said.

“That’s what we are focusing on. Once we have enough players who can create and score goals, we know at some point in time we can find the back of the net. [It is also] very important that we do not concede.”

However, it will not be an easy assignment for Mount Pleasant against a Racing outfit that is also brimming with confidence.

Racing opened the season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cavalier and appear to be finding their rhythm early.

They will once again look to Tajay Grant and Nickyle Ellis to lead the charge as they hunt a second successive win.

The match will also mark the first competitive home game for Racing United’s Trinidadian head coach, Densill Theobald.

Battle in MoBay

Montego Bay United will also be in action, hosting Tru-Juice at Jarrett Park in a match that promises excitement.

MoBay, who finished fourth last season, will be aiming to set the pace in the regular season as the club targets a top-three finish this year.

They defeated Phoenix Academy Chapelton Maroons 2-0 in their opening match and will be looking to make it back-to-back victories.

However, they will be wary of a confident Tru-Juice outfit eager to strengthen its claim as a top-flight contender.

The visitors will be hoping Daniel Roberts and Rodave Murray can reproduce the form that inspired their stunning opening-round victory, this time in western Jamaica.

Chapelton Maroons will play their first home game at Drax Hall since relocating there when they host Molynes United.

Chapelton are seeking their first win of the season, while Molynes, who pulled off a dramatic comeback victory over Treasure Beach, will be looking to maintain their momentum.

Treasure Beach will welcome Tivoli Gardens to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Matches

Racing United vs Mount Pleasant, Ferdi Neita Park

Montego Bay United vs Tru-Juice FC, Jarrett Park

Treasure Beach vs Tivoli Gardens, STETHS

Chapelton Maroons vs Molynes United, Drax Hall

All matches begin at 3:30 p.m.*