Cambridge suffered their biggest defeat since earning promotion, losing 5-1 to Kathorus Juventus in a Hollywood Bets Ekurhuleni League fixture.

The team travelled to the Vosloorus Stadium for their second league match of the season, where the noon kick-off forced them to adjust from their usual 15:00 start.

The home side dominated early and quickly settled into the game, while Cambridge struggled to find rhythm and combinations.

Juventus played with energy and movement, something the Cambridge players failed to match.

The opening goal came inside 30 minutes when the Cambridge defence failed to clear a cross, allowing the home side to tap the ball in for the lead.

Cambridge tried to respond but was unable to create clear scoring chances. Juventus’ second goal came from a defensive error when the ball was gifted to the opposition in front of goal and easily converted to make it 2-0.

Cambridge pulled one back through a well-taken strike by Karel ‘Chigo’ Skaarnek, making it 2-1 at halftime.

The second half went from bad to worse for the visitors, as Juventus added three more goals, leaving Cambridge unable to breach their defence and sealing a 5-1 result.

“The boys never came to the party today. Our body language alone said it all, but well done to the home team. They took us to the cleaners today. We need to go back to the drawing board,” said Aupa Joseph Mohlakoane, the Cambridge FC coach.

“This is a disappointing result, but we are happy it happened sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, in this league, if you are not switched on from the start, these are the results you get. Our U21 players must learn that at this level, mistakes are punished. We will have to bounce back next week at home, but we lost to a better team,” said Ignatius Maphike, the Cambridge FC chairperson.