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The Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Senior Team are Caribbean champions again, as the “Women Soca Warriors” defeated Puerto Rico 1-0 tonight in the final game of the regional 2016 Olympic qualifying round at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Looking on is Puerto Rico goalkeeper Karly Gustafson.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
United States-based utility player Karyn “Bibi” Forbes decided the affair with a close range blast in the 24th minute.
Puerto Rico did fashion a few opportunities and substitute Annie Lee Mendez came closest, as her effort in the 61st minute was pushed on to the bar by Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kimika Forbes, who is also sister of the goal scorer.
By and large, it was a much more comfortable game for the W/Warriors than their extra time 2-1 semifinal win over Jamaica on Wednesday. Incidentally, Jamaica were eliminated this evening as Guyana sealed the third qualifying berth for the CONCACAF phase with a surprise 1-0 win over the “Reggae Girlz.”
But, whereas Trinidad and Tobago needed a heroic performance from Kimika to squeeze into the final, Puerto Rico, as well organised as they were, lacked Jamaica’s offensive bite.
Trinidad and Tobago coach Anthony Creece partnered Lauryn Hutchinson with captain Arin King in central defence and the pair restricted Puerto Rico to long range efforts, which offered little more than catching practice for their custodian.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
In attack, winger Ahkeela Mollon looked to be closer to her menacing best down the right flank while Tasha St Louis and Karyn took turns in charging the opposing penalty area to receive her crosses.
Karyn should have doubled the W/Warriors’ advantage in the 50th minute but, with time and space, she blasted overbar from just eight yards out.
Trinidad and Tobago might have regretted that error in the 61st minute as Puerto Rico finally got a clear sight on goal.
Hutchinson was caught trying to play Mendez offside and the Puerto Rican substitute ran on to a slipped pass from midfielder Laura Suarez. But Mendez watched in horror as her shot deflected off Kimika’s leg and rebounded into play off the bar.
The hosts had another opportunity to get an insurance goal in the 77th minute, as St Louis collected a Mollon cross but failed to beat opposing goalkeeper Karly Gustafson with a shot on the turn.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
And then, in the 85th minute, Puerto Rico got another gilt-edged chance. Trinidad and Tobago left back Danielle Blair, who has been a revelation throughout the competition, was caught napping as substitute Selimar Pagan flew past her to run on to another Suarez pass.
For about 20 yards, Pagan ran unattended towards the Trinidad and Tobago penalty area. Then, distracted by the burly frame of the W/Warriors custodian, she shot wide of the far post.
The Puerto Rico attacker dropped the ground and stared into the heavens.
And Trinidad and Tobago, despite disastrous preparation and internal issues that deprived them of captain Maylee Attin-Johnson and star attacker Kennya “Yaya” Cordner, ruled the Caribbean again.
There was no trophy, medals or fizzy drinks to celebrate with, so the Women Warriors danced and emptied water bottles on each other instead.
They will now take a short break before resuming training to prepare for a glamour exhibition match with the United States on December 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii. CONCACAF competition will follow early next February.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Time will tell if coach Randy Waldrum, Attin-Johnson and Cordner—among others—will be back for that.
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 1.Kimika Forbes (GK); 13.Annalis Cummings, 20.Lauryn Hutchinson, 5.Arin King (captain), 2.Danielle Blair; 8.Naomie Guerra (15.Victoria Swift 64), 6.Khadidra Debesette; 12.Ahkeela Mollon, 14.Karyn Forbes, 19.Chevonne John (11.Janine Francois 63); 10.Tasha St Louis.
Unused substitutes: 17.Nicolette Craig (GK), 3.Melissa Woo Ling, 4.Daniella Findley, 7.Dernelle Mascall, 9.Sharain Cummings.
Unavailable: 18.Tenesha Palmer (GK), 16.Jo-Marie Lewis.
Coach: Anthony Creece
Puerto Rico (4-2-3-1): 1.Karly Gustafson (GK); 17.Adriana Font, 14.Ashley Marie Rivera, 7.Delyaliz Rosario Amber (captain), 4.Jacqueline Marie Cruz; 20.Britanny Cruz, 10.Laura Suarez; 16.Alejandra Carrion (11.Annie Lee Mendez 46), 19.Stephanie Colon (18.Nicole Rodriguez 46), 6.Scout Benson (8.Selimar Pagan 64); 9.Karina Socarras,
Unused substitutes: 13.Sandra Rolon (GK), 2.Franchelies Alvira, 3.Nashila Class, 5.Noella Reyes, 12.Antonella Monreal.
Coach: Garabet Avedessian
Referee: Annia Navarrete (Cuba)
Player of the Match: Arin King (Trinidad and Tobago)
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Caribbean Olympic qualifier final
(Friday November 20)
Trinidad and Tobago 1 (Karyn Forbes 24), Puerto Rico 0 at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Third Place Play Off
Guyana 2, Jamaica 1 at Ato Boldon Stadium.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
At every level we should be ruling the Caribbean level
But that comes with proper planning and implementation eh. We don’t have a divine right to trophies.
A revamp sistem firstly at selection of national coaches then a philosophy then prosper structure planing and implementation
Hey guys that is great news. Just wish the ladies didn’t have to be under so much pressure off the field that their captain MAJ is not on the team
Where is Maylee
Great job baby
congrats
Congrats, On to the next round.
Well done Soca Princesses. Maybe you might get some funding now. When is that election again??
November 29
Can’t come soon enough. Hope we’re finally rid of that idiot and i’m being kind.
Congrats ladies. Keep the flag flying high. ???
Congrats to all of you!
Congrats to all of you!
The crowd – I am rubbing my eyes as if ah blind; all dressed in blue? The crowd factor, or the “twelfth” man factor needs serious improvement.
Keeping the slate clean. Good job, ladies.
I think Danielle Blair had a good game at left back
Yes. She caught my eye against Jamaica. She is a good addition. And our backline will get even stronger when Rhea Belgrave returns.
yea her tackling was really good she got my M.O.M… Arin is jus too good
Way to go, ladies!
Congrats ladies
Well done ladies. Hoping that you get some home support financially and otherwise. Again well done.
Good show – Congrats!!!