The road to glory in the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is about to reach its most exciting stage as the playoffs get underway this Thursday at Sabina Park with the first legs of the two-way quarterfinal match-ups, as teams gear up for their final push toward the coveted league title.
Montego Bay United vs Tivoli Gardens (6:00 PM)
The first match-up of the day features a rematch of the dramatic contest that unfolded between these two teams on the final day of the regular season where Tivoli beat Mobay United 2-1 to end their hopes of finishing second to earn an automatic semifinal berth. The Montego Bay-based team with that result finished third with 75 points after an impressive run of 21 wins, 12 draws, and 6 losses, while the Jerome Waite-coached Tivoli made their way into the playoffs by narrowly edging out Waterhouse on goal difference, finishing sixth.
Cavalier vs Portmore United (8:30 PM)
The second quarterfinal match-up of the night will see defending champions Cavalier, who ended the regular season in 4th place with 69 points, take on Portmore United. Portmore finished just behind in 5th place, 3 points adrift of their opponents. As reigning champions, Cavalier will look to defend their crown and move one step closer to securing consecutive JPL titles, but Portmore will be eager to prove they have what it takes to topple the champions in this high-stakes encounter.
The Road to the Semis
While the quarterfinals promise intense action, the competition’s fiercest rivals are already waiting in the semifinals. Last season’s beaten finalists, Mount Pleasant, alongside former champions Arnett Gardens, have earned automatic spots in the semifinals by finishing 1st and 2nd on the table at the end of the regular season.
The Return Legs
The battle continues on Monday with the return legs of the quarterfinals, where all four teams will fight tooth and nail to secure their place in the semifinals.
