Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Women footballers missed out on a chance of gold medal but will have an opportunity of securing the bronze tomorrow when they face Venezuela following their 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica in the semi finals of the CAC Games in Barranquilla on Friday night.
T&T’s women gave a creditable performance and may have found themselves to be somewhat unfortunate in the encounter after falling behind to a dubious penalty call in the 32nd minute. Mexican referee Maria Gonzales ruled that Jenelle Cunningham tripped Gloriana Villalobos on her way to goal. Carol Sanchez put away the resulting penalty and Maria Porras punished T&T for a defensive mistake in added on time.
T&T had their fair moments on goal with Tasha St Louis missing a glorious opportunity to level the scores in the 78th minute when she ran on a to flick on header by Karyn Forbes, got past Sanches but sent her effort wide, hitting the turf and the ball on the attempt.
Mexico overcame Venezuela 3-1 in the other semi final match and will meet Costa Rica in the final with T&T taking on their neighbours from 5pm TT time.
“Not the result we were hoping for but far from a disappointing performance,” head coach Shabazz told TTFA Media. “I think our players demonstrated a desire and displayed a courage that is encouraging as we look ahead to the remainder of the CONCACAF qualifier and potential matches against the likes of Costa Rica and Mexico. Of course it was not a good feeling to come away with the loss but we took away some positives.
“We’ll regroup and give it our everything in an attempt to secure the bronze medal against Venezuela. Of more importance for us at this stage is having the opportunity to have two top matches which will serve us well in preparation for the qualifiers later this month,” Shabazz added.
Lineups
Costa Rica:
1. Maria Bermudez (GK), 2. Garbiela Guillen Alvarez, 4. Mariana Benavides, 6. Carol Sanchez Cruz, 8. Daniela Cruz Medias, 9. Maria P. Salas, 10. Gloriana de J. Villalobos (20. Mariela Campos Alfaro 87’), 13. Fabiola Villalobos (11. Maria P. Porras 82’), 14. Maria F. Barrantes, 15. Cristin Y. Granados, 16. Katherine M. Alvarado (captain)
Unused substitutes: 3. Maria P. Coto, 5. Hillary Corrales Solis, 12. Lixy Rodriguez Zamora, 17. Karia P. Villalobos, 18. Daniela Solera Vega
Coach: Amelia Valverde Villalobos
Trinidad and Tobago: 1. Kimika Forbes (GK), 3. Jenelle Cunningham (7. Jonelle Cato 85’), 4. Rhea Belgrave, 5. Arin King, 8. Patrice Superville (19. Aaliyah Prince 65’), 2. Ayana Russell, 16. Liana Hinds, 18. Naomi Guerra (14. Karyn Forbes 53’), 11. Janine Francois, 9. Mariah Shade, 10. Tasha St. Louis (captain)
Unused substitutes: 20. Saundra Baron (GK), 6. Natasha St. Louis, 12. Summer Arjoon, 13. Natisha John, 15. Kedie Johnson, 17. Afiyah Cornwall
Coach: Jamaal Shabazz
Goals:
Carol Cruz Sanchez (CRC) 33’(penalty), María Porras (CRC) 90'+4
Yellow Cards:
Tasha St. Louis (TTO) 48', Aaliyah Prince (TTO) 71', Mariah Shade (TTO) 87'
Match Officials
Referee: Francia Maria GONZALEZ (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Lidia A. AYALA DE CUELLAR (ESA)
Assistant Referee 2: Melissa Katherine SNEDDEN (CAN)
Fourth Official: Sandra L. BENITEZ ARTEAGA (ESA)
Match Commissioner: Sarah Jennifer POWERY (CAY)
SOURCE: ttfootball.org