MIAMI, Florida – When it comes to facing adversity, few teams have had to do more of that in the Concacaf region in recent times than St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
On the final matchday of the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League, Vincy Heat needed all three points at winless Dominica to clinch first place in the group in League B and qualification for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage.
However, the day ended in disappointment with a 1-0 loss, ultimately resulting in St. Vincent & the Grenadines taking on 2019 Gold Cup semifinalists in the first round of the Prelims.
The First Round of 2022 Concacaf World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022 also proved difficult, with St. Vincent & the Grenadines giving up 16 goals in three defeats to Guatemala, Curacao and Cuba, as they finished fourth in their group.
Off the field, there have been challenges as well, as the eruption of stratovolcano La Soufriere last April forced the evacuation of many St. Vincent & the Grenadines residents.
With that in mind, the experiences on and off the field of the last two years will have Head Coach Kendale Mercury’s side steeled for their July 2 battle with Les Grenadiers.
Leading the way will be inspirational FW Cornelius Stewart, who has 18 international goals and 47 caps for his country, and Azinho Solomon, who has 25 caps and scored one of his nation’s goals in a 3-0 win over British Virgin Islands in CWCQ.
There is strength in midfield as well, namely in 28-year-old Nazir McBurnette, a player wityh predatorial instincts going forward, plus an ability to maintain possession and draw fouls.
With that experienced, attacking trio, the pieces could be in place for St. Vincent & the Grenadines to do something special this summer.
