Local Lady Jags stun Suriname 2-1

USA and locals to play mixed match today at Blairmont ground

By Franklin Wilson in Linden
Against all the odds yesterday afternoon, the local based Lady Jaguar’s defeated Suriname’s National side 2-1 in the final match of the Goodwill series which also included Guyana’s USA based team that won the tournament with two wins in as many matches, the local side taking the runner up position with one win and a loss to the USA team.
The local Lady Jags came with a purpose and a plan and they executed accordingly despite losing their first game.
Suriname eased into the lead after only 8 minutes of action when Jennifer Buyne shot from close range beating goalkeeper Leoni Robinson at the near post.
But the local ladies never buried their heads in the sand and kept pressing forward and defending when needed. The Guyanese were rewarded just before the break when the hard working Alicia Williams banged her shot past Suriname’s custodian Nathalie Adang in the 45th minute.
The second half saw both teams going at each other and it was indeed a bruising half, the local side kept up the pressure, their determined and positive attitude keeping them in the hunt. Both sides came close to scoring the go ahead goal but it was the Guyanese who did it at the death.
Lethem based Lauriann Toney daughter of former National Coach Paul James saw the Suriname keeper off her line in the 90th minute and with excellent precession from just over the half way line, lobbed a well taken shot into the back of the nets.
The USA based ladies were very supportive of their local counterparts as they encouraged them through the game.
Commenting on the performance of his charges after the game, Coach Wayne Dover said they did well and he was happy that they stuck to the game plan. “We worked with them with regards to thinking and being positive and it worked out well. Suriname no doubt is a well prepared team but our girls stuck to the task well.”
An elated Technical Director Mark Rodrigues stated that he was very proud of the team and their achievement.
“Today I feel very proud and happy to see Guyana defeating Suriname, both teams did it and I am very proud of that. The ladies played well and did what they had to do, they were persistent and positive.”
Both local teams will be in action again this afternoon when they play as a mixed unit at the Blairmont ground.
“The coaches will have another chance to look at the players before we sit down and pick the Guyana squad which will be announced shortly.”
The other Coaches in the programme here are Chris Brown, Tony De Rosario and Rohan Naraine.