MIAMI, Florida – Herold Charles’ first half goal proved enough to lift Cibao FC to a 1-0 triumph over fellow Dominican Republic side Atletico Vega Real in the semifinals of the 2022 Flow Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship on Thursday night at the Estadio Cibao FC in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
With the win, Cibao advance to Sunday’s Final where they will take aim at their second FCCCC crown against Violette of Haiti. The club have also guaranteed themselves at least a place in the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League.
Atletico Vega Real will play in Sunday’s Third-Place match versus Waterhouse of Jamaica, with the hope of securing a SCL berth.
It was a dream start for Cibao with Charles getting on the end of a cross and sending a diving header into net for a 1-0 lead in the 11’.
Atletico Vega Real’s comeback task took a big hit in the 51’ when Manuel Vidal picked up a second yellow card, reducing his side to 10 men with nearly a half to play.
But Cibao’s man advantage was short-lived, as six minutes later in the 57’, Lihue Prichoda was issued a second yellow card, leaving things 10 versus 10 for the final half-hour plus.
Atletico Vega Real stayed on the hunt for an equalizer and they looked set to get it in the 68’ on a strong header from Guillermo Melendez, but Cibao’s veteran GK, Miguel Lloyd, made a brilliant reaction save to prevent the goal.
In the end, Lloyd and the Cibao defense held firm until the final whistle to secure the precious victory.
