Anguilla record first win, Puerto Rico edge Martinique to remain unbeaten

Anguilla’s Jared Simeins (left) and teammate Rochard Grant celebrate after the former scored against the US Virgin Islands. (Photo: CONCACAF)
Anguilla’s Jared Simeins (left) and teammate Rochard Grant celebrate after the former scored against the US Virgin Islands. (Photo: CONCACAF)

MIAMI, Florida, CMC – Puerto Rico stayed unbeaten in CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship (CMU17) Qualifying, while Anguilla registered their first victory when action continued in Group B on Tuesday morning at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida

Puerto Rico’s 1-0 win over Martinique was thanks to Antonio Delgado who found the back of the net in the 49th minute to secure the three points for his side.

In the day’s other match in Group B, Anguilla picked up their first win of the tournament in a 2-0 final with US Virgin Islands.

A scoreless first half gave way to a second stanza in which Anguilla took control with a goal from Jared Smeins in the 62nd minute.

The lead was then doubled to 2-0 in the 83rd minute when Rochard Grant etched his name onto the scoresheet.

Wednesday’s action will mark a conclusion to Group B, with three games on the docket.

Bermuda can clinch a place in the 2023 CMU17 with either a win or a draw against Guyana; Saint Martin will be out for their first win of qualifying when they take on the British Virgin Islands; while Bonaire will try to keep their CMU17 hopes alive when they face the Bahamas.

It will be the fourth CMU17Q meeting between Bermuda and Guyana, with the all-time series locked at a win each and a draw. Their last meeting came in 2008 when after a 1-1 draw, Bermuda won a penalty shootout, 6-5.

Meanwhile, Bonaire and Bahamas will play in the CMU17Q for a second time, with Bonaire taking the previous encounter, 4-2, in 2019.

The British Virgin Islands and Saint Martin will meet for the first time in CMU17Q.