MIAMI. - Puerto Rico are heading home to the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayaguez with a chance to clinch promotion on Sunday evening when they meet with the British Virgin Islands in Group D of League C.
El Huracan Azul looked great in their debut earlier this week against the Cayman Islands, notching a 3-0 victory on the road and controlling the game from start to finish. Isaac Angking scored the first two goals, while captain Zarek Valentin added the third.
The British Virgin Islands have played two matches; both were against the Cayman Islands, and both were 1-1 draws. Goals have come from Troy Caesar and Jamie Wilson. That’s already a big improvement over the previous campaign, but this match gives the Nature Boyz a chance to make a real statement with a result. They will need at least a draw to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Puerto Rico have won three matches in a row dating back to last year’s World Cup qualification by a combined score of 12-0. The downing of Bahamas (7-0) and a comfortable win over Guyana (2-0) look even more impressive now as those teams flourish in League B.
Head Coach Dave Sarachan has this side looking better than they’ve looked in a long time, and without a doubt the expectation at this point is to win promotion and compete for a place in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Referee: German Martinez (SLV)
Saint Lucia vs Anguilla
Saint Lucia are set to take on Anguilla at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground with an awful lot to play for in Group C of League C. A victory for the home side would win them promotion right back up to League B.
Saint Lucia won their first game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jevick Mac Farlane and a spirited defensive performance to hold onto the lead, even as the opposing Dominica side gained momentum as the match wore on.
Anguilla have played two draws so far, a 0-0 affair against Dominica at home and a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture. Another draw would keep their hopes alive to top the group and advance to the Gold Cup preliminary round, and a win would further help their cause.
Jonathan Guishard, who scored Anguilla’s only goal thus far, has been operating as a lone wolf up top and will no doubt be attracting a lot of attention from Saint Lucian defenders. Defender Luke Paris has put in two outstanding performances already and has been one of the main reasons for Anguilla’s recent successes.
There is also a curious twist in that Saint Lucia are led by none other than Stern John, the previous coach of Anguilla. Certainly, John’s old crew are eager for a crack at his new side.
Referee: Kiwinsi Williams (TRI)
Saint Kitts and Nevis vs Saint Martin
Saint Kitts and Nevis will play their first home match of this Nations League campaign at Warner Park against Group B rivals Saint Martin. The promotion implications are huge, as a win will be enough to put the Sugar Boyz into first place in the group with a game in hand over challengers Aruba.
Saint Kitts looked very impressive in their opening 3-2 victory against Aruba. They were happy to let their opponents hold a majority of possession and attacked in bursts. Goals came from Carlos Bertie, Omari Sterling, and Vinceroy Nelson.
Sterling’s free kick goal was one of the finest of the competition up to this point, and his free kick expertise is no longer a secret to anyone after he very nearly buried a second-long range free kick later in the match.
Saint Martin have managed just a point so far and have yet to score but are still in control of their own destiny if they can find the three points in this one.
And fans may recall that during the previous Nations League, Saint Martin got off to a similarly slow start (zero points after two matches) before really blossoming into a strong team that won three of their final four matches. A similar awakening here could spell trouble for the Sugar Boyz if they aren’t careful.
Referee: Jaime Herrera (SLV)
