CARSON, California – Both Guyana and Haiti suffered defeats to miss out on the group stage of the Women’s Gold Cup.
Playing at the Dignity Health Sports Park here Saturday, both sides suffered 1-0 losses to Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico respectively.
Guyana put up stiff resistance in their encounter before being sunk by Kathrynn González’s 55th minute strike while Haiti went down to a 41st minute goal from Jillienne Aguilera.
The Dominican Republic will now do battle in Group A alongside hosts United States, Mexico and Argentina while Puerto Rico will compete with Panama, and CONMEBOL invitees Brazil and Argentina, in Group B.
Twelve teams will compete across three groups in the Women’s Gold Cup runs from February 20 to March 10.
Guyana made a fist of it in the first half, goalkeeper Chante Sandiford snuffing out a chance from defender Brianne Reed in the ninth minute and Shanice Alfred then coming close for the Caribbean Football Union side in the 17th.
Gonzalez then opened the scoring following a corner, Jaylen Vallecillo winning the ball on the left side of the box and teeing up her teammate for a superb 22-yard volley.
Meanwhile, Haiti had chances to open the scoring inside the first half-hour when Shwendesky Joseph and captain Nerilia Mondesir both came close.
They were made to pay for their wastefulness when Danielle Julia Marcano was fouled in the area and Jillienne Aguilera converted from the penalty spot.
