Vincy Heat loses to Suriname in World Cup opener

It was not a good outcome for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ senior men’s Football team Vincy Heat, when they kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign as they lost 4-1, to host, Suriname last Wednesday June 5, 2024, in a Group F encounter of the Concacaf Zone qualifiers.

However, it was Vincy Heat who took the lead when Oalex Anderson silenced the crowd at the Dr Franklin Essed Stadium in Paraimaibo, with a goal in the 31st minute.

That lead though, lasted eight minutes as Suriname drew level when Sheraldo Becker scored from the penalty spot.

The host doubled their tally in first half of injury time when Jeredy Hilterman headed past Lemus Christopher in the St Vincent and the Grenadines goal.

Suriname extended the lead soon on resumption, when Justin Lonwijk made it 3-1 in the 46th minute.

Jaden Montor in the 70th minute hit Suriname’s fourth, to snuff the remaining fight out of the Vincy Heat outfit.

The Theon Gordon-coached team has to recover quickly from the loss to Suriname, as they take on El Salvador this Sunday June 9, 2024, also at the Dr. Franklin Essed Stadium, in what is the Vincentians’ home match.

They have been forced to play that “home” fixture in Suriname as the Arnos Vale Playing Field is readying to host matches in the ICC Men’s T/20 World Cup.

The Vincentian squad in Suriname includes goal keepers, Lemus Christopher, Gavin Davis and Jadiel Chance.

The defenders are Kevin Francis, Joseph Douglas, Je Quan Adams, Jahvin Sutherland, Najima

Burgin, Kirtney Franklyn, Renson Sayers, Tritan Marshall and Gavin Browne.

The midfielders are Diel Spring, Aaron Jackson, Andeen Charles, Kennijha Joseph, Sherywn Alexander, Gidson Francis and Saviola Blake.

Up front, the strikers are Denzel Bascombe, Bishon Richards, Oalex Anderson, Koby Maingot,

Garrett Leigertwood, Kyle Edwards, Oryan Velox and Cornelius Stewart.

The technical team comprises Theon Gordon, head coach; assistant coaches in Alnif Williams and Shandel Samuel; along with goal keeper coach, Urtis Blackette. The team’s Physiotherapist is Shevon Smith; team doctor, Dwight Richards; mental coach, Shadel Cyrus. Akeem Revierre is the media liason, and Ronaldo Franklyn, Massage Therapist. Dr. Ronen Francis is the team’s manager.