In a bid to secure maximum points and boost their chances of qualifying for the next Concacaf Gold Cup, the St Kitts National Senior Football Team, affectionately known as the Sugar Boyz, is gearing up for two crucial CONCACAF Nations League matches. The team, under the guidance of Coach Austin 'Dico' Huggins, is set to face St. Lucia at the SKNFA Technical Center on Thursday at 7 pm, followed by an away clash against Guadeloupe on Sunday, November 19, at 3 pm.
Coach Huggins, expressing confidence and optimism ahead of the matchups, shared insights into the squad's preparations on Tuesday evening. Major changes have been made to the squad, with the inclusion of players who were unavailable during the previous Gold Cup encounter. Coach Huggins highlighted the importance of having a full-strength team, stating, "A few of the guys that we brought in were with us when we went to the Gold Cup in the last encounter...for whatever reason, with their clubs (overseas) they were not able to make the trip with us. But they are here now, and we are thankful for that, so hopefully, we will be at full strength."
The first of the two matches will be hosted at home, and Coach Huggins called upon the fans to play a pivotal role. "Home fans are always beneficial to the home team. We call them the 12th player, so we are hoping that they will give us their support, cheer on the team, encourage the guys positively, and let us all win this game together," Coach Huggins emphasized.
The Sugar Boyz are aware of the significance of securing victories and maintaining a superior goal difference in the Nations League to enhance their chances of qualifying for the prestigious Concacaf Gold Cup.
The upcoming matches are crucial for St. Kitts and Nevis, and the squad is set to face St. Lucia on Thursday, November 16, at the SKNFA Technical Center (7 pm) and then take on Guadeloupe on November 19 at 3 pm. The selected squad for these vital matches includes:
Julani Archibald – CD Victoria, Zaykeese Smith – Village Superstars FC, Xander Parke – Leek Town FC, Gerard Williams – Trau FC, Andre Burley – Oxford City FC, Ethan Bristow - Minnesota United FC, Lois Maynard - Ratcliffe FC, Jalden Myers – Bath United FC, Jameel Ible – Guiseley AFC, Ezrick Nicholls - University of Tampa, Romaine Sawyers – Cardiff City FC, Tyrese Shade - Swindon Town FC, Omari Sterling-James – Ebbsfleet United, Ronaldo Belgrove - FC Miami City, Nequan Browne – United Old Road Jets FC, Yohannes Mitchum – Newtown United FC, Raheem Somersall - North Carolina FC, Harry Panayiotou – F.C. Bruno’s Magpies, Tiquanny Williams - United Old Road Jets FC, Diego Edwards – Notts County, Kimaree Rogers – Village Superstars FC.
The Sugar Boyz and their supporters are ready for an intense battle on the field, and the entire nation anticipates thrilling encounters in the upcoming Nations League matches.
Simeone insists Atletico 'cannot stop pushing' after narrow Mallorca win
Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid "cannot stop pushing" in their pursuit of Champions League qualification after a narrow 1-0 victory over Mallorca.
Los Rojiblancos tightened their grip on fourth place in LaLiga, with Rodrigo Riquelme's fine individual effort in the fifth minute enough to secure back-to-back wins.
With four games remaining, Simeone's side moved onto 67 points, six clear of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, who they beat 3-1 last weekend.
The Atleti boss was thrilled by his players' performance levels, but has urged them not to rest on their laurels.
"The team interpreted the plan very well," he said. "The commitment was incredible from [Angel] Correa to [Jan] Oblak to play an intelligent game from a defensive point of view.
"After the goal, we controlled the game. We defended as a team and did a great job. We need to continue improving, and we can't stop pushing until the season is over."
Echoing his manager's thoughts, defender Axel Witsel told Movistar Plus+: "It was very important to win. We wanted to win and stay six points ahead. We have to keep it up.
"After Riquelme scored a fantastic goal, we managed to stay well-organised to secure the result."
'It hurts to lose' - Inzaghi apologises after Sassuolo defeat
Simone Inzaghi admits "it hurts to lose" following Inter's surprise 1-0 defeat by relegation-threatened Sassuolo.
The newly crowned Scudetto winners suffered only their second loss of the season in Serie A, as Armand Lauriente's first-half goal was enough to give the 19th-place hosts victory at Mapei Stadium.
Sassuolo, who boosted their survival hopes, subsequently completed the league double over the Nerazzurri, having also prevailed 2-1 at San Siro in September.
Meanwhile, Inter were beaten by a team in the bottom two for the first time since November 2014, with Inzaghi urging his players not to be distracted by their title triumph.
"We started sluggish and didn’t have the right approach to the game," he told Sky Sports Italia. "I'm sorry for the defeat, but credit must be given to Sassuolo for a performance of great effort and sacrifice.
"It's right to enjoy [our Scudetto victory], but there are still three games to go and we have to focus. It hurts to lose, and it should hurt."
After guiding Inter to their 20th Serie A crown, Inzaghi is hopeful he can keep the majority of his squad intact ahead of next season.
However, the Nerazzurri boss did emphasise the club's need to strengthen before launching their Scudetto defence.
"I already told the club that I want to go into next season with all the players I had this term, not losing a single one," he said. "Considering all the games we need to play and the length of the season, we do need a bigger squad."
Inter Miami 6-2 New York Red Bulls: Messi makes more MLS history as Suarez scores hat-trick
Lionel Messi had a hand in all six goals while Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as Inter Miami overcame the New York Red Bulls 6-2 at Chase Stadium.
The Eastern Conference leaders were on a three-match winning streak in MLS, but fell behind to Dante Vanzeir's opener in the 30th minute.
However, the hosts turned the match on its head after the break, with Messi assisting a brace for half-time substitute Matias Rojas either side of getting on the scoresheet himself.
Suarez then took centre stage with a hat-trick inside 13 minutes - all assisted by his former Barcelona team-mate - while Emil Forsberg's stoppage-time penalty was a mere consolation for the visitors, who are now without a win in four.
Data debrief
Messi broke two more MLS records following yet another inspirational display for the Herons.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's six goal contributions and five assists were both the most recorded by a player in a single game.
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