Champion Athletic Performance Academy edged out a victory over long-undefeated Rovers SC in the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation Premier League opener Sunday afternoon at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex on St. Croix.
Rovers took control early with reliable scorer Vasco Manuel Palacios Gil finding the back of the net in the 10th minute. CAPA had a more difficult time finding their rhythm with Rabi Abdallah missing a penalty kick at the 19-minute mark, quickly followed by a yellow card for Arthbert William. Yeison Alfredo Gudino Pinto shifted the momentum, scoring CAPA’s first goal to tie the game 1-1 in the 38th minute.
After a red card for Kidaniel Perez and several substitutions early in the second half, Rovers remained unable to regain control. CAPA’s Trevon Thorpe capitalized on a critical scoring opportunity late in the game to end the match in a 1-2 win.
Immediately afterward, USVI soccer fans turned their attention to St. Thomas, where New Vibes SC faced off with Massey Soccer Academy at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. New Vibes dominated the match from the kickoff, with Naqwan Henry scoring the team’s first goal only seven minutes into the first half. A yellow card for Bernado Antoine had little impact on their momentum. Jordan Atemazem closed the second half with a successful penalty kick to secure a 2-0 lead for New Vibes.
Massey Team Official Dale Richards received a yellow card at the close of the first half, followed by a second-half yellow card for Getrau Louis and a red card for Josner Francois. New Vibes also saw their fair share of warnings with Martino Rosier, Max Sonder Joseph and Felix Emmenson all receiving yellow cards in the second half. Jamie Browne and Johson Bazelais maintained New Vibes’ commanding rhythm, scoring two additional goals to end the match in a 4-0 shutout.
Next up in the Men’s Premier League are Helenites SC vs Prankton SC on St. Croix and LRVI FC vs Raymix SC on St. Thomas. Helenites and Prankton will face off at Bethlehem Soccer Complex on Sunday at 4 p.m. The St. Thomas matchup will follow, kicking off at 6 p.m. at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
Stay up to date with this season’s fierce competition by following USVISF on Facebook and Instagram.
