DR needle Lady Jags for Gold Cup group spot

It was heartbreak in Carson, California for Guyana’s senior women’s national team, the Lady Jaguars as they came up short on their CONCACAF Gold Cup match against the Dominican Republic.
Playing for a chance to make it into the group stage, the Dominican Republic managed to needle the local team 1-0; sealing their spot in Group A with the USA, Mexico, and Argentina.
Head Coach Omar Khan opted for a starting XI that read Captain and goalkeeper Chante Sandiford, Anya Tribune, Brianne Desa, Kristen Bettencourt, Otesha Charles, Shanice Alfred, Annalisa Vincent, Jalade Trim, Jenea Knight, Stephanie Kouzas, and Rylee Traicoff.
The match at the Dignity Health Sports Complex began with high intensity as the Dominicans fought relentlessly to maintain possession consistently.
The first real test the Guyanese team faced came in the sixth minute, when a breakdown of their defence meant Sandiford would have to go to work early.
Then, three minutes later, a set piece from the corner and a subsequent header sent Sandiford to work again; her second save in a matter of minutes.
The Dominican Republic outfit continued to test the mettle of the Guyanese, as they maintained possession and locked down Guyana’s front three.
Guyana’s first shot on target came around the 30th minute, as Alfred sent a shot across from the corner of the box, but there was little for the Dominican Republic keeper to do as the ball connected with the outside of the net.
Minutes later, Trim has a sure opportunity receiving a pass right in the box, with just one defender on her back. However, Trim could not get the shot off on time, missing out on the scoring chance.
The first half ended with the Lady Jags being able to hold off their opponents for a 0-0 scoreline.
In the second, the Lady Jags found more rhythm, but again were unable to pierce the Dominican Republic defence.
Then, in the 55th minute, it all fell apart for the Lady Jags, when a Dominican Republic set piece resulted in the eventual winning goal. Though the Guyanese defended well and Charles got a touch to get the ball out of the danger zone, DR’s Jalen Vallecillo won possession from Charles and sent it out of the box, where Kathrynn González was waiting to return the shot into the corner of the goal.
Later on, Alfred had an opportunity to level the score, but, like Trim in the first segment, she could not complete the turn and shot.
Eventually, the time would expire with the Lady Jags coming up short against their opponents and missing out on the group spot.
Hence, the Dominican Republic advance to Group A with the USA, Mexico and Argentina.