Guyana USA school local counterparts in opening Friendly 5-0

Dec 18, 2009 Sports

Goal scorers from left, Mariam el-Masri, Ashley Savona, Ashley Rodrigues, Kaithlyn Wong-You

Intriguing battle against Suriname on this afternoon at Enmore

By Franklin Wilson
Guyana USA led by a second half double from Ashley Rodrigues schooled their local counterparts when the sides clashed yesterday afternoon at the Guyana National Stadium, providence in the first match of the three game friendly series which also features Suriname.
The USA based lasses dominated the local based team from the first whistle with goal number one scored on the first run down (37 seconds), 18 year-old Marian el-Masri’s shot from the right side beating goalkeeper Ronetta Albert.
Thereafter, the USA team controlled the game at will playing a forceful and controlled game. They used the width of the field very well keeping their shape in attack and defence. Ashlee Savona (17 year-old) doubled the lead in the 22nd minute as the first half ended 2-0.
With the sole aim of putting together a strong and competitive Guyanese team for next year’s World Cup and Olympic qualifying competitions, running changes were being used by the teams while the USA team made about 8 changes in the first half, the local side opted not to make any.
The local ladies looked a bit more purposeful in the second half but still were unable to get things together as they would have liked.

Goal scorers from left, Mariam el-Masri, Ashley Savona, Ashley Rodrigues, Kaithlyn Wong-You

The local Captain, Tricia Munroe enjoyed a solid game in defence and were it not for her solid play, the score line could have easily been more.
Ashley Rodrigues increased the lead 11 minutes into the half and three minutes later, the 21 year-old tucked in her second of the game. Kaitlyn Wong-You netted the 5th goal of the game in the 84th minute. Both teams made changes regularly during the second half.
Two of the local keepers (Ronette Albert & Leoni Robinson) were substituted due to injuries sustained during the game but head coach Wayne Dover said that both players should be fit and ready for tomorrow’s encounter against Suriname at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Commenting on the performance of the local team, Dover said they came with the intention of playing competitive football but his charges fell apart from the start and never recovered pointing out that the USA team was superior in every department.
“Technically and tactically they were better than us and a sound side. Our girls lacked cohesion and did not display any angles in defence or attack.”
Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation Women’s Programme, USA based Mark Rodrigues in summing up the performance of the USA girls said that it was poorer than he expected noting that the girls are a talented bunch.
“I know they could have done better. They had a mere two sessions to prepare as a unit and will do so with more time. They will be a much better side against Suriname in their next game.”
Commenting on the performance of the local girls, Rodrigues said the technical ability of the US team did not allow the locals to do their thing. “From the inception our plan was to play a high pressure game going forward and that we did. But going forward I think that Guyana female programme is in good shape.”
Rodrigues stated that in preparing for the qualifying games, the squad would have to come together very early highlighting that the level can be significantly higher.
Guyana USA will face Suriname from 16:00hrs at the Enmore ground from 16:00hrs this afternoon.