Saint Lucia head coach Rajesh Latchoo has the Piton Boyz on the brink of Concacaf Gold Cup qualification after a 2-1 victory over Bermuda on Friday afternoon. Next Tuesday’s game against Barbados will see the winner seal promotion to League A of the Concacaf Nations League.
Playing at Stade Roger Zami in Le Gosier, Guadeloupe, the men from the Helen of the West claimed their fourth consecutive CNL League B win. The result keeps Saint Lucia top of Group B on 12 points from five matches, two clear of the second-placed Bajan Tridents.
With defender Melvin Doxilly and attacker Caniggia Elva ruled out through injury, Latchoo restored returning trio Chris Forino, Reeco Hackett, and Janoi Donacien to his starting XI.
Forino and Donacien joined captain Terell Thomas and veteran Kurt Frederick in a towering backline ahead of goalkeeper Vino Barclett. Hackett slotted into midfield alongside Shaquan Nelson, Arkell Jude-Boyd, Shevon Byron, and Donovan Phillip, supporting Kegan Caull up front in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Saint Lucia dictated the opening period, monopolising 68 per cent possession, carving out two big chances, and registering all four shots on target before the interval. Yet they went into half-time with only a single-goal cushion, courtesy of a sixth-minute strike that sent Byron off in celebratory somersaults.
Latchoo’s men rued their missed opportunities three minutes after the restart. Bermuda’s Ne-Jai Tucker curled a fine free kick past Barclett into the top corner, bringing the Gombey Warriors level from their very first attempt of the afternoon.
Parity lasted just six minutes. Byron, the former Babonneau standout now plying his trade with Mount Pleasant FA in Jamaica, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the six-yard box and nodded home to restore the lead.
Saint Lucia controlled the closing stages, finishing with 63 per cent of the ball, 16 shots to Bermuda’s five, and nine corners to three in a physical contest that produced 32 fouls and six yellow cards.
“The most important thing was the three points today. We set out for the three points, and we got the three points,” said Latchoo.
“The next step is the next game, next three points. It sets up well for a good game between us and Barbados. It will now help to make the players become better in high-demand, high-pressure situations. This is elite football, so I look forward to that game.”
With Guadeloupe third on seven points and winless Bermuda rooted to the bottom on zero, the Piton Boyz sit one positive result away from Group B honours, promotion to League A, and a coveted Gold Cup spot.
(TF)
