Trinidad and Tobago U15s thump Guatemala, place third in Concacaf Girls League B

Trinidad and Tobago Under-15s thumped Guatemala 3-0 on August 11 to finish third in the Concacaf Girls' Championship League B at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) congratulated the team for their achievement.

In the final, at the same venue, Honduras beat Dominican Republic 1-0.

US-based winger Sanni Wilson, who gave the Guatemalans a torrid time with her dribbling and speed, fired TT ahead in the 12th minute with a curling effort. Wilson surged past three Guatemalan players down the left before finding the back of the net with a precise shot to the far corner.

Jayda Herbert made it 2-0 in the 45th with a powerful finish that left the goalie no chance. Herbert received the ball on the left and used some nifty footwork to elude two defenders before rifling a shot to the near post.

Mikalah Guerero put the icing on the cake in the 63rd with a scorching freekick.

National coach Marlon Charles hailed the resilience of the team, noting that half of the team was sick with a virus. "Overall, I'm so proud of these ladies because they could battle when things aren't so good," he said.

Wilson, whose father is Trinidadian, grew up in New York but recently moved to Florida. In an interview with TTFA media, she said she has been playing football since she was five and plays regularly against boys.

She said she enjoyed playing for TT and described it as a great experience. "I think we did really well considering we just entered the tournament and was our first time playing as a team," she said.

Herbert said she was elated to get on the scoresheet.

"I feel so good scoring for my country. I was waiting a long time to score. All the other games I was rushing it, but today it actually came." Herbert dedicated the goal to her mother, sister and one of her friends, Jassim.

Guerero, who hails from Moruga, praised God for the victory and thanked her mother for helping her chase her dream. She said if the team stays together they would qualify for a World Cup.

In a media release, TTFA president Kieron Edwards said, "This victory against a formidable Central American opponent speaks volumes about the talent, discipline, and hard work that these young athletes have dedicated to their craft. It also highlights the significant progress they have made throughout the tournament.

"We are incredibly proud of the fight, resilience, and determination that the team has displayed on the pitch. Their commitment to representing our nation with pride and passion has been truly inspiring."

Edwards said the performance reflects the potential and promise of the youth football programme.

He pledged the TTFA's continued support for the young footballers.

"Once again, congratulations to the entire team, coaching staff, and everyone who played a part in this incredible journey. Your success is our nation's pride," Edwards added.