Gravillon golazo, Sugar Boyz run among top Prelims moments

MIAMI. - After nine exciting matches, the 2023 Gold Cup Prelims have concluded and the field of 16 teams that will participate in the upcoming group stage is now complete. In the end, it was Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Kitts and Nevis who got the two victories needed to progress from the Prelims. Along the way, we saw plenty of excitement and great displays of skill, yet these five moments stood out the most.

Terrell’s late equalizer for Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis trailed Curaçao for much of their opening round match, but hung around and held the deficit to 1-0 until the 83rd minute. That’s when Tiquanny Williams took the ball right down to the end line and cut it back towards the penalty spot, setting up Tyquan Terrell for an absolute laser beam into the top corner. Curacao keeper Eloy Room didn’t even have time to react. Saint Kitts and Nevis would go on to win the match via penalty shootout.

Abelinti’s double-double for French Guiana

Though French Guiana fell at the final hurdle, Arnold Abelinti had a day to remember in the first preliminary round. Les Yana Dokos scored four times in their win over Sint Maarten, and Abelinti had a hand in all four. He scored twice directly and assisted on the other two. Abelinti would score a third goal in their second match to finish with a Prelims-leading three goals. It’s fair to say he was the best player at the Prelims overall, and his first-round performance was nothing short of sensational.

Boricuas get big boost from Cutler

Joel Serrano had an excellent game in goal for Puerto Rico against Suriname. But just before the game went to penalties, he was subbed off for the young penalty specialist Sebastian Cutler. Coach Charlie Trout’s plan worked to perfection, and Cutler came up huge with a superb save in the fourth frame of the shootout to help send Puerto Rico through to the second round.

Guadeloupe’s Gravillon delivers stunning free kick

There were a couple of fantastic goals scored at the DRV PNK Stadium in the past week, but the best of the bunch belongs to Guadeloupe’s Andreaw Gravillon. His long distance curling free kick against Guyana put Les Gwada Boys up 2-0 and on the path to the group stage. Gravillon hit the ball with pace, accuracy, and a healthy amount of movement, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal was the first of his international career, and definitely one he won’t soon forget.

Sugar Boyz make more history by reaching group stage

In the final match of the Prelims, Saint Kitts and Nevis knocked out French Guiana for their second consecutive penalty shootout victory. All four penalty takers hit their marks, and Julani Archibald, the hero of the first shootout, made another fine save to help guide Saint Kitts and Nevis to victory again. The Sugar Boyz had never even reached as far as the Prelims before, and now have qualified to the group stage. It is a remarkable achievement for a team that continues to impress.