![USVI women’s national soccer team celebrates after scoring a goal Thursday against Saint Lucia [Photo credit : Daily News]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/USVI.jpg)
Despite being slightly favored, with a ranking of 156 compared to USVI’s 184, the Piton Girlz struggled to maintain control as their opponents showcased superior skill and determination, supported by an enthusiastic crowd.
The Daily News (USVI) highlighted Naya Vialva’s impactful free kick just ten minutes into the match, setting a confident tone for the Lady Eagles. In the 32nd minute, Maia Foley delivered a perfectly executed header to Lita Frost, extending USVI’s lead.
Vialva, the co-captain, expressed the team’s resolve: “We came in with our heads high and kept them high the entire time. We set the tone and let the people know this is our field, and they would have a tough time here.”
Despite a challenging first half, the Piton Girlz rallied as Krysan St. Louis found the net just before halftime, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in USVI’s defense.
USVI head coach Stephan DeFour praised his team’s performance: “We executed our plan well with early goals. The first half was strong for us, and while Saint Lucia showed grit in the second half, we are thrilled to emerge victorious.”
DeFour also commended Vialva for her leadership, noting her extensive experience, including professional play in Portugal, which helped unify the team.
On the other hand, Saint Lucia head coach Francis McDonald acknowledged the shortcomings in execution: “A poor start filled with indecision forced us to chase the game. The USVI capitalized on our errors, and a crucial mistake by our goalkeeper put us at a disadvantage.”
Despite the setback, McDonald remains optimistic, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned. “We need to better control the opening minutes of future matches,” he remarked.
Speedster Reagan Hood added an insurance goal for USVI just four minutes into the second half, while goalkeeper Jenna Rehm made essential saves, including a critical penalty kick in the 70th minute, securing the win for her team.
Looking ahead, DeFour’s squad will take a much-needed break for the holidays before regrouping in January to prepare for their next challenge against 77th-ranked Puerto Rico in March.
The Piton Girlz, on the other hand, are already focused on their upcoming match against Puerto Rico on December 1. Coach McDonald and his technical team are dedicated to refining their strategy and building a stronger connection between the overseas-based professionals and local talent, aiming to enhance their competitiveness.
As part of Group A, Saint Lucia stands alongside formidable teams like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and the USVI in this rigorous competition.
With determination and strategic adjustments, the Piton Girlz are poised for a powerful comeback.
R.A