
Tags: St Vincent And The Grenadines, Puerto Rico, Ezra Hendrickson, Anguilla, Concacaf World Cup qualifier, kirtney Franklyn
St. Vincent and the Grenadines reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 6–0 victory over Anguilla at Arnos Vale on Wednesday night, delivering the performance—and the goal difference boost—they desperately needed to stay alive in Concacaf Group F.
Coming into the match winless and with a -5 goal differential, the objective was clear - take three points and score heavily. Vincy Heat responded with intent, producing a ruthless attacking display that saw six different players involved in goals—Oalex Anderson netted a brace, while Cornelius Stewart, Micah Joseph, Kyle Edwards, and Kirtney Franklyn also got on the scoresheet.
But despite the emphatic scoreline, Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson struck a measured tone in the post-match press conference, outlining specific areas of concern as his team now turns its attention to a do-or-die clash away to Puerto Rico on June 10.
“We came into this game needing goals and needing points,” he said. “Tonight was a plus. We got the three points and improved the goal difference. But now we head to Puerto Rico, and we know—we have to win.”
Though pleased with the attacking execution, Hendrickson highlighted mental lapses late in the game as a recurring issue that must be addressed.
“We took most of our chances, which is what we needed. But the unforced errors in the last few minutes—missed traps, lapses in concentration—we can’t afford those against better opponents,” he warned. “We had to clear one off the line tonight. We were lucky. Against teams like Puerto Rico or Jamaica, that can be the difference between going through and going home.”
Referencing a recent late collapse against Jamaica, Hendrickson emphasized the need for 90 minutes of focus.
“We’ve seen it before—in the last 30 seconds against Jamaica, we gave up a goal in a game we should have won. We can’t let that happen again. These are things we’ll address in training. I’ll show them the film. We’ll correct it,” Hendrickson said.
The result didn’t change SVG’s position in the standings—they remain in fourth place—but they are now on three points, just one behind Puerto Rico and El Salvador, who sit on four. Suriname leads Group F with six points from two matches, while Anguilla remains bottom without a point. With only one match remaining, SVG must beat Puerto Rico to leapfrog them and potentially advance, with goal difference likely to come into play in what could become a three-way tie for second place.
The coach was also clear about the stakes ahead - nothing less than a win in Puerto Rico will suffice.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s 1–0 or 6–0—we must win,” he said. “A draw does nothing for us. Puerto Rico is ahead of us. It’s at their place, and it’s going to be tough, but we’re going to play our way. We don’t park the bus. Even against Jamaica, we came to play. That won’t change.”
He added that the team is building an identity around proactive football, regardless of the opponent.
“We’re developing a style of play that doesn’t change,” Hendrickson explained. “Whether it’s at home or away, whether it’s Anguilla or Jamaica, we come to play. Puerto Rico will be tough, especially at their place, but we’re on a mission.”
While Hendrickson was focused on the bigger picture, there were individual moments of brilliance worth celebrating. Chief among them was Kirtney Franklyn, who was named Man of the Match after a superb performance that included a goal and two assists. His pace and delivery from wide areas were crucial in unlocking Anguilla’s defence.
Micah Joseph, recently integrated into the squad, also scored his first international goal.
“Micah struggled a bit in the first half, but in the second he really came into his own,” said Hendrickson. “He’s only had a few training sessions, coming in from Canada. But that header—off a great cross from Kirtney—was taken really well. That’s what we need: players stepping up at the right moment.”
Franklyn, who capped the night with a late goal of his own, later credited belief and discipline as central to his performance.
“I always believe in myself. It’s just about executing what coach asks of me and staying consistent,” he said. “We’ve got unfinished business.”
And while the team won’t have home support in the stands against Puerto Rico, Franklyn called on fans across the diaspora to rally from afar.
“We won’t be in St. Vincent, but we need the fans with us,” he urged. “Turn on your TVs, your phones, your computers—whatever you’ve got. Support us from wherever you are. We’re going to put on a show.”
As Hendrickson put it plainly, “We’re on a mission. And we’re not leaving anything on the table.”
Photos - SVG Football
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