Ja bounced 1-2 despite improved show
DESPITE their creditable showing in Game Two for the eighth and final spot in next year’s Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jamaica were edged 2-1 by Cuba at the Mona Astro Turf yesterday.
Kenia Alvarez Guerra slammed in a brace (21st and 53rd minutes) for Cuba to cruise into the 2011 Pan American Games, while vice-captain of the Lady Hummingbirds, Shakeela Elliott, scored the elusive goal in the 53rd minute.
After being overwhelmed by the Cubans in the first match where they were locked into their defensive third and whipped 3-0, Jamaica finally broke free of their restraints early in the first half of the second match for rare close-ups with their opponents’ goalkeeper Maribel Garcia Sanchez.
Building their attacks on the right, Cuba wasted no time in putting Jamaica’s outstanding goalkeeper and experienced Lorie-Ann McIntosh in action.
The home team’s midfielder Sharee Russell finally cracked out of her shell yesterday to display speed and skill, giving the Cubans a real threat.
Russell, who plays for local club Tropics, was particularly effective with her speed when the Cubans got their numerous short corners and on one occasion, she snatched the ball before the Cubans could even get a stick to it.
The home crowd was pleased when Chantal Russell played in Jamaica’s first corner, but the Cubans, semi-professional players who are either Physical Education teachers or university students, remained a step ahead of the Hummingbirds.
When Guerra put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute, Jamaica fought back. Her second goal in the 53rd was disputable, which a few spectators and Jamaica’s technical director pointed out.
When Elliott knocked in Jamaica’s goal in the 60th, the locals were encouraged, but the Cubans held firm.
Dr Holt noted that with six Under-17 girls, two 20-year-olds, and four players in their mid-20s, Jamaica’s team was preparing for the future with another two Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games ahead.
“We’re disappointed that we could not make the Pan American Games, but they are a young, under-exposed team, and with support they will go far,” she said.
“These girls have grown and the series have done them a tremendous good,” Dr Holt pointed out.
Jamaica play their third and final game today at 4:00 pm. But with Cuba winning both games already, the match is of academic interest only.