Saint Lucia men’s head football coach Stern John is remaining upbeat after a tough away fixture in the FIFA Series 2026. Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz were beaten 6-1 by Azerbaijan on Friday at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium in Sumqayit, just outside the capital, Baku.
It was the biggest win ever for Azerbaijan, a team more used to playing against top teams like France and Ukraine. For Saint Lucia, a starting lineup with six players under 23 and three making their senior debuts was thwarted by a more experienced team in heavy rain.
Donavan “Gusto” Phillip was one of the players making his first appearance for the senior team. The Colorado Rapids forward converted a penalty in the second half so the Piton Boyz did not leave empty-handed.
“It was obviously a difficult result for us tonight and not the outcome we came here hoping for,” John said. “Azerbaijan are a strong European side, and they showed their quality across the 90 minutes. But these are also the types of matches that help us grow as a team and as a programme.
“There were still positives we can take from the game. I was particularly pleased with the composure and confidence shown by Gusto when he stepped up to convert the penalty. To score against European opposition and put in a strong performance on a night like this speaks well of his character and the progress he is making.
“It was also a valuable opportunity for a number of our locally based players to experience playing on a different continent against a very strong and athletic European side. Those experiences are important for their development and for the future of football in Saint Lucia.”
Eight of the starting 11 play in Saint Lucia or Jamaica. More young players came off the bench to play their first games and get experience against a tough opponent. Five of the six substitutes play in the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, including 17-year-old Shevon Byron and 21-year-old Shaquan “Ants” Nelson.
“I was also encouraged by the desire shown by Byron and Ants, who both stepped in and embraced the challenge of playing against this level of opposition,” John said. “Their attitude and willingness to compete is exactly what we want to see as we continue to build for the future.
“We will take the lessons from tonight, review the performance, and continue to work hard. The focus now is on responding the right way and continuing to build as a group.”
