PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (July 26, 2026) — Early first-half goals from Jhon Ramos Matta and Diego Losada propelled Delfines del Este FC of the Dominican Republic to a 2–0 victory over the Cayman Islands' Elite SC on Sunday, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 CFU Club Shield at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Delfines almost opened the scoring in the second minute when Christopher Almonte found space in the penalty area, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.

Elite SC looked to build patiently from the back, while Delfines relied on quick counterattacks. The Dominican side's approach paid off in the 13th minute when Yonier Hurtado Hinestroza slipped a perfectly timed pass to Jhon Ramos Matta, whose shot clipped the post before crossing the goal line.

Delfines doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Diego Losada. The midfielder finished a well-rehearsed corner-kick routine, curling a clinical strike from just outside the penalty area into the top-left corner.

Holding a two-goal cushion, Delfines grew in confidence and controlled possession for much of the rest of the half. They continued to threaten, with Aries Bonia Balanta rising unmarked to meet an inswinging corner, but Elite goalkeeper Dereck Rivers made an excellent save, tipping the header over the crossbar.

The halftime whistle arrived with Delfines comfortably leading 2–0.

Elite SC returned after the break with renewed purpose, pressing higher up the field in search of a way back into the contest. Alexander Jones and Ashton Belcarris stretched the Delfines back line with direct runs, while Barry Dre Tibbetts dictated play from midfield, repeatedly finding Jones and Christopher Nunez in dangerous positions.

Despite sustained second-half pressure, Elite failed to break through as Delfines' defense held firm throughout. The Dominican club nearly put the result beyond doubt late in the match when Darlyn Valero headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

With Elite committing numbers forward in the closing stages, Delfines head coach Jose Rodriguez made several late substitutions to shore up his side. The changes proved effective as the Dominican Republic club weathered the pressure and secured a disciplined 2–0 victory.

The win advances Delfines del Este FC to the quarterfinals, where they will face Curaçao's CVV Inter Willemstad on July 28.