It was jubilation time for the senior national women’s football team as they registered their first win of the 2022 Concacaf W Qualifiers with an impressive 3-1 victory over Aruba last night at the San Cristobal, Estadio Panamericano, in Santo Domingo.
Prolific striker Soraya Toppin-Herbert struck a goal as early as the fourth minute as the Lady Tridents looked the more dominant side throughout the match. Player of the match Rianna Cyrus brought a next-level energy to the attack as she accounted for a goal in the 34th minute while substitute Cheyanna Burnett- Griffith added to the score sheet in the 90th minute to put the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
Credit to Cyrus who was really on the ball and presented plenty problems for Aruba’s defence with four shots at the target that were denied and two corner kicks that caused anxious moments for the Arubans. This performance certainly would have pleased coach Mario Harte as the Barbados team have worked very hard towards qualification for the 2023 FIFA World Cup to be played jointly in Australia and New Zealand.
It was a much better showing from Tridents, given they were beaten 5-0 last week against leaders of Group D, Panama.
Toppin-Herbert continued to lead by example as one of the senior members of the team. Wearing the number 19 jersey, Toppin-Herbert stole possession from Aruban defender Chameral Luitjes just outside the 18-yard box and easily dribbled towards the goal where she produced a very well composed shot that was slotted past Aruba’s plus size goalkeeper Lyxienne Loopstok.
The Bajan ladies were superb to watch also in the midfield as Toppin-Herbert, Cyrus, Tiffany White and Ashanee Thompson all ensured Aruba felt their presence.
Those four created several eye-catching build-up plays that put pressure on Aruba‘s defenders. Toppin- Herbert positioned in front of the box almost accounted for her second goal of the night but narrowly missed out on a header from a ball curled in from the right by White in the 26th minute.
However, with a great level of persistence, the Lady Tridents secured their second goal of the night when Aruba goalkeeper Loopstok came off her mark and brought down Makela Alleyne. Center referee Carly Shaw- McClaren wasted no time pointing to the spot for a penalty and Cyrus with a powerfully struck effort made it 2-0 in the 34th minute.
It was a great start to the opening half for the Barbados team wearing yellow as they took the early momentum. In the second half, the Lady Tridents managed to create even more opportunities but they failed to convert those into goals to extend the lead.
Instead, it was Aruba that pulled one back in the 68th-minute compliments Vanessa Susanna off a lovely square ball. Barbados’ defenders and goalkeeper Kamillah Burke, wearing the captain’s armband, were unable to do anything about that piece of good play.
At this stage, another goal for Lady Tridents was needed to take some pressure off, given that Aruba could have possibly equalized at any point in time during the second half. Toppin- Herbert and fellow attackers Cyrus and White toiled in search of another goal as they did well to keep the ball in their attacking third.
Eventually, goal number three came in the 90th-minute credit to Alexandra trio – Thompson with the initial long pass to Cyrus who produced brilliant footwork inside the box as she sent a top-notch pass to Burnett-Griffith whose sliding shot was worth the celebration that ensued.
It was a great move from coach Harte to bring on Burnett-Griffith in the 77th minute in place of Tiana Bynoe who must be commended for her earlier efforts in the game.
Five minutes of stoppage time was signalled and Lady Tridents did well to ensure that they emerged victorious on the night with three very well-earned points.
The Bajan ladies however face a great obstacle ahead as they are expected to travel in April to El Salvador where they will play the Central American side in the ongoing qualifiers.
So far, all teams in Group D have played two matches with Panama top of the table along with El Salvador leading with six points. Barbados have three and Belize have yet to get off the mark. A goal difference of one (13-12) separates Panama and El Salvador.
[email protected]
Read our ePaper. Fast. Factual. Free.
Sign up and stay up to date with Barbados’ FREE latest news.
Source link
