'It was just the mindset' - Portmore advance to JPL semis after 2-0 win over Racing
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Portmore United coach Rodolph Austin pointed to his team's difference in mindset on Wednesday, as the deciding factor in their second leg Jamaica Premier League (JPL) quarter-final against Racing United at the National Stadium.
Portmore defeated Racing United 2-0 for a 5-3 aggregate win, to move into the semi-finals, where they will face Mount Pleasant Football Academy.
It was the first time there was a winner between the teams in five meetings this season, and Austin said it all came down to the mindset of his players on the night.
"It was just the mindset. I think the players went into this game with a different mindset. We went into the last game without that, but there was no complacency tonight (Wednesday). We defended well during the game but we could have been a little better on set pieces," he commented.
In the first leg, Portmore squandered a 3-0 lead and ended up with a 3-3 tie. On Wednesday, Tarick Ximines fired the former winners into the lead with a trademark thumping strike from outside the area.
Although Racing were lively in the first half and had a few good openings in the second half they found it difficult to break a well-organised Portmore team, who got a second through Rashaun Small seven minutes from time.
"There were a few things (I didn't like), but football is like that. The other team is going to have their moments. We just had to nullify them and I think we did a good job.
"I was happy with the way we controlled the game and kept the ball. We could have maybe scored more goals but we are happy with the 2-0 win.
"We played a very good game. We were in control, other than from a few set pieces that they got. We kept the ball well and got at them at the right time."
Racing coach Patrick said they started well and were especially good in the first half, but believed their lack of experience proved crucial.
"It's just unfortunate. It took a beauty to break the deadlock and, from there, it was an uphill task for us. We never created as much as we should in the offens\ce, but they gave their best. They really came and played.
"Disappointed, yes, but I still applaud them and encourage them. Still happy with them to give it their all and to reach this far.
"When you look at our squad, it's not a deep one. We do not have much depth and there are a lot of inexperienced players.
"It's the first time most of them are getting this far. So, kudos to them. We will have to look at next season and get some more experienced players on the roster," he said.
In the other quarter-final on Wednesday, Cavalier turned back Waterhouse 2-0 for a 4-2 aggregate win.
Cavalier will take on Montego Bay United in the other semi-final.