Defence Force Fc overwhelmed as Philadelphia win 5-0 in first leg

defence force fc were beaten 5-0 by Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union in the first leg of the round-one CONCACAF Champions Cup series at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, a result that has left the Trinidadian champions with a steep hill to climb in the return leg.

Defence Force Fc left with huge task

The five-goal margin gives Philadelphia a commanding position going into the second leg, and the outcome has been described as leaving the Trinidadian champions with a huge task. With the Union holding such a wide advantage, the return fixture becomes a must-win scenario for defence force fc if they are to keep hopes of advancing alive.

Clinton Hayward officiated Champions Cup

Fifa assistant referee Clinton Hayward was in action in the match, serving on the officiating team for the CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg at Hasely Crawford Stadium. His presence on the line is the only officiating detail provided in the match summary.

What the first leg means going forward

Philadelphia’s 5-0 victory has, in practical terms, all but secured their place in the next round, shifting the pressure squarely onto defence force fc for the return match. If the five-goal advantage stands until the second leg, the Trinidadian side will need an unusually large turnaround to reverse the tie. The return leg will therefore be decisive for the home side’s hopes of progression.

The match took place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain and featured the MLS side travelling to face the Trinidadian champions. Beyond the scoreline and the official listing of Clinton Hayward as an assistant referee, no additional match details are provided here.