Outrigger Challenge Cup

2025 Arkansas

Springdale, Arkansas, USA — August 13–16, 2025

Historic Debut

The Marshall Islands made their historic debut in international soccer at the four-team Outrigger Challenge Cup held in Springdale, Arkansas from August 13–16, 2025. This tournament marked the moment "the last country in the world without a football team" finally arrived on the international stage.

Match Reports

August 13 — US Virgin Islands vs Turks & Caicos Islands

1–1 (USVI 5–4 on pens)

The US Virgin Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands opened the tournament with a closely contested draw, settled by penalty shootout in favour of the Dashing Eagles.

August 14 — Marshall Islands vs US Virgin Islands

0–4

The Marshall Islands faced the US Virgin Islands in their historic debut. The Dashing Eagles dominated, winning 4–0. Rakeem Joseph scored a hat-trick, becoming the USVI's all-time top scorer. Gabriel Catone-Highfield added the fourth goal with 10 minutes remaining. Despite the scoreline, the result was "largely immaterial" — the Marshall Islands had competed against an established FIFA nation for the first time in history.

August 14 — Turks & Caicos Islands vs Ozark United U19

3–3 (TCI 5–4 on pens)

Ozark United led 2–0 at halftime through Aukele Paikuli-Campbell (penalty, 15') and Wyatt Marksberry (23'). Turks & Caicos mounted a second-half comeback — Junior Paul (65'), Keniel Clervil (75'), and Paul again before Paikuli-Campbell equalised at 90 minutes. TCI took the win on penalties.

August 16 — Marshall Islands vs Turks & Caicos Islands

2–3

The Marshall Islands created history by scoring their first-ever international goal. After falling 2–0 down within 24 minutes, Josiah Blanton scored on 27 minutes following an Aaron Anitok-Brokken assist — a moment that "sparked bedlam amongst the Marshallese players, management, and supporters" and entered Marshallese folklore. Anitok-Brokken added a second from the penalty spot on 72 minutes, but the Marshall Islands fell 3–2. Clervil's 32nd-minute goal proved decisive.

August 16 — Final: US Virgin Islands vs Ozark United U19

4–2

The US Virgin Islands lifted the trophy with a 4–2 win. Paikuli-Campbell opened from the spot (8'). Naquan Henry and Rakeem Joseph restored the lead before halftime. Paikuli-Campbell pulled one back (58') before Matthew Roth and Connor Bass sealed the victory.

Awards

WinnerUS Virgin Islands
Runner-upTurks & Caicos Islands
Golden BootRakeem Joseph — 4 goals (US Virgin Islands)
First RMI GoalJosiah Blanton, 27' vs Turks & Caicos (Aug 16)

Top Scorers

4Rakeem Joseph (USVI) · Aukele Paikuli-Campbell (Ozark U19) · Junior Paul (TCI)
3Keniel Clervil (TCI)
1Aaron Anitok-Brokken · Josiah Blanton (RMI) and others

Participating Nations

  • US Virgin Islands
  • Turks & Caicos Islands
  • Marshall Islands
  • Ozark United U19

Looking Ahead

The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation aims to achieve OFC or AFC membership, leading to FIFA acceptance for men's and women's teams by 2030. Ticket sales from this tournament generated nearly $4,000 for Springdale High School's soccer program.

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