The Cayman Islands had a painful start in the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship opener on Friday but nevertheless showed admirable fighting spirit and learned enormously from the experience.
Cayman conceded six times to the mighty Mexico in their opening Group B game at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex before a supportive crowd of around 3,000.
Cayman is one of the youngest and least experienced sides in the competition, but in typical fashion has a strong desire to perform well in front of the home fans.
More than $5 million was spent by the Cayman Islands government on improving the facilities at the Truman Bodden stadium and general preparation for the tournament, which was awarded here by Jeffrey Webb, president of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, and a Caymanian businessman.
Mexico’s Tanya Samarzich did most of the damage, hitting a hat-trick within the first 35 minutes in their 6-0 victory. Paloma Zermeno scored twice for Mexico and Amanda Perez got the other.
Cayman was four down at half-time, and to their credit, they battled hard after the interval and showed tremendous heart under the leadership of captain Brianna Hydes and the combative attitude of lone striker Shanelle Frederick.
Amanda Nelson was defiant for Cayman in defense and goalkeeper Kristina Seymour made some crucial saves to frustrate the Mexicans at times.
Going into Sunday night’s matches, Mexico headed Group B on goal difference over Trinidad & Tobago, who beat Honduras 2-0 earlier in the evening.
The tournament started on Thursday night with Jamaica drawing 0-0 with Guatemala and defending champions USA beating Costa Rica 6-0.
On Saturday, Costa Rica beat Guatemala 5-1 and the U.S. confirmed its status as champions with a comfortable 3-0 win over Jamaica in front of another large crowd, this time near to capacity of 3,500.
The U.S. became the first team to seal a semifinal place with a game to spare thanks to the Jamaica win. Savannah Jordan, team captain Andi Sullivan, who hit a penalty, and McKenzie Meehan got the goals for the Americans.
Mexico played Honduras and Cayman met Trinidad and Tobago in Sunday night’s concluding Group B games.
Jamaica takes on Costa Rica at 5 p.m. on Monday before the U.S.s face Guatemala at 7.30 p.m. in the final Group A matches.
Cayman’s final Group B match is on Tuesday against Honduras, at 7.30 p.m. The earlier game features the Trinidadians against Mexico.
The Americans won for the 12th straight time against the Reggae Girlz, a record. Jamaica have been heavily supported in their two matches. They must beat Costa Rica to advance.
All matches at the Truman Bodden field are free entry in a competition watched by millions on Fox Sports and streamed online.
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