Anse La Raye stunned the defending Tier 1 champions of the Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL), La Clery, with a remarkable 2-1 victory to win the Community Shield Trophy last weekend at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds (PMG) in Vieux Fort.
![Anse La Raye takes on the Community Shield challenge [Photo credit : SPFL]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Anse-La-Raye-takes-on-the-Community-Shield-challenge.webp)
The Community Shield, a prelude to the main SPFL championships, pits the Tier 1 champions against the Tier 2 winners. Anse La Raye demonstrated immense grit and determination, coming from behind after trailing for most of the match.
With incredible character, the west-coast based team scored two late goals, completing a dramatic turnaround to claim the trophy.
La Clery opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Mervin St. Romain. However, the newly promoted Super League champions refused to give up, fighting until the final whistle to snatch victory.
Anthony Cadette equalized for Anse La Raye in the 40th minute, and Brandon Williams netted the winning goal in the 90+6th minute.
An SPFL online post celebrated the victory: “An unforgettable start to the Semi-Pro season and a statement win from Anse La Raye. Congratulations to the Community Shield Champions!”
The SPFL also announced, “Match day is here… The wait is over; it’s time for the first official match of the Semi-Pro Season 3! A new season begins. New ambitions. New rivalries. One goal.”
In other SPFL fixtures, the opening day included a thrilling ‘mini-derby’ between two southern teams—Vieux Fort South and Vieux Fort North.
Canaries vs. Mabouya Valley 2-1
Canaries kicked off their Season 3 campaign with a hard-fought victory, earning all three points. Steven Octave opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and Donvan Jn Baptiste extended the lead in the 35th minute.
Torian Joseph converted for Mabouya Valley in the 62nd minute, setting up a tense finish, but the Canaries held firm until the final whistle. Despite a spirited performance from Mabouya Valley, they left empty-handed.
Soufriere vs. Central Castries 3-0
William Cenac delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 23rd, 40th, and 70th minutes. Cenac’s impressive display helped Soufriere secure a convincing victory and sent an early message to the rest of the league.
With clinical finishing and complete control throughout the match, Soufriere began their Season 3 campaign on a winning note. Congratulations to Soufriere on a memorable opening day performance.
Vieux Fort North vs. VieuxFort South 5-4
On Saturday, June 27, at the PMG, Vieux Fort North emerged victorious in a thrilling mini-derby against Vieux Fort South, winning 5-4.
[R.A].
