Team Saint Lucia secured a decisive 2-1 victory over hosts Grenada to claim the top spot in Group B – League B in the ongoing CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) tournament.
On Monday, the Piton Boyz triumphed at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St George’s, Grenada which marked their second consecutive win in league B.
Saint Lucian central defender Chris Forino opened the scoring in the 14th minute, with Donovan Jean Baptiste doubling the lead in the 21st minute, giving them a crucial advantage at halftime.
Grenada responded with a goal from Lucan Akins in the 51st minute, but despite the second-half pressure, Team Saint Lucia resiliently defended their lead, emerging victorious on a challenging and soggy outfield.
In their opening match last Friday (September 6), Team Saint Lucia defeated the highly-rated Dutch side Curaçao 2-1, while Grenada overcame Saint Martin 2-0 in their first game.
The Piton Boyz delivered a fantastic performance against Curaçao, with forward Arkell Jude-Boyd scoring the first goal after expertly controlling a long ball from defender Chris Forino. Caniggia Elva, son of Saint Lucian football legend Titus Elva, secured the second goal in the second half.
Curaçao managed to pull one back in the 63rd minute with a goal from Joshua Brenet, assisted by the experienced Leandro Bacuna. Despite mounting pressure from the Curaçaoan side, Saint Lucia, under the leadership of head coach Stern John, held firm to secure the upset victory.
Curaçao, led by renowned Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, will look to bounce back in the upcoming matches. Also competing in Group B with Curaçao and Saint Lucia are Saint Martin and Grenada.
Meanwhile, Team Saint Lucia is set to play two home games in October at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG). The Piton Boyz will face Saint Martin in back-to-back games and are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of those fixtures.
Two more victories could see the Piton Boyz race to the top of the group, with prospects of winning the group and gaining promotion to League A.
With six points, the Piton Boyz are leading the group, poised for further success in the upcoming matches at the DSCG. Grenada and Curaçao each have three points, while Saint Martin remains at the bottom without a win.
Reports indicate that the Piton Boyz, newly promoted to League B this season, have been on an upward trajectory in recent years, and this victory further showcases their growing strength.