Angking spearheads stellar Puerto Rico win vs Cayman Islands

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – It was an impressive day for the visiting Puerto Rico side at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town on Thursday evening, as they marched to a 3-0 win over the Cayman Islands in Group D of League C.

Puerto Rico dominated the opening 45 minutes, with over 70% possession during that time, much of it in the final third.

The best of the early chances for the visitors came in the 17th minute; a beautiful flurry of passes got the ball to Wilfredo Rivera close to goal, but a slight hesitation from the Puerto Rico midfielder gave the Cayman Islands defenders enough time to close out.

In the 23rd minute, the Boricuas finally broke through when Isaac Angking slotted home a left-footed effort. The goal was Angking’s first in the Nations League and third ever for the national team. 

Darren Rios nearly added a second with an absolute rocket from well outside the penalty area that thumped off the crossbar in the 41st minute, but ultimately the visitors went into the break with a modest 1-0 lead.

Puerto Rico picked up right where they left off after halftime. Angking got his brace from the spot in the 63rd minute with a calm finish. Captain Zarek Valentin then added a third after a post-corner kick scramble to seal the deal in the 83rd minute.

The win jumps Puerto Rico up to first place in Group D. A win in their next match against the British Virgin Islands would see them clinch the group and a place in the 2023 Gold Cup preliminary round.