MIAMI – El Salvador jumped into the lead in Group A as the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League continued Thursday, with two matches in League B from Stadion Antonio Trenidat in Rincon, Bonaire.
The Salvadoran’s return to the second league started with three points. Bonaire and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines began their campaigns with a point each.
El Salvador vs. Montserrat
El Salvador’s return got off to a blazing start with a 4-1 victory over Montserrat to open play in League B.
Brayan Landaverde placed El Salvador in the lead in the 9’, striking the ball near the penalty spot.
Brandon Barzey answered for Montserrat in the 28’ to tie the match. Surrounded by three defenders, the Montserrat forward ripped a low shot past Tomás Romero.
That goal swung momentum in the remainder of the first half and a bit into the start of the second, but La Selecta took control of the match with three unanswered goals.
Emerson Mauricio headed the go-ahead score in the 63rd minute.
Five minutes later, in the 68’, an energetic Tereso Benitez sped up the right wing and took advantage of an exhausted defense to extend the lead.
Kevin Santamaria stuck from the penalty spot in the 84’ to extend the lead.
Bonaire vs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
There wasn’t much to separate Bonaire and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as their Group A opener saw them split the points in a 1-1 draw.
Hosts Bonaire had more of the ball in the first half and capitalized on it to deliver the match’s first goal.
Quincy Hoeve struck a header at the back post in the 36’ to connect with a cross from Berry Sonnenschein and place Bonaire in the lead.
Steven Pierre equalized for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the 39’ by pouncing on a play out of the back to strip the goalkeeper for a strike on goal.
The two nations split the points as neither side would go on to get a second.
Group A will resume play on Sunday, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines playing Montserrat and Bonaire hosting leaders El Salvador.
