Portmore lose Caribbean Cup opener

Portmore United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Salcedo of the Dominican Republic to start their CONCACAF Caribbean Cup 2026 campaign on a losing note.

Salcedo went 2-0 up through goals from Daniel Jamesley in the 33rd minute and Anyelo Gomez in the 45th.

The Jamaican team pulled a goal back through Javier Brown in the 51st minute and had good opportunities to complete the comeback but failed to capitalise.

The Dominican Republic team commanded the early period of the match, forcing goalkeeper Daveigh Payton into a number of saves inside the opening 10 minutes.

Salcedo continued to control the game and also had two other close efforts at goal.

Portmore's first real attempt came after 29 minutes, with Cory Burke testing the opposition goal.

However, Salcedo took the lead soon after when Jamesley fired his team in front in the 33rd minute.

Portmore tried relentlessly to find an equaliser but fell further behind when Gomez grabbed Salcedo's second on the stroke of half-time.

After creating numerous chances, Portmore got back into the contest early in the second half thanks to Brown's well-taken goal.

Portmore then threw everything forward in search of an equaliser and had good moments through Marques Reid, Ronaldo Robinson and Burke, who all had openings late on but failed to make them count.

Portmore play their next game on September 3 against Cavalier in a repeat of last season's Jamaica Premier League final.

Portmore United were without head coach Rodolph Austin, who is currently on national team duties with the Under-20 Reggae Boyz at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Mexico.

Austin will lead the young Reggae Boyz into today's quarter-final against Canada, with the winner securing a berth in the 2027 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Portmore were managed by assistant coach Ricardo Smith on the day.