In the opening match of today’s doubleheader at 4 p.m., Cuba meet St Kitts-Nevis for third spot and also the third Caribbean qualifying spot for January’s CONCACAF Final Round competition in Guatemala.
On Friday night, T&T followed up on their opening 6-0 win over St Kitts-Nevis (Wednesday night) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Cubans to move to a maximum six points. Meanwhile, after edging Cuba 1-0 on the opening night, Jamaica also moved to six points despite making hard work of beating St Kitts-Nevis 2-0 on Friday.
With a vastly superior goal-average, T&T need just a draw to be crowned Caribbean champions, but head-coach Jamaal Shabazz expects a tough match from the Jamaicans, who swept the T&T girls in a two-match series in Jamaica three months ago.
Since then, the Soca Princess have significantly improved, and have also added four foreign-based players, including England-born striker Karissa Rodney to the squad.
’The Jamaica match will be by far our most difficult match because of the history between the teams,’ Shabazz declared. ’But we want it so bad.’
On Friday night, T&T had a super start and got their two goals in the opening 11 minutes, before Cuba fought back. Captain Mariah Shade led from the front by putting the Soca Princesses ahead in the seventh minute when she intercepted a speculative, long-range shot from American-born left-back Taylor Mims, and finished with a low shot from inside the penalty area. It was a great goal.
But just four minutes later, Rodney had an even better second goal. When Shade sent the ball over the top to her, Rodney chipped Cuban keeper Katerine Hidalgo for a wonderful strike.
And there was plenty entertainment otherwise for the local crowd, who lustily applauded Mims when she produced a dribble which sent Cuban Lorraine Moré running the wrong way More T&T goals looked certain, but they did not come, surprising even Shabazz.
’I thought the flood gates would have opened then,’ the T&T coach declared. ’But I think the Cuban team produced a tremendous effort. Also we didn’t maintain our defensive effort, especially in midfield. And given more space, they were able to exploit it with the skill they have.’
Cuba were firmly back in the match in the 39th when Marianela Chacon burst clear on the left. For once T&T defender Tiana Bateau was out of position, and when goalie Kamika Forbes appeared to rush out wildly to the left edge of her penalty area, Chacon was able to roll the ball into the open goal.
In the second half, New York-based American-born striker Candice Seaton came on for T&T and added some punch to the attack. But the Soca Princess could not add to their goal tally.
’Generally, we did not defend well in midfield, but the back four stood solid for most of the match,’ Shabazz said. ’It was just once that they were able to break through the flank, and the keeper (Forbes) was a bit slow off her line. Other than that, she had a tremendous match.’
He added: ’I think it was an ugly win, but our girls showed grit and determination against a skillful and organised Cuban team. We are still grappling with the new way which our Director of Football Even Pellerud wants the team to play. But we will attempt to get it together against Jamaica.’
Teams
Trinidad & Tobago: - Kimika Forbes; Camille Borneo, Tiana Bateau, Iyesha Ollivierre (Natasha St Louis 67th), Rhea Belgrave, Taylor Mims, Karyn Forbes, Kayla Taylor, Kamile De Gale (Kareena Seaton 56th), Karissa Rodney (Candace Seaton 73rd), Mariah Shade (capt).
Cuba: - Lucylena Martinez; Yamara Lopez, Anay Bombu, Marianela Morales, Jessica Pupo, Yaremi Fuentes, Rachel Pelaez, Maria Perez (Yoana Calderon 78th), Yaima Hernandez, Lorainis Cruz, Yelenia Gallardo.
Referee: Dianne Ferreira-James (Guyana).
Venue: Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna.
Attendance: 300.
Group Standings:
GP W D L F A D PTS
Trinidad & Tobago 2 2 0 0 8 1 +7 6
Jamaica 2 2 0 0 3 0 +3 6
Cuba 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0
St. Kitts & Nevis 2 0 0 2 0 8 -8 0