The Cayman Islands Football Association’s premier season is officially under way after a pair of curtain-raising Charity Shield matches kicked off at the end of last month.
Scholars International men’s team secured a 3-1 victory in their Charity Shield fixture against Academy, while in the women’s game, Sunset FC bested Elite SC 3-0 to start their season off in the win column.
For the Scholars men, it was business as usual, claiming their second consecutive Charity Shield as they look to clinch their 17th league title in the 2024-25 season.
Scholars got ahead early after a goal from Elroy Williams in the 11th minute. Three minutes after the second half began, Academy’s Mason Duval levelled the score, but again Scholars pulled ahead in the 72nd minute following a goal from Alwayne Danvers.
A successful penalty just before the 80-minute mark sealed the 3-1 victory for Scholars at the Ed Bush Stadium on 24 Nov.
Fast start for Sunset
Prior to the men’s game, two rival women’s teams took to the pitch, but it was a one-sided beatdown over a once-dominant squad.
Elite SC, who finished unbeaten two seasons ago, capturing every championship CIFA had to offer, have met their match in Sunset – a team they battled for silverware during the last season, losing the majority of those matches.
That trend continued with a young Sunset squad proving they are the ‘A’ side once again to start their season off right and, according to Gisela Gamba, head coach for Sunset, her squad could have won with a higher margin had they capitalised on more shots earlier in the match.
‘We had several shots on target, but we couldn’t find the back of the net until the 20th minute,” Gamba said, crediting Elite’s keeper, who she said made great saves.
Cayden Coles was responsible for the goal that came at the 20-minute mark, which was followed seconds later by another from teammate Ava Degrand. Then just before halftime Clara De Quintal netted the final goal of the game.
Gamba said her team is motivated and hopes to continue focusing on development throughout the season.
“Winning is not our priority, but hard work and dedication seems to be paying off for us as we won the league and Presidents Cup last season,” she said. “This season we are looking to defend the league title and get a few other trophies if possible, but with our main purpose being developing the player and the person.”
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