MIAMI. - Guyana took over first place in Group A, while Martinique earned its first victory as the Road to the 2024 W Gold Cup resumed with three League B encounters on Wednesday.
Dominica also earned its first point of the season with a draw against Antigua and Barbuda. Four goalkeepers came away with a clean sheet, as defense was on display on the third matchday.
Dominica vs. Antigua and Barbuda
Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda played to a scoreless draw at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
The visitors were nearly off to a dream start in the 5’ as a cross into the box was on its way into goal from Kevoncia James, but Dominica GK Celia Gregoire grasped the ball to deny the opportunity.
James set up another dangerous opportunity in the 12’, but Donesha Samuel did not get her preferred hit on the ball to keep the scoreline level.
Antigua and Barbuda goalkeeper Anik Jarvis came up with a crucial save in the 27’ to halt a one-on-one opportunity from Le-Myah Forde. One minute later, Jarvis delivered back-to-back saves as Dominica could taste the lead.
Ajahna Martin then tested Gregoire from a distance in the 54’ but the goalkeepers would continue to star into the second half.
Jarvis registered 10 saves and the clean sheet to help Dominica earn its first point of the tournament. Gregoire ended the day with six saves to help Antigua and Barbuda gain an away point and stay within striking distance of first place.
Suriname vs. Guyana
Guyana earned a 1-0 victory over Suriname to move to the top of Group A at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Both goalkeepers were asked to make timely saves early on. Suriname GK Mayra Tjin A Koeng made one of her three critical saves in the 18’, as Stefanie Kouzas looked primed to score from a through ball.
On the other end, Chante Sandiford got her hands to divert a dangerous attempt in the 29’ in what was one of her four saves on the night.
Shanice Alferd broke through for the only goal of the night in the 41’ by connecting with a cross into the box from Jalade Trim.
Suriname’s attacking front tried to turn up the heat in the second half, as Andaya Lantveld had one of her team’s best opportunities in the 55’, but Sandiford provided little room to work with and the woodwork did the rest.
The encounter was decided by the minimal difference as Guyana overtakes Suriname, on goal difference, for the first place in the group.
Martinique vs. Nicaragua
Martinique earned its first victory of the tournament with a 1-0 result over Nicaragua at the Pierre-Aliker Municipal Stadium in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Maeva Salomon struck from distance as soon as the 1’, forcing Nicaragua goalkeeper Angela Gutierrez to get a hand on it as the ball bounced off the woodwork.
Mylaine Tarrieu continued the menacing start from Martinique with an attempt in the 11’ that went just wide of the mark.
Nicaragua’s Nuria Marquez dribbled into the box in the 28’ but her final touch was deflected by the stretched foot of Emmeline Mainguy.
Ludmila Gaydu pounced inside the box for the opening goal in the 43’, taking advantage of Gutierrez diving to punch away another attempt a few seconds prior.
Salomon continued to threaten with attempts on goal and service to her teammates, with a 68’ attempt from distance going just wide.
Nicaragua never gave up searching for the equalizer as Niurka Molina had opportunities on goal in the 87’ and 90’, but Mainguy maintained the clean sheet.
