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2021 Concacaf Gold Cup… Stephen Duke McKenna’s first half brace leads ‘Golden Jaguars’ to 3-1 win over Miami Dade FC in closed door warm up match
’Golden Jaguar’ Jobe Caesar seeks to contain this Miami Dade FC players closely watched by Keanu Marsh-Brown. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Golden Jaguar’ Stephen Duke-McKenna (in red top) scores from the spot to pull Guyana level, 1-1 against Miami Dade FC on Saturday afternoon. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Omari Glasgow scores Guyana’s third goal against Miami Dade FC in the second half. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Kaieteur News –
By Franklin Wilson in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida compliments of the GFF
As preparations continue for Guyana’s 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelim clash against Guatemala on Saturday, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ got the better of Miami Dade Football Club 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at The Gardens North County District Park Soccer Field here in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida USA.
Featuring a number of Brazilian, Colombian, Italian, USA players as well as Guyanese player Bevan Baker, the United Premier Soccer League club provided much needed competitive match work out for the Guyanese team in times when matches of this nature are very difficult to come by owing to the ongoing covid-19 world crisis.
The match also saw Head Coach Márcio Máximo and his Technical team using all their players to ensure everyone got in some valuable competitive match time. Another match is set for today at the same venue which will see players, especially the potential starting X1 for Guatemala getting more time in the middle.
Saturday’s match, which kicked off in heavy rain, saw the ‘Golden Jaguars’ giving up the lead early as had been the case in their four FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying matches but as the match matured, the Jaguars became more confident and gradually took control of proceedings.
Forward Emery Welshman was brought down in the box which offered Guyana the chance to draw level after being awarded a penalty for that infringement. Stephen Duke McKenna was tasked with the opportunity to take the kick and he calmly struck the ball past the goalkeeper to tie the score at 1-1.
As the Guyana team continued to move the ball around, enjoying the higher percentage of possession, Duke McKenna took the spotlight once again when he brilliantly worked his way close to the Miami Dade FC goal and with two defenders and the goalie to beat, his shot evaded both defenders and the goalie’s outstretched hand to hand Guyana the lead, 2-1.
When the half time whistle was sounded, the score remained unchanged. Both Guyana and their opponent fielded a new eleven for the second half but it was the ‘Golden Jaguars’ which continued to grow in confidence.
Many opportunities were created but were not capitalised on in the final third. However, baby of the team, Omari Glasgow ensured that at least another goal came Guyana’s as he squeezed a shot past the full stretched custodian to increase the advantage by two goals, 3-1. That’s turned out to be the final score.
Head Coach Máximo informed that their pre-game objective was achieved from the match underscoring that the result was not the main focus even though a win is always good.
“Our main objective was to give the opportunity to be observed, to improve our tactical system, our variations were the main areas of focus in this warm up match. I saw the high effort of all players as each one wanted to execute what we would have been doing at the training sessions, in and out of the classroom.”
The GFF came in for high praise for pulling out all the stops to ensure that this match was organised as well as the other which will take place today at the same venue.
“We understand also that this is a process, it’s impossible that in the first warm up game we will get everything correct. There are areas that we see where we need to improve but I think generally, we are going in the correct way.”
The camp to date has been going very well Máximo declared, noting that the quality of the field is very good and the environment which gives the team the relevant conditions to improve and do well.
“I am particularly happy when I see the young players, local and overseas showing how confident they are having been given the opportunity to play, I see real commitment. We just have to be patient and understanding that they will come through and make themselves and this nation proud. I am grateful for what I see, we are in the correct way.”
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