Golden Lion begin Caribbean Cup campaign vs. Defence Force

MIAMI, Florida – The second week of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup gets underway on Wednesday with Golden Lion of Martinique kicking off their campaign in Group A against past Concacaf champions Defence Force of Trinidad and Tobago at Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Golden Lion secured their place in the Caribbean Cup by virtue of a runner-up finish in the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield. Along the way to the Final, they showed their goal-scoring prowess through Alvyn Lamasine and Kenterly Faucher. Lamasine tormented opposing defenses with six goals, including one in the Final against Suriname’s Robinhood. Faucher was nearly as effective with four goals, all coming in the group stage. But when it comes to Golden Lion, the dangerman to watch will be legendary striker Kevin Parsemain. The former Martinique National Team FW scored three goals in the Shield and has a penchant for scoring goals in big Concacaf games, evidenced by his five career Concacaf Gold Cup goals.

Defence Force picked up a point in their opener against Cavalier of Jamaica, playing to a 1-1 draw. Reon Moore got on the scoresheet for the Trinidad and Tobago side and had chances to add to that tally throughout the match. Jamali Garcia played a key role as well, with two ball recoveries and 84 completed passes, while GK Christopher Biggette registered three saves and five clearances. The second match of the night will pit Group B sides Atletico Pantoja of the Dominican Republic against Jamaica’s Dunbeholden at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Juan Castano’s goal in the 89 ^th minute rescued a 1-1 draw for Atletico Pantoja in their opener last week versus Cibao FC, while Dunbeholden were narrowly defeated by fellow Jamaican side Harbour View. There was no lack of attacking power from Dunbeholden, as they finished with 23 shots taken, 12 of those on target. The only thing lacking was the finishing touch in front of net. Dean-Andre Thomas had five of those shots, while Nicholas Nelson took four shots, one of which hit the post. Atletico Pantoja were boosted by Castano not just in attack with his goal, but his play in defense with three clearances, two ball recoveries and 49 passes. Ronaldo Vasquez was active up top, taking five shots, four of which were on target.