Reggie Cannon went the distance in Boavista’s draw while Alex Mendez and Vizela were unable to get onto the scoreboard against Gil Vicente despite an admirable defensive performance.
Portominense 1 – 1 Boavista
In his first club match since returning from the U.S. national team, Reggie Cannon started and went the distance in Boavista’s one-all tie at Portominense.
Instead of his usual wingback role, Cannon was deployed on the right side of a three-man back line. Unable to get too involved in the attack, he was at least solid on defense.
It was an even match in possession and shots, but Portominense was the first to score. An 18th-minute corner went to the far post where Willyan headed it down and back across the face of goal for Ricardo Matos to head home. Boavista appealed for offsides, but the goal stood after a VAR review.
Boavista pulled even with a 41st-minute goal by Petar Musa. With his back to goal, Gaïus Makouta spun and found Musa near the penalty spot, where he slipped it past the keeper with a right-footed shot.
Later in the game, Cannon had an important intervention to keep it tied. Porozo had a late tackle on Portominense’s Carlinhos just outside the box, but advantage was played. Cannon stepped up and blocked the ensuing shot, putting it out for a corner.
The stop would prove pivotal because once the ball was out, Porozo was shown a straight red card.
Down a man, Boavista almost went ahead in the closing minutes, but Gaïus Makouta’s 92nd-minute header went off the crossbar.
Cannon and Boavista’s next match is against Benfica on Friday.
FC Vizela 0 – 1 Gil Vicente
Alex Mendez started in FC Vizela’s home loss to Gil Vicente. The attacking midfielder will be frustrated knowing his biggest influence on the game was at the wrong end of the pitch.
A poor challenge inside box brought down Vicente’s Henrique Gomez, and the referee whistled for a penalty. Fran Navaro converted from the spot, and the goal would stand as the winner.
Mendez completed 81% of his passes and had one shot in 62 minutes before being subbed off.
Vizela outshot their opponents 11 to three, but were unable to put one in and would drop all three points. They will put this loss behind them when they travel to Pacos Ferreira Saturday afternoon.