The British Virgin Islands Under-17 boys football team delivered a hard-fought performance in their three-match series against the United States Virgin Islands, securing a narrow victory with one win and two draws.
The series, held at the Greenland Football Stadium from January 16 to January 19, served as a critical warm-up ahead of the upcoming CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualifiers in Costa Rica.
In the series opener, substitute Miles Penn made the difference, scoring the lone goal to give the BVI a 1-0 victory. The match showcased the BVI’s defensive discipline and determination, setting a confident tone for the series.
The second and third games ended in identical 1-1 draws, with Lashawn Gibbs emerging as the standout performer for the BVI. Gibbs found the back of the net in both matches, demonstrating his reliability as a goal scorer.
Speaking after the series to Dean “the Sportsman” Greenaway, BVI Head Coach Clinton “Tinnie” Percival praised the series, highlighting its value in identifying areas for improvement ahead of the qualifiers.
Percival provided an in-depth assessment of the matches, expressing optimism about the team’s potential while emphasizing the need for further development in preparation for stiffer competition.
USVI Head Coach Dante Nicholas also shared his thoughts on the series, describing it as a competitive and valuable experience for his team.
Both the BVI and USVI teams will now turn their attention to the CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualifiers in Costa Rica. The BVI’s campaign kicks off on February 7 against St. Maarten, followed by matches against Trinidad and Tobago, host Costa Rica, and Guyana. This series has not only built momentum but also underscored the importance of continued growth as the BVI team aims to make an impact on the regional stage.