Haiti, Cuba finish on high note

Haiti took care of Puerto Rico 2-0, with strikes from Adeine Saintilmond (16th minute) and Manoucheka Pierre-Louis (87th) to end with a maximum nine points from their three fixtures.

Cuba leap frogged Puerto Rico for the runners-up spot by trouncing Antigua/Barbuda 6-1.

Yezenia Martinez registered a hat-trick for Cuba (eighth, 11th and 64th), while Yoana Gonzalez (35th), Rachel Ellis (50th) and Maria Torres (75th) added one apiece. Kai Jacobs got a late consolation for Antigua/Barbuda in the 82nd.

On Thursday, Haiti whipped Cuba 3-0 with second-half goals from Fiorda Charles (52nd), Kimberly Boulos (75th) and Samantha Brand (86th).

And Puerto Rico demolished Antigua/Barbuda 8-0, with two goals apiece from Angiemar Felix (fifth and 18th) and Esmeralda Negron (21st and 71st), while Denisse Soltero (32nd), Carmen Reyes (36th), Marthaliz Taboas (84th) and Jacquelyne Guerra (90th) chipped in with one each.

Haiti and Cuba joined Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, carded for Mayaguez, Puerto Rico from July 17 to August 1.

Also, the quartet of teams, who participated in the Caribbean Qualifying stage, will advance to a Third Round series, from which the top three will advance to the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup which is scheduled for late October to early November at a venue yet to be determined.

Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the United States have already earned spots at the Gold Cup.

Teams –

HAITI: Kencia Marseille; Carmella Aristilde, Fiorda Charles, Frantecia Francois, Ednie Limage, Wisline Dolce, Adeline Saintilmond, Lovely Placide (Samantha Brand 43rd), Manoucheka Pierre-Louis, Sophia Batard, Kimberly Boulos.

PUERTO RICO: Julie Arroyo; Rocio Hernandez (capt), Marthaliz Taboas, Jacqueline Cruz, Natacha Garcia, Deysia Reyes, Alexandra Cardona (Monica Sanchez 60th), Jacquelyne Guerra, Denisse Soltero (Laura Suarez 29th), Esmeralda Negron (Franchellis Alvira 83rd), Angiemar Felix.

CUBA: Katherine Hidako; Yaimara Mena (Anay Lescaille 57th), Yutmila Rodriguez (capt), Sucel Leon (Yarisleidi Noro 46th), Marianela Chacon, Yezenia Martinez, Loraini More (Yudislelyi Hernandez 71st), Rachel Ellis, Maria Torres, Yisel Hanes, Yoana Gonzalez.

ANTIGUA/BARBUDA: Anik Jarvis; Lakeisha Samuel (Nola Hodge 15th), Kai Jacobs, Britney Jacobs, Argell London (Melissa Fletcher 67th), Heidi Thomas, Karen Warner, Kitanya Hughes (Shakima Benjamin 50th), Eta James (capt), Amelia Green, Shannell Henry.