The Virgin Islands U20 boys football team were handed a 7-0 defeat by a strong Curacao team last evening, Friday, November 5, 2021, as they opened their Group A campaign in the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF) U20 Championship. Photo: BVIFA

The game, played at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, was described as a 'baptism of fire for the Boys' against a stronger and faster Curacao team, who opened the scoring in just the fourth minute through Gio-Renys Felicia as the VI lost possession on the right-hand side. Photo: BVIFA

The game was 'a disappointing result against good opposition,' commented FA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton who made the trip to support the VI team. Photo: Internet Source

The game, played at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, was described as a "baptism of fire for the Boys" against a stronger and faster Curacao team, who opened the scoring in just the fourth minute through Gio-Renys Felicia as the BVI lost possession on the right-hand side.

Better strategy from Curacao

“Naygiro Sambo doubled their advantage in the 18th minute and Curacao were 4-0 up inside the half-hour mark with further goals coming from Juruel Bernadina and Felicia before Sambo scored his second, making it 5-0, just after the restart. The BVI though rallied defensively, and it was not until the final few moments of the game that Curacao scored through Shudelmar Dorand (90’) and Akram Potmis (90+3’) to pad out the final score at 7-0,” a release from the BVIFA noted.

“The boys started the game in very high spirit but after conceding a goal within the first three minutes we never recovered,” commented Coach Clinton “Tinnie” Percival

He said, “Curacao took advantage of our defensive mistakes, but as the game went on our boys started playing better. During the half-time break, we made a few changes and in the second half our confidence and ball play also improved, and we competed well up until the last five minutes of the game when we conceded two more goals. I am confident though, that the team will make the necessary adjustments for the next game on Tuesday and have a better outcome.”

The game was "a disappointing result against good opposition,” commented FA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, who made the trip to support the team.

 “A lot of improvement (in the second half) and I am proud of the way the boys fought to the end showing great National pride! We have to pick ourselves up and move forward,” he said.

Full VI team in DR 

The full VI squad includes William Butler, Mekhi Walters, Oliver Henderson, Tai Thomas, Jalen Prentice, Jahmal Prentice, Ikyjah Williams, Justin Smith, Devin Jones, Alejandro Santos, Johari Lacey, Deshawn Richardson, Levon Williams, Luka Chalwell, Sheldon Toney, Gethin Jones, Jarrell Fredericks, Milton Creque, Jaden Abrams, Jake Forbes, and Malakai Stanners. 

The Technical Staff is Coach Clinton Percival, Asst Coach, Ritchie Morton, Trainer, Javon Carty, Physio, Levy James, and Manager, Cathie Caine.

Playing Grenada on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the Boys will take on Sint Maarten on Thursday 11, November then it Dominica on Saturday, November 13, 2021.

At the conclusion of the Championship, the finalists (two teams) will qualify for the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games.

The two losing semi-finalists (two teams) will also guarantee their participation in the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.