Mack’s stoppage time goal lifts USVI over Turks and Caicos

ST.Croix – The United States Virgin Islands scored deep in second half stoppage time to earn a dramatic 3-2 victory over Turks and Caicos Islands in Group A of League C on Monday afternoon at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in St. Croix. Just like in their opening 1-1 draw with Sint Maarten, USVI enjoyed a strong start and held a 1-0 lead in the 19’ when Jamie Browne cut between two defenders and fired a left-footed shot into net. The home side could have easily had several more goals during the first half, but Turks and Caicos GK Sebastian Turbyfield time and again made saves to keep his side within a goal. Turbyfield’s heroics were then richly rewarded in the final moments of first half stoppage time, as Junior Paul pulled Turks and Caicos level 1-1 when USVI GK Lionel Brown fumbled a ball and Paul was there to poke it home. Turks and Caicos Islands then were able to take their first lead of the day, 2-1, in the 58’ after a shot from Billy Forbes hit the post and then was deflected into goal by USVI DF John Engerman. Turbyfield was not as busy in the second stanza, but he produced perhaps his finest save of the day in the 70’ when he made a reaction save to deny Raejae Josph from point-blank range. But there was nothing Turbyfield could do to prevent Mills from equalizing 2-2 in the 77’, as a corner kick swung in trickled through a sea of legs, allowing Mills to finish from just a few inches out for the goal. Just when it looked like the two sides would have to settle for a draw, a foul in the Turks and Caicos Islands area resulted in a penalty in favor of USVI, and James Mack III confidently fired home the spot kick in the 90+6’ to earn the three points for the hosts.