U-17 Girls beat St Vincent in ‘Jewels” Final
U-17 Girls beat St Vincent in ‘Jewels” Final
A double from prolfiic goalscorer Orielle Martin did the job for Trinidad and Tobago’s U-17 Women’s team as they captred the to the Jewels of the Caribbean Girls Under-17 Invitational tournament title with a 2-0 victory over St Vincent and the Grenadines at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima on Wednesday.
A penalty in the 23rd minute nd a goal in second-half stoppage time was enough to steer T&T to the crown.
T&T coach Ayanna Russell was elated, saying, “I feel very happy and proud of these girls. They worked hard and tirelessly every game and it was well deserved.”
T&T were the stronger team throughout with more possession and looked more menacing in attack.
Martin was the orchestrater in the midfield as many of T&T’s attacking plays began through her.
T&T looked more likely to take the lead in the opening minutes, but the St Vincent defence stood firm.
Following a corner kick, TT won a penalty and Martin converted to give the home team the lead in the 23rd minute. Shortly after, striker J’Eleisha Alexander had a quality chance. She ran onto a through ball but with only St Vincent goal-keeper G-Riesa Joseph to beat, she did not get the power and the save was easily made.
St Vincent had their moments during the match, but led by centre back Kaitlyn Darwent and goalkeeper Mikaela Yearwood, TT held firm.
The match was a physical one in the first half with both teams committing fouls and battling hard to earn possession.
Early in the second half, Alexander was put through on goal but fired a tame effort which was easily saved by Joseph.
St Vincent had a rare chance to get on the score sheet via Meiya Wilson’s free kick, from 20 yards out, but it went well wide.
However, the small but appreciative crowd had another moment to celebrate before the final whistle. Following a short corner, Martin dribbled past a defender and shot past Joseph from a tight angle to make it 2-0.
Martin was awarded the MVP award in a closing ceremony following the final. Before the final at the same venue, Grenada defeated T&T B (President’s XI) team 3-0 courtesy of a hattrick from Abigail Williams.
Trinidad and Tobago : 21.Mikaela Yearwood (GK); 14.Cherine Steele, 5.Anastasia O’Brien (captain), 2.Kaitlyn Darwent, 20.Kimora Mitchell; 4.Danna Pacheco, 6.Cherina Steele; 8.Madison Campbell, 10.Orielle Martin, 7.Rasheda Archer; 9.J’Eleisha Alexander.
Substitutes: 1.Maya Figgener (GK), 11.Mariah Williams, 12.Tashana Hackett, 15.Kanika Rodriguez, 16.Ty’Kaiya Dennis, 19.Daneelyah Salandy.
Head Coach: Ayana Russell
St Vincent and the Grenadines : 21.G-Riesa Joseph (GK); 5.Rebekah Audain-John, 3.Kelisha Bowens (captain), 15.Azumi Quow, 2.Carmel Myers; 3.Kelisha Bowens; 7.Neveaeh Richards, 8.Leiona Barrow, 10.Meiya Wilson, 12.Cherish La Borde; 16.Vinesha Johnson.
Substitutes: 1.Rhea Thompson (GK), 4.Sheronique Joseph, 9.Emalia James, 11.Kacy Browne, 14.Davion James, 17.Stephanie Hunte.
Head Coach: Andrew Bramble
Referee: Cecile Hinds
