FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – The 2023 Gold Cup Prelims have concluded, with Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Kitts and Nevis earning passage onwards to the group stage of the tournament.
In all, 12 different teams competed across nine different matches. Many players showed their skills, but only the most outstanding could be squeezed into the Best XI of the Prelims.
GK Julani Archibald (SKN) – Archibald had a superb Prelims. In his first match the Sugar Boyz captain held Curacao to one goal and produced a pair of fine saves, before coming up huge with two more saves in the penalty shootout. When Saint Kitts and Nevis went to penalties again in the second round, Archibald delivered again with another big save to help send the Sugar Boyz to the group stage.
DF Gerard Williams (SKN) – Williams also played a key role in Saint Kitts and Nevis reaching the group stage, completing 85 percent of his passes and making a ball recovery.
DF Jonathan Rivierez (MTQ) – Rivierez was quick to cut out any attacks and was a big part of the reason why Martinique conceded just one goal across their two games. He also completed 96% of his passes across the two games.
DF Florent Poulolo (MTQ) – Poulolo stood out for Les Matinino at both ends of the field with an assist and a ball recovery, all while completing 98 percent of his passes.
MF Andreaw Gravillon (GLP) –Gravillon is a traditional defender who was played further up the field for Guadeloupe, and had great success. He helped command the midfield in both matches and was instrumental in Les Gwada Boys being as dominant as they were. Gravillon’s free kick was the best of the Prelims.
MF Steve Solvet (GLP) – Solvet was also slotted in midfield and helped Gravillon run the show in the center of the park. He completed 89 percent of his passes in the deciding game against Guyana and scored the opener in the first-round affair versus Antigua and Barbuda.
MF Loic Baal (GUF) – Baal scored a goal and had three steals in the first-round win over Sint Maarten, and then completed a stunning 100% of his passes (71 attempts) against Saint Kitts and Nevis.
MF Tyquann Terrell (SKN) – Terrell came up big scoring his team’s equalizer in the 83rd minute of the first-round meeting with Curacao. He also chipped in with a ball recovery.
FW Matthias Phaeton (GLP) – Phaeton spearheaded the Guadeloupe attack with a goal and an assist, plus a ball recovery. He finished the Prelims with a 74 percent passing percentage.
FW Arnold Abelinti (GUF) – Arnold Abelinti was simply the most outstanding player of the Prelims. He finished his two matches with three goals and two assists, giving him a direct hand in all five goals that French Guiana scored.
FW Brighton Labeau (MTQ) – Labeau scored once in each of Martinique’s two matches, but was particularly dominant in the win over Puerto Rico, where it felt like he was a constant threat.
