Unlucky start for Cayman in CONCACAF W Championship

From a controversial loss at home against the Dominican Republic, to losing 6-0 against Bermuda; the Cayman Islands women’s national football team has endured a kick of bad luck in the CONCACAF W Championship thus far.  

First, the Cayman women welcomed the Dominican Republic at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, to play their first Group C match on February 19^th, which the local ladies lost 0-4.  

While the Dominican Republic no doubt were the favorites entering the match, Cayman held their own until referee Crystal Sobers’ issued a red card to Cayman’s Tamoy Phillips who committed a professional foul in the penalty box.  

Sobers indicated that Phillips was the last opposing defender standing between Cayman’s keeper Ericia Burke and the goal when the foul was committed, resulting in the red card being shown and a penalty kick.

Several hundred fans in attendance echoed the Truman Bodden Sports Complex with boos, in disapproval with the decision that ultimately change the course of the game.  

With one player down, Cayman took a second blow after Manuela Lareo of the Dominican Republic capitalised on the penalty, putting her team a goal up.  

The Dominican Republic would go on to score three more times in the 40^th, 66^th and 74^th minute. 

Four days later, Cayman travelled to Florida for their second match in the CONCACAF W Championship. They faced off against Bermuda at the IMG Academy Stadium where they lost 6-0, lessening their chances to advance to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Bermuda’s LeiLanni Nesbeth scored eight minutes into the match. Teammate Nia Christopher made the score 4-0 after a hat trick, (25th, 40th and 55^th).

Keunna Dill scored goal number five goal in the 66th minute, followed by Nesbeth during added time, to close the game 6-0. 

Cayman is scheduled to face Grenada in their third match of the women’s World Cup qualifiers on April 6th.