MIAMI, Florida -- Saturday’s League C action is confined entirely to Group A; all four teams will be in action playing their third match. As the competition approaches the halfway point, every team still feels they are in the mix to top this highly competitive group.

The Dashing Eagles of the US Virgin Islands are flying high as they prepare for their second straight home match at the Bethlehem Soccer Stadium in St. Croix, this time against Bonaire.

Their last time out, the USVI snatched three points thanks to a dramatic 96th minute winner from James Mack III.

Bonaire drew 2-2 in their previous match against Sint Maarten; Jonathan Libania scored his second goal of the tournament and Ayrton Cicilia notched two assists to complement his opening day hat trick.

With both teams sitting tied for first with four points so far, this match has huge promotion implications and the winner will certainly be in the driver’s seat to finish top of the group at the halfway point.

Bonaire have proven themselves to be capable of scoring goals, with six already to their name after three matches. Cicilia has been as dominant as any player in League C so far. They have proven to be exceptionally fierce out of the gates; Bonaire have led 2-0 at the 20-minute mark in both matches so far.

But the US Virgin Islands look up to the task. They’ve already eclipsed their point total from the 2019-20 Nations League, having accrued only three points a few years ago. They’ve led 1-0 at the 20-minute mark in each match, striking early in their own right. Fans can expect a sizzling opening affair on Saturday.

These teams have met once before, during a 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifier in Montserrat, where Bonaire snatched a 2-1 victory.

Referee: Marcos de Oliveira (USA)

Sint Maarten vs. Turks and Caicos Islands

The other match of the day sees Sint Maarten host the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Rignaal “Jean” Francisca Stadium in Willemstad. This match is a revival of a series played during the previous Concacaf Nations League; Turks and Caicos won both meetings last cycle by scores of 5-2 and 3-2.

The story for Sint Maarten has been falling behind early and salvaging a draw; a feat they’ve managed in both games so far. Turks and Caicos Islands are forward Gerwin Lake’s favorite target; he has three goals against them in two matches in his career.

The last time Turks and Caicos faced Sint Maarten in Willemstad; captain Billy Forbes scored a hat trick as the team cruised to a 5-2 victory. Turks and Caicos Islands will be calling upon their captain to get on the scoresheet again on Saturday and lift this team to their first victory of the tournament.

Sint Maarten are sitting in third place with two points, while Turks and Caicos Islands are bottom with no points so far. If they get the win, Turks and Caicos Islands will be right back in the race, and Sint Maarten could potentially move up to first place with a victory of their own.

This matchup is perhaps the first true League C rivalry, and if the previous two games are any indication, fans should be in for a treat.

Referee: Oscar Macias (MEX)