The Dominican Republic took a step forward in its efforts to finish as the first-place team in Group C of League B with a 7-1 victory over Barbados in the Road to W Gold Cup tournament at the Wildey Astro Turf Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Mia Asenjo opened the scoring in the 21’ by connecting with a pass over the top to beat Barbados GK Rhea Holder.
Acacia Small equalized for Barbados 1-1 in the 32’ after stripping the defense and dribbling through the middle of the field to finish with a lobbed attempt from outside the box.
Asenjo regained the lead for the Dominican Republic in the 33’ after connecting with another ball over the top, this time putting a header to goal.
Lucia Marte added a third for the visitors in the 48’ with a strike at the left post from a Kathrynn Gonzalez cross.
Alyssa Oviedo supplied a fourth for Dominican Republic in the 68’ with a right-footed shot inside the box. Gonzalez then got on the board in the 77’ on a free kick hit with enough force to get past the goalkeeper.
Winibian Peralta extended the gap in the 82’ by putting the finishing touch on a build-up through the right flank by Jazmin Jackson. Holder got a hand to the attempt, but was unable to keep it from crossing the goal line.
Marte completed her brace in the 87’ with a curling free kick to add the exclamation point and keep the Dominican Republic in the race for first place.
The Dominican Republic and Bermuda will meet in the final matchday in what may be the group decider on Tuesday. The Dominican Republic improves to 12 points while Bermuda has 10, with one match in hand.
