The USVI's Lady Dashing Eagles.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Under-17 Women’s National Team closed out the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers with a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Belize in Managua, Nicaragua, finishing the tournament with four points and a performance that underscored the program’s growing competitiveness on the regional stage.
The result capped a demanding campaign for the Lady Dashing Eagles, who competed with just 12 players throughout the tournament following multiple withdrawals prior to camp. With only one available substitute per match, the team faced severe limitations in rotation and recovery but continued to compete with consistency, resilience, and belief until the final whistle of their final match.
Head coach Katie Quinlan reflected on the team’s effort following the draw with Belize, particularly their ability to recover from adversity.
“Wow, what a way to end the tournament. I am so proud of this groups ability to adapt, push beyond what they thought was capable and stick together,” Quinlan said. “We are an unstoppable team that does not back down, stays on their feet and fights until the very end and that is everything you want when leading a team. To come back from two goals down in our last game of the tournament embodies everything we are about. We are USVI and we will be back!”
Throughout the qualifiers, the Lady Dashing Eagles consistently played as underdogs on paper, but refused to allow limited numbers or external expectations to dictate their approach. Instead, the squad displayed composure, teamwork, and determination across all matches, earning admiration for their competitive spirit and cohesion.
One of the central figures in the team’s performances was captain Reagan Marshall, who took on the leadership role during the tournament. Quinlan praised Marshall’s growth and influence on the field.
“…our new captain at this tournament, Reagan has stepped up in so many ways. She always had a special ability to take players on and strike a ball but she has added defensive responsibility to her game and I see real maturity in how she leads the team and communicates with me. Her ability to take players on was a difference maker in this game and we will continue to give her a role to have fun with the ball.”
The tournament’s most historic moment for the USVI came earlier, on Friday, January 30, 2026, when the Lady Dashing Eagles recorded a 2–0 victory over Dominica, marking the program’s first win at the U-17 women’s level in 13 years.
That match followed opening fixtures against regional powerhouses Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, where the team was tested early. In those matches, goalkeeper Kyliz Osorio delivered standout performances that kept USVI competitive.
“Kyliz is a warrior and she has so much potential. She deserves all the plaudits for her performance against another strong opponent,” Quinlan said. “This is a great environment to show her capabilities, and I have not seen a better save at this age group than the one she faced in overtime. I am excited for her future. She is eager to learn, a fantastic character to have in our group, and improving every single game.”
Carrying that confidence into the match against Dominica, USVI struck early. Just three minutes after kickoff, Celine Kalpee scored her first-ever goal in official competition, opening the scoring and giving the Lady Dashing Eagles their first goal of the tournament.
Momentum followed quickly. Reagan Marshall doubled the lead moments later, placing USVI firmly in control.
What followed was a disciplined defensive effort that defined the team’s identity. Despite fatigue and limited substitution options, the Lady Dashing Eagles remained organized and resolute, contesting every challenge and protecting their lead until the final whistle to secure a clean sheet and the historic victory.
For a squad operating with minimal depth, the win represented more than three points. It reflected a collective identity shaped by perseverance, unity, and trust.
By the conclusion of the tournament, the Lady Dashing Eagles had demonstrated that the program’s trajectory is defined not by roster size, but by commitment and belief. Finishing with four points and a signature comeback draw against Belize, the team left Managua with heads held high and a growing reputation within the region.
As the qualifiers came to an end, the message from the U.S. Virgin Islands U-17 Women’s National Team was clear: the foundation is being built, the belief is real, and the future of USVI women’s football continues to take shape.
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