Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – In an impressive display of determination, Martinique secured their spot in the group stage of the Gold Cup tournament with a convincing 2-0 win against Puerto Rico.

Martinique came out of the tunnel with their attacking prowess dominating Puerto Rico. Just three minutes into the game, Puerto Rico's goalkeeper Joel Serrano was already busy making saves from Patrick Bruner's right-footer shot inside the penalty area.

Puerto Rico displayed one last effort before the half. Gerald Diaz sliced a shot to the far post, but Martinique's goalkeeper Yannis Clementia lounged to tip it out.

After Martinique dominated Puerto Rico at the half with the ball possession at 53% and eight shots against two, they kept the pressure up in the second half.

In the 52nd minute, they breached El Huracan Azul's defense with a cross that Brighton Labeau flicked headed to the back of the net for his second goal in the tournament.

In the 67th minute, Puerto Rico almost got a break from Martinique's defender Jonathan Rivierez who incidentally deviated the ball with his head toward his own goal that his goalkeeper had to dive for and deflect it off target.

Puerto Rico got their best opportunity in the 82nd minute from a left-wing cross when Diaz inside the six-yard box failed to make accurate contact with the ball to direct it into the goal.

Puerto Rico downsized to 10 men in the 85th minute after Juan O'Neill received a red card. El Huracan Azul, desperate in the last minute, had everyone pushed forward, including Serrano, for a corner attempt waiting on a hail mary but failed.

They could not weather the storm, and Martinique put them away with a second goal. Kevin Fortune took off with the ball as Serrano struggled to get back, sealing the victory for Martinique.

Martinique will mark their eighth appearance in the Gold Cup group stage, making it their fourth consecutive qualification.

They joined Group C alongside Costa Rica, Panama and will play El Salvador on June 26, 6:30 p.m.

2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Brighton Labeau, Kevin Fortune, Andy Labeau, Jonathan Rivierz, Joel Serrano, Yannis Clementia, Gasner Delvarin Jr., Sports Action Rundown