Guatemala, Dominican Republic impress to start W Qualifiers

MIAMI, Florida – Both Guatemala and Dominican Republic enjoyed prolific days in front of goal, as 2022 Concacaf W Qualifying got started with action in all six groups.

Guatemala began the day in Group B with a bang, as two players bagged braces in a 9-0 win over US Virgin Islands. 

Leslie Ramirez (25’, 43’) and Andrea Alvarez (44’, 50’) each had two goals, while Elisa Texaj (56’), Aisha Solorzano (66’), Maria Monterroso (70’), Vivian Herrera (79’) and a Taylor Crawford own goal (49’) rounded out the scoring for the Chapines.

Cuba grabbed the first three points in Group E with a 3-0 triumph over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Yeranis Lee turning in a Gianna Borrego cross in the 19’ and Laura Moreno’s long-range strike in the 35’ gave Cuba a 2-0 lead at halftime. Rachel Pelaez then put the victory on ice in the 74’ by scoring off a pass from Maria Perez.

Mara Rodriguez notched a hat trick to help power El Salvador to a commanding 6-0 win over Belize to open Group D. 

After Yoselyn Lopez tallied the first score in the 4’, Rodriguez took over with goals in the 23’, 45+1’ and 67’. Brenda Ceren chipped in with a goal in the 55’ and Karen Reyes finished things off in the 75’.

Puerto Rico collected the first points of Group A with a 4-0 win against Antigua and Barbuda. Cristina Torres (15’, 45’) and Laura Suarez (22’, 51’) each had a brace for the Boricuas.

The Dominican Republic showed off their scoring prowess with a 9-0 triumph against Grenada to kick off Group C. 

Leading the way was Alyssa Oviedo, who had a hat trick (4’, 12’, 52’), and was complemented by a brace from Manuela Lareo (9’, 68’). 

Also supplying scores for the home side was Daphne Heyaime (6’), Vanessa Kara (49’), Winifer Santa (81’) and Angelina Vargas (86’).

The day was then capped by Guyana’s 4-0 win over Dominica in Group F. Shanice Alfred got the Lady Jaguars going early in the 17’ with a spectacular right-footed shot for a goal. 

Annalisa Vincent (26’), Sydney Cummings (35’) and Brianne Desa (64’) then got in on the action with scores to complete the final scoreline.