Defending champions Portmore United lost their first match since the departure of loanee striker Corey Burke 2-0 to Humble Lion in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) yesterday.

Burke is set to return to Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union for preseason training, after he successfully re-applied for his visa, which allows him to play in the United States.

Burke's US visa was returned to him eight months ago after he encountered immigration troubles and had to return home.

However, the player who was the Union's top striker at the time of his departure, remained in top form during the period on loan with Portmore, leading the line with his 11 strikes from 20 games. This tally puts him second in the scoring table behind Dundeholden's Dean-Andre Thomas, who has 12.

Although Portmore coach Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner said that they will miss the forward's presence up front, he's not about to panic.

"We will take it as it comes and we will work with what we have now," he said. "I thought we created enough chances, we just didn't finish them off. So we just have to continue working in front of goal and improve. If we can continue to create chances and can finish them off, we will win matches."

Burke confirmed he had regained his visa and was awaiting the date for his return to preseason.

"Tomorrow (Monday) I will find out when I'm leaving," he said. "It's the visa I was waiting [for], now everything has been sorted out. I picked up my passport and it's just the date I'm waiting [for] to start preseasons with the club."

Shamar Rhoeden fired Humble Lion into the lead in the 28th minute and Shamar Dallas sealed the win a great strike from 25 yards at the Spanish Town Prison Oval.

-L.S.

Yesterday's RSPL results:

D'holden 2-0 Cavalier

P'more 2-0 H Lion

Tivoli 3-0 H View

Mt P'sant - Vere

W'house - UWI

Tonight's game:

Arnett - Molynes 8:35 p.m.