Soufrière and Canaries are top of the table after the opening weekend of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional League. Both teams picked up their first wins of the SPFL’s third season at the Philip Marcellin Ground, following Anse La Raye’s Community Shield victory.
Last season, Soufrière narrowly avoided relegation, finishing eighth, only one point ahead of Choiseul. This year, they started strong with a 3-0 win over Central Castries, thanks to a hat-trick from William Cenac.
Canaries, who finished fourth last year, began the new season with a 2-1 win over Mabouya Valley. Steven Octave scored first, and Donavan Jn Baptiste made it 2-0.
Torian Joseph scored a consolation goal for Mabouya Valley, but Canaries held on for the win.
Canaries face Central Castries on July 24, the weekend after Saint Lucia Carnival. Soufrière will play 2025 semifinalists Gros Islet on July 25.
The 2026 SPFL season began with the Community Shield match, featuring two-time Tier 1 champions La Clery against Anse La Raye, the latest team promoted from Tier 2.
Mervin St Romain gave La Clery the lead in the 18th minute. As the match neared its end, it looked like the north Castries team would add another trophy to their collection.
Anthony Cadette scored in the 90th minute to tie the game for Anse La Raye, sending it to extra time. Then, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Brandon Williams scored to give the newcomers a 2-1 win.
Vieux Fort South and Vieux Fort North ended their match in a goalless draw in the Battle of the South. Vieux Fort North won the penalty shootout 5-4.
The top division continues on July 4 and 5 at Phillip Marcellin Grounds with three games. Dennery will play Gros Islet, champions La Clery take on newly promoted Vieux Fort North and 2025 finalists Vieux Fort South face Anse La Raye.
