Overview
- Milan Iloski opened the scoring with a free kick before Ezekiel Alladoh, Olwethu Makhanya, and Bruno Damiani’s brace completed the 5-0 win in Port of Spain.
- Bradley Carnell’s unorthodox lineup, including Jeremy Rafanello at right back, paid off as multiple debutants featured, with pre‑match visa complications reported for Jesús Bueno and Geiner Martínez.
- Sixteen‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan made a decisive impact off the bench with his first senior assist and by drawing a penalty later converted by Damiani.
- Philadelphia takes a 5-0 aggregate lead into the Feb. 26 second leg at Subaru Park, with a round‑of‑16 matchup against Club América awaiting the series winner.
- Defence Force’s Joevin Jones was dismissed in stoppage time, with reports differing on whether it was a straight red card or a second yellow.