SOCCER STARS
CONCACAF said on Thursday that the 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) group stage has come to an end for the 16 teams involved in League B.
“There were many great performances during the March window of games, yet these 11 players stood out the most at their respective positions,” CONCACAF said.
GK Nicholas Townsend, Antigua & Barbuda – CONCACAF said Townsend was “excellent” in both games for the Benna Boys, a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe and a narrow 2-1 loss with Barbados. He made a total of 13 saves in the window.
DF Edarlyn Reyes, Dominican Republic – “Reyes was as active as they come for a defender, with a goal on 10 shots and an assist for the Dominican Republic, who drew 1-1 at French Guiana and defeated Belize 2-0,” CONCACAF said.
DF Alvin Jones, Trinidad & Tobago – Jones completed 26 of 27 passes in the 3-0 win at the Bahamas, plus three steals, a clearance and an assist, according to CONCACAF.
DF Nicolas Samayoa, Guatemala – Guatemala captured first place in Group D thanks in part to Samayoa, who played in the 2-1 win at Belize and the 4-0 home win versus French Guiana. Samayoa had a goal, three steals and seven clearances, CONCACAF said.
MF Shaquan Clarke, Barbados – “No player had more steals during the window than Clarke, who amassed 26 over the two games for the Bajan Tridents,” CONCACAF said. “He also had a clearance and completed almost 90 percent of his passes.”
MF Joevin Jones, Trinidad & Tobago – CONCACAF said Jones was “stellar” for the Soca Warriors, scoring in the 3-0 win at Bahamas and supplying the lone Trinidad & Tobago goal in the 1-1 draw with Nicaragua. He had two steals and completed 94 percent of his passes, CONCACAF said.
MF Derrick Etienne Jr., Haiti – The Haitian midfield stalwart was key in defense with 15 steals, while also productive going forward with a goal and an assist, as Haiti beat Montserrat 4-0 and Bermuda 3-1 to win Group B, according to CONCACAF.
MF Matias Moldskred Belli, Nicaragua – Nicaragua won promotion to League A as the winner of Group C and Moldskred was “a big reason” why, with a goal, assist and clearance, as Nicaragua topped St. Vincent & the Grenadines 4-1 and drew Trinidad & Tobago 1-1, CONCACAF said.
FW Frantzdy Pierrot, Haiti – Pierrot had a goal in each Haiti victory, plus a steal while completing more than 84 percent of his passes, according to CONCACAF.
FW Ariagner Smith, Nicaragua – Smith had a goal in each game for Nicaragua on nine shots in helping Nicaragua win their group and earn promotion to League A, CONCACAF said.
FW Yasnier Matos, Cuba – “Matos’ goal in the finale versus Guadeloupe made all the difference for Cuba, who won Group A with a 1-0 victory,” said CONCACAF, adding that Matos completed 70 percent of his passes in two games.
