COUVA, Trinidad (July 24, 2026) — United States Virgin Islands debutants Helenites SC booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 CFU Club Shield with a commanding 3-0 victory over St. Paul's FC of St. Kitts and Nevis on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Helenites asserted themselves from the opening whistle and nearly took the lead in the opening minutes when Malachi Daniel broke through the St. Paul's defense, but his attempted pass to Jaden McKree was cleared to safety.

The USVI side continued to threaten as Cade Winchester connected with a pinpoint cross from Ander-Evenson Pierre, only to be denied by an outstanding point-blank save from goalkeeper Uzal Hodge. Moments later, Hassan Elsayed came within inches of opening the scoring, rattling the base of the post with a powerful long-range effort.

After dominating possession throughout the opening half, Helenites finally found the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Spotting Hodge off his line, Pierre produced a perfectly weighted chip that sailed into the net to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead at the interval.

Helenites carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute. McKree finished off a well-worked move with a composed close-range finish following slick midfield build-up play.

Just four minutes later, Alejandro Harper effectively sealed the contest with a superbly struck free kick that found the back of the net to make it 3-0.

With a comfortable lead, Helenites controlled possession and limited St. Paul's attacking opportunities. Substitute goalkeeper Rhagjeeme Bergan preserved the clean sheet with an excellent fingertip save in the 80th minute to deny Aidan DeGannes, whose left-footed strike appeared destined for the corner.

The organized Helenites defense comfortably dealt with the remainder of St. Paul's attacks to secure an impressive victory and a place in the knockout stage.

Helenites SC will now face Haiti's Baltimore Sportif Club in the Round of 16 on July 26 at Larry Gomes Stadium.