KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Arnett Gardens had to settle for second spot after going down 5-6 on penalties to Athletic Club Pantoja of the Dominican Republic in the final of the FLOW CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Both teams battled to a 0-0 stalemate in normal time and went straight to the dreaded penalty kicks.

Pantoja, who collected a lovely trophy and US $50,000, qualified directly to the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League while Arnett Garden, who received US $30,000, goes into the second tier 2018 CONCACAF League.

Earlier, Portmore United defeated Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 and grabbed third spot and US $30,000.

Duane Muckette gave Central a 27th minute lead but Portmore struck back decisively in the second half as the towering Rosario Harriott headed the equaliser in the 50th minute before Jermie Lynch rammed home the winner in minute 63.

It was a well deserved victory for Portmore United as they qualified for the second tier 2018 CONCACAF League.

Central FC finished fourth and collected US$15,000 and will enter a play-off against Tier Two (Caribbean Cup Shield) winners Club Franciscain of Martinique for a place also in 2018 CONCACAF League.

This match will also be played on Wednesday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The FAIR PLAY AWARD went to Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago while the Golden Glove Award went  controversially to Pantoja’s goalkeeper Odalis Baez who conceded three goals in the semifinal compared to Damian Hyatt of Arnett Gardens who kept a clean sheet in both games.

Golden Boots went to Luis Espinal of Pantoja who scored twice against Portmore.

Howard Walker