Cayman’s dream was to finish third in the Women’s Under-20 CONCACAF tournament behind the champions USA and mighty Mexico and reach the World Cup finals in the summer, but their hopes were crushed by Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday night.
Having lost 6-0 to Mexico in their opening Group B game at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Friday, victory against the Trinidadians was imperative to reach the semifinals, but within two minutes of the start, that ambition looked unlikely to see fruition.
The Soca Princesses went ahead through Shanisa Camejo before Jetena Bodden’s own goal put them 2-0 up 17 minutes into the match. Khadidra Debesette headed the Trinidadians three up just before half-time and Anique Walker sealed the 4-0 win after the interval.
The Trinidadians joined Mexico and United States into the semis. Monday night’s game between Jamaica and Costa Rica decided the other semifinal berth. In Monday’s other Group A match, USA played Guatemala.
Cayman’s hopes were high going into the tournament and with home advantage had every reason to expect success, but catastrophic starts – due more to nerves than inability – led to their downfall.
Against Mexico, they were two down so quickly against one of the region’s best sides, it was always going to be incredibly tough.
Overall, Cayman did not play too badly in both games. Those early setbacks were too hard to overcome against older, more seasoned sides used to international football. This tournament runs every two years and many of Cayman’s players will be eligible for the next two stagings.
Cayman is one of the youngest and least experienced teams of the eight in the tournament. Nerves played a major part but at least they had plenty to be positive about under new head coach Joe Supe.
Cayman skipper Brianna Hydes showed great fighting qualities, Amanda Nelson was solid in defense, goalkeeper Kristina Seymour rarely made a mistake despite conceding 10, and youngsters like Shanai Allen, Amanda Frederick and Chelsea Green got some invaluable experience.
Sole striker Shanelle Frederick must have impressed the scouts who were watching with her busy, physical style, and Nicole Whittaker worked tirelessly in midfield to make things happen.
Cayman women’s football technical director Marcos Tinoco said, “We started against Trinidad with two 14-year-olds in Chelsea Green and Amanda Frederick and four other players were only 16 years old.
“Mexico are one of the top six sides in the world but we only conceded twice in the final 60 minutes after such a poor start.
“The general public has been very understanding and have come out in big numbers to support us, which we are grateful for. Our average age is only 16 and many of our players will be able to play in this tournament two more times.” She added, “These are the positives we have to take from the games. Against Honduras, who are the Central American champions, we will both be playing for pride. They are a young, skilful side too and although they were heavily defeated by Mexico still scored so we must be careful.”
In the earlier game, Mexico crushed Honduras 10-1. Jazmin Aguas and second-half substitute Tanya Samarzich both notched hat-tricks as they strolled to victory. The other Mexican scorers were Cynthia Pineda, an Amanda Perez brace and Briana Campos converted a penalty.
The best goal of the game came from Seidy Zapata, who struck a sweet shot from 30 yards that flew past keeper Esthefanny Barreras and gave the huge Honduran contingent at the Truman Bodden some consolation.
The Mexicans conclude group play on Tuesday against Trinidad at 5 p.m., while Honduras meets Cayman in the 7:30 p.m. game.
Entry to all matches throughout the tournament is free.
Having lost 6-0 to Mexico in their opening Group B game at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Friday, victory against the Trinidadians was imperative to reach the semifinals, but within two minutes of the start that ambition looked unlikely to see fruition.
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Cayman is one of the youngest and least experienced teams of the eight in the tournament.
I’m hoping that these few comments will be taken in the spirit in which they are intended to be and have been made in, which is the improvement of the standard of football in both Cayman … and Jamaica.
What Mr. Webb is doing in bringing the age-limit regional championships to Cayman is commendable and has great financial and marketing value for the islands … only if it ultimately helps to improve football standards; otherwise it will be a short-term gain only.
I mention Jamaica because football standards in Jamaica has slipped badly under Mr. Burrell’s stewardship since my playing days in Jamaica.
They have certainly not improved in Cayman under Mr. Webb’s stewardship either.
As someone who has the privilege of watching Premiership and Championship matches at stadiums in the UK due to work, I know the standard of football required at the very highest level, first hand.
The entire Caribbean is far off the pace at the moment.
I’m sincerely hoping that the football leadership in both Cayman and Jamaica can take the lessons learned in these last two world-class tournaments held in Cayman and use it to get the standard of football in both countries heading in the right direction.
Results on the football field do not lie and excuses are not acceptable at the highest level of the game.
The leadership of CONCACAF is a blessing that can be used to great advantage and I hope to see that advantage evidenced on the field of play in both Jamaica and Cayman in the coming years.