The U.S. Virgin Islands Women’s National Team is stepping confidently into its next challenge as the Lady Dashing Eagles prepare to face Puerto Rico in a high-stakes CONCACAF World Cup qualifying matchup on Thursday.
The Lady Dashing Eagles have officially touched down on St. Croix and opened local training camp, locking in their focus ahead of Thursday’s match at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m., and the team is encouraging the community to pack the stands and create a true home-field atmosphere. Children 17 and younger will receive free admission, and tickets are available here.
At a press conference on Wednesday evening, the team addressed its recent opening-match victory, with the coaching staff emphasizing that the confidence within the squad is real but measured.
“We take every game, game by game,” said head coach Stephan De Four. “That first match is behind us. Now we prepare differently for a different opponent.”
He emphasized that winning the opening game was critical, not just for points, but for belief.
“That’s what we wanted. We worked toward that. Winning the first game sends a message that we can do this. It builds confidence in the team’s mind. It sets the tone.”
Still, he made it clear there is no room for complacency.
“All opponents are tough until the final whistle blows and you secure the three points. We approach every match like it’s a battle,” De Four said.
Puerto Rico presents a significant test. The coaching staff has spent hours studying film, breaking down tendencies, identifying dangerous players, and pinpointing areas that can be exploited.
“They are organized. They’re technical,” De Four said. “But we know what we have. We have speed across the team, and we plan to use that to our advantage.”
Preparation has gone beyond tactics. The team has placed heavy emphasis on the mental side of the game, even bringing in a sports psychologist to help sharpen focus and strengthen mindset heading into what the coach described as their toughest challenge so far.
“This game will measure where we are as a team,” De Four said. “For the time and work we’ve put into building this group from different camps, this is the match that tells us what level we’re ready for. I believe in this team. I think we’re ready. Let’s see.”
Playing at home adds another layer of motivation.
“This is our living room,” De Four said. “Nobody comes into your living room and rearranges your furniture. You protect your house.”
He referred to the home field as “holy ground” and urged fans to come out and support the squad as they defend their turf.
Team captain Naya Vialva echoed that confidence, emphasizing the power of mindset.
“You have to speak it into existence,” she said. “Not ‘if’ we win, but when we win. That’s the mindset.”
She described the team in one word: relentless.
“We don’t give up. We cheer each other on. We fight.”
Training intensity has matched the moment, she added, noting that expectations are high at the national level.
“This is the national team. Everyone has brought intensity. If one player drops, the rest lift her up.”
While Puerto Rico may field more professional players, Vialva believes heart and hunger matter just as much.
“They may have more technical experience. They play professionally. But we want it more,” she said. “Our girls wake up, go to work or school, and still put in extra work. It’s mental, physical, spiritual — everything.”
Mental preparation has been key. Players described visualization, gratitude, prayer, journaling, and constant communication as part of their routine. Even with time differences, the team holds regular Zoom calls to maintain cohesion and connection.
“I tell myself over and over — I can do this,” said vice-captain Mackiesh Taylor Jones. “Even if you have the skills, the mental part can break you.”
When asked what message they have for young girls watching, the answer was simple: possibility.
“It’s possible to be here,” Jones said. “We’re paving the way.”
As part of the official CONCACAF qualification structure for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, matches like Thursday’s determine which teams advance to later rounds, where regional powerhouses eventually enter the competition. De Four noted that competing at this level requires planning, federation support, and detailed preparation.
“If you don’t prepare properly, you’ll get smacked,” he said candidly. “We’ve done the work.”
Is this a statement game?
“Definitely,” he said. “This game tells us where we are.”
The confidence is there. The preparation is in place. Now, the Lady Dashing Eagles will look to defend home soil and represent the U.S. Virgin Islands with pride.
