The Men’s Senior National Football Team had to dig deep to beat a spirited British Virgin Islands squad to earn their share of the points in their Concacaf Nations League Match up at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on Thursday.
The last time these two teams squared off it was Dominica walking away with the 7-nil win, and Dominica started of the game brightly, dominating possession and attempts on goal in the first quarter of the game.
All of the possession and pressure counted for nothing, as the BVI scored against the run of play.
Luka Chalwell put the BVI in front in the 29th minute of play after he brought down a long ball, beat defender Erskin Williams and slotted past the diving Glenson Prince in goal.
Despite being one down, Dominica continued to pile on the pressure but squandered their efforts at goal.
In the second half coach Ellington Sabin made some early changes bringing in Audel Laville, Savio Anselm and Felix Anselm and the trio continued to take the game to the BVI.
Laville had a fine effort on goal saved by the BVI keeper.
Vice-captain Briel Thomas eventually got the equalizer in the 83rd minute for Dominica, when he headed home a Troy Jules free kick.
This set up a frantic end to the game, with Dominica pressing hard for the winner.
The British Virgin Islands continued to defend like their lives depended on it, and were able to hold on for the 1-1 draw.
Dominica’s comeback however was marred by a gruesome injury to midfielder Felix Anselm.
Anselm the Dublanc FC midfielder had to be rushed to the Hospital after being tackled by BVI player Carlos Septus deep into injury time.
Septus was sent off for the tackle.
At the final whistle is was Dominica 1, the British Virgin Islands 1.
Dominica dominated in possession with 66% of the ball, while BVI only had 34% of the ball.
Dominica made 307 passes compared to the BVI’s 173, and had 25 shots on goal compared to the BVI’s 7.
In the end the most important stat was the goals, and both teams had to share the points.
The 1-1 result leaves Dominica on top of Group C on goal difference with 4 points.
The BVI are second with 4 points, the Turks and Caicos are yet to get off the mark.
