MIAMI. - The Road to the W Gold Cup got underway with four encounters in League B on Wednesday. Suriname, Honduras and El Salvador earned important road results, while Antigua and Barbuda stood as the lone team that successfully defended its home field.
The victories put Suriname and El Salvador as leaders in Groups A and B, respectively. Antigua and Barbuda and Honduras are right on their heels, however, with only goal difference separating them from the top spot after the first matchday.
Dominica vs. Suriname
Suriname were victorious away from home with a 4-0 victory over Dominica at the Windsor Park Sport Stadium in Roseau, Dominica.
Stekkinger Shamaira scored the first goal of the Road to W Gold Cup tournament seven minutes into this encounter thanks to a second chance opportunity. The attack originated on a breakaway from Katoucha Patra, but goalkeeper Celia Gregoire put pressure on the forward to force an initial miss off the woodwork.
Gregoire, who finished the day with 12 saves, made several stops during the rest of the first half to keep the scoreline within reach with a one-goal deficit.
Andaya Lantveld broke through on the scoreline in the 50’ with a rocket from the right side of field into the far netting for a 2-0 lead.
Katoucha Patra made it a three-goal lead with a header in the 56’ as Suriname made use of a corner kick opportunity.
Orthea Riley joined the scoring in the 73’ with a brilliant individual play to secure the three points for the visitors.
Antigua and Barbuda vs. Guyana
Antigua and Barbuda took a 2-1 victory at home against Guyana at the ABFA Technical Center in Piggotts, Antigua and Barbuda.
Gabrielle De Suza scored in the 13’ to put the home side up after she pounced on a turnover and struck at the edge of the penalty arc.
De Suza made it two on the day in the 51’ after jumping on another defensive lapse and converting for an extended lead on the scoreboard.
Brianne Desa cut the deficit down for Guyana with a conversion from the penalty spot in the 62’ after Jalade Trim was tripped inside the box, but Antigua and Barbuda hung on for the win.
Martinique vs. Honduras
Honduras won 2-0 against Martinique at the Pierre-Aliker Stadium in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The home side were close to scoring first when Eve Hieu struck towards goal on a corner kick in the 6’, but Honduras goalkeeper Sherrie Arzu was privy to it and collected the save.
Lesbia Puerto attempted a spectacular play of her own and scored from long range in the 7’ to put the visitors in front.
Arzu was wise again to a long range hit form Martinique, this time putting a stop to a free kick from Aurelie Rouge.
Puerto attempted from long range again, this time on the left side of the midfield but was not going to get past goalkeeper Rene-Corail Mirella a second time.
The second half would bring a brace for Lesbia Puerto who extended the lead in the 52’ thanks to an intercepted ball in midfield by Riccy Hernandez, a scoreline that would stand as Honduras starts its campaign with three points.
Nicaragua vs. El Salvador
El Salvador earned a 3-0 win against Nicaragua at the National Football Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua.
The opening goal came from a penalty after Danielle Fuentes was brought down in the box prior to the 20’ mark. Brenda Ceren converted in the 21’ with a strike to the bottom left corner for the lead.
Danya Gutierrez doubled the lead with an individual moment where she outpaced the goalkeeper in the 32’ minute.
Samaria Gomez continued El Salvador’s potent attack in the 66’ with a left-footed shot into goal. Ceren provided the assist with a through pass to find Gomez behind the defense.
Nicaragua generated promising opportunities, including one in the 71’ as Diana Lopez nearly cut the deficit, but Salvadoran goalkeeper Idalia Serrano was key in keeping the clean sheet.
