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MY BEACH SOCCER 
El Salvador, Mexico, and the US won but Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago impress in victories
Bahamas win in up-and-down thriller
The 10-4 win for the Bahamas over Barbados looked to be a runaway, a tight match, a runaway the other direction, a close game, and then it turned out to be a comfortable win for the Rake and Scrape Boys. The Bahamas netted the first two goals before giving up the lead, only to earn it back, before pulling away in the second and third periods. Both sides showed extreme resiliency and will be tough-outs in their upcoming matches. The win gives the Bahamas the first points in the event and they will hold onto those going into their next match on Monday against Antigua and Barbuda. Barbados will be disappointed in how they finished but they were strong to begin the match and could have very well held onto the lead and they will build on this going forward against the USA on Monday.
The teams came out hungry for quick goals and the chance to make a strong opening statement. The Bahamas did that first, with two first period goals that could have very well broken the spirits of Barbados but the Bajan Pride answered with a goal of their own to pull the score back to 2-1. The equalizer soon followed and the high scoring affair was just getting started. Barbados continued their strong push and took the first lead, late in the frame, only to see the Rake and Scrape Boys level things at 3, going into the first break. The deadlock lasted only a few minutes into the middle frame when Bourne of Barbados scored his second goal to move the score to 4-3 for his side. The scoring onslaught continued with the teams exchanging goal after goal, and the lead switched hands once again with the Bahamas regaining a two goal cushion, leaving the score at 6-4 going into the last frame.
The Bahamas were not comfortable with only a two goal lead against the pesky Barbados side, so they pushed the tempo and really found their stride on the offensive end, bursting forward, which was nothing new to the game, but the difference was that they began to clamp down on defense and did not allow Barbados to climb back. With the game seemingly out of reach, the Bahamas turned to their defense and close out the game without allowing another goal and when the final whistle sounded, the Rake and Scrape Boys were up 10-4, setting the bar high for the upcoming matches.
Goals: 1-0: St Fleur, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Hanna, min. 8 (1); 2-1: Beckles, min. 7 (1); 2-2: Bourne, min. 5 (1); 2-3: Best, min. 2 (1); 3-3: Joseph, min. 1 (1); 3-4: Bourne, min. 7 (2); 4-4: Christie, min. 3 (2); 5-4: Jean, min. 2 (2); 6-4: Augustine, min. 0 (2); 7-4: King, min. 10 (3); 8-4: Mc Dougall, min. 9 (3); 9-4: Mc Dougall, min. 7 (3); 10-4: Augustine, min. 3 (3).
Trinidad and Tobago use big 3rd to overcome Guadalupe
The 8-4 win for Trinidad and Tobago over Guadalupe was a match that could very well have been a final in any other event. The teams played with so much heart and determination that the on looking teams were more than impressed. Guadalupe took the early lead, however, Trinidad and Tobago would have nothing to do with that, which actually became a theme throughout. The teams exchanged goals, one after the other, tying and taking the lead, but in the end, Trinidad and Tobago pulled away, proving to be too much. The win puts Trinidad and Tobago in first in their group, Group B, and they will want more wins, especially in their next match against Turks and Caicos Islands on Sunday. Guadalupe put forth a tremendous effort and will look to rebound against a fierce Mexico squad on Sunday.
Desperate for an opening match win and the leg up in the group, both Trinidad and Tobago and Guadalupe began firing shots at net early. The offensive strategy worked for both teams, first for Guadalupe when Clairon slotted home a shot on a very athletic diving kick. Trinidad and Tobago used power to capitalize on their early goal and the fast pace continued, albeit without another goal and the period ended tied at 1. The Soca Warriors took advantage of a slight crack in the Guadalupe defense to score first in the middle frame, giving them their first lead of the match at 2-1 early in the frame. The see-sawing continued as the Gwada Boys tied things again, this time at 2 goals apiece, late in the second 12 minutes and that is how the score would stay going into the last period.
Chances were aplenty in the opening minutes of the final frame as both teams threw caution to the wind as they wanted the victory and three points. The opportunities fell just short and going into the heart of the final period, there had been no more goals and the score sat at 2-2. The aggressiveness proved fruitful for Trinidad and Tobago as they scored their third of the match, and consequently, third from Woodley, to take the 3-2 lead. That lead lasted only seconds as Guadalupe netted another as well and the match headed into the final minutes tied at 3. Woodley was seemingly putting the team on his back when he scored his 4th of the day, but once again, Guadalupe answer, nearly immediately to level things at 4. The fifth and sixth goals from Woodley proved to be enough to propel the Soca Warriors to the 8-4 win.
Goals: 0-1: Clairon, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Woodley; min. 5 (1); 2-1: Woodley, min. 10 (2); 2-2: Hell, min. 2 (2); 3-2: Woodley, min. 9 (3); 3-3: Bourgeois, min. 8 (3); 4-3: Woodley, min. 7 (3); 4-4: Petit, min. 7 (3); 5-4: Woodley, min. 4 (3); 6-4: Hislop, min. 4 (3); 7-4: Woodley, min. 1 (3); 8-4: Stafford, min. 0 (3).
Jamaica smothers Puerto Rico for win and 3 points
The 7-3 win for Jamaica over Puerto Rico had flashes of greatness from both sides, offensively and defensively, but Jamaica was just too much for the Puerto Ricans. The two teams started out fast and alternated goals and blows, until late in the second period when Jamaica seemed to hit another gear and began hitting goals left and right, putting their opponents in too big a whole to climb out of. The win is great for Jamaica as they will need all the wins they can get, being in the same group as the hosts, El Salvador. Jamaica will play Belize on Sunday, while Puerto Rico will take on El Salvador, looking for their first win.
Every group in this event has tough teams and for that reason, every team wants to start quick and not have to worry as much in the latter half of the group stage, this game was no different as Jamaica and Puerto Rico both fought hard to get the elusive first goal, to gain confidence and a slight edge, but the Reggae Boyz were the first to do so. The 1-0 lead for Jamaica held until just past halfway through the frame, when Astondoa scored for the Blue Hurricanes to knot things at 1. The two sides exchanged late goals in the period and the opening 12 minutes ended tied at 2. The match held the same intensity but neither team had hit the back of the onion bag again, going into the final minutes of the middle frame, though some shots looked destined to hit pay dirt. Gold was struck on strike from Jamaica, which broke the tie and put the Jamaicans up 3-2. The Reggae Boyz were not finished and scored on a pinpoint header to put them up by two goals, at 4-2, and that is how the period would end.
The opening restart in the 3rd period proved disastrous for the Puerto Ricans as the kick slipped through everyone and pushed the Jamaican lead to 4-2. With everything to do, the Puerto Ricans spent much of the opening minutes of the final frame on the attack, but Jamaica was prepared and kept them off the board going into the middle of the period. The Puerto Ricans tried to mount a comeback, but right after they got a goal back, Jamaica would strike again, finally going ahead 7-3, which is exactly how the match would close out.
Goals: 1-0: Reid, min. 9 (1); 1-1: Astondoa, min. 5 (1); 2-1: Reid, min. 4 (1); 2-2: Gonzalez, min. 2 (1); 3-2: Benjamin, min. 4 (2); 4-2: Reid, min. 3 (2); 5-2: Reid, min. 11 (3); 6-2: Simpson, min. 7 (3); 6-3: Encarnacion, min. 4 (3); 7-3: Reid, min. 3 (3).
The US edges Antigua and Barbuda for opening win
The 4-1 win for the United States was not their prettiest performance but a win is a win is a win. Antigua and Barbuda kept things close throughout and were able to fluster the Americans and get them off their game plan. The USA eventually found their stride and pulled ahead, but the upset bid was not over and Antigua and Barbuda tied matters, but in a short time the Stars and Stripes regained their composure and went on to overpower the underdogs. The win gives the US their first points as they begin the trail back to the World Cup. The US will next play on Monday against Barbados. Antigua and Barbuda will face the Bahamas on Monday, with an eye on victory.
The United States started strong, controlling the ball and the attacks, but Antigua and Barbuda initially withstood the attacks and while they were not able to mount much of an offensive themselves, beach soccer is known to turn on its head from time to time, so staying within striking distance is all you can ask for. Antigua and Barbuda were more than close, they were level and the period progressed without a goal until the period officially wound down without a goal. The Yanks began the middle frame with a bang as Feld scored the games’ first goal to put the Stars and Stripes up 1-0. Much like the opening frame, the US stayed on the attacking side of the field but were unable to get more than the early goal and with the match half-way through, the Red, White, and Blue clung to the one goal lead. Antigua and Barbuda used a spectacular hustle play to tie things at one, but shortly after, the United States restored their one goal lead and maintained the 2-1 advantage going into the final period.
Much like how the second period began, the United States struck first and early in the final frame, pushing the lead to 3-1. The United States kept their foot on the pedal but they could not find any more goals, and when the middle of the frame rolled around, the score was still 3-1 for the Yanks. The USA scored again, this time late in the period, to push the lead to three goals, and were it not for some great saves, Antigua and Barbuda could have been down by much more byt when the final buzzer sounded, the US held on for the 4-1 victory.
Goals: 0-1: Feld, min. 11 (2); 1-1: Daniel, min. 4 (2); 1-2: Toth, min. 4 (2); 1-3: Valentine, min. 11 (3); 1-4: Perera, min. 1 (3).
Slow-start does not stop Mexico from rolling
The 8-3 win for Mexico over Turks and Caicos was not how the Mexicans would have liked to start, but in the end, they prevailed and showed why they are a favourite to advance far in this qualifier. The Tricolor started slow and allowed Turcs and Caicos to hang around but when push came to shove, the Mexicans were able to play the way they knew they could. Mexico keeps pace with Trinidad and Tobago in Group B and they will look forward to their next matchup against on Sunday against Guadalupe. Turks and Caicos played valiantly and can hold their heads high but they will need more than their pride for their next match against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.
In a day full of emotions, high-energy play, and a few surprises, the penultimate match of the day followed suit as the Turks and Caicos Islands fought the heavy favourites, Mexico, very tough in the opening minutes of the game. For all of the tough work from both sides, nothing was able to get past either keeper and the closing minutes of the opening frame were still scoreless. The Mexicans changed that in one last second shot that put the Tricolor up 1-0, just seconds before the first 12 minutes ended. T he Mexican National Selection were working their hardest to make some separation between them and their opponents and in the opening minute of the second period, they did just that, followed by another goal, to go up 3-0. Turks and Caicos had not been rewarded for their hard work until late in the frame when they nailed home a shot, after faking the keeper out of his box, leaving the score at 3-1 for the Mexicans. The Tricolor would add two more goals and finish the period up 5-1.
Turks Caicos Islands began the scoring in the final period and drew within three goals at 5-2. Mexico quickly replied and restored their four goal advantage, but Turks and Caicos were not ready to give up and they added another goal to their total, getting to within 6-3. The high-octane play was relentless but as time went on, it became evident that the Mexicans were growing stronger and the goals kept coming, with Mexico getting their lead to five goals, at 8-3. The Turks and Caicos Islands were unable to get any closer and the match ended with Mexico up by the same score, 8-3.
Goals: 0-1: Maldonado, min. 0 (1); 0-2: D. Rodriguez, min. 11 (2); 0-3: Gonazlez, min. 7 (2); 1-3: Cadet, min. 4 (2); 1-4: Gomez, min. 3 (2); 1-5: Pichardo, min. 0 (2); 2-5: Magny, min. 8 (3); 2-6: Rogriguez, min. 7 (3); 3-6: Guillaume, min. 6 (3); 3-7: Gonzalez, min. 4 (3); 3-8: Pichardo, min. 3 (3).
El Salvador dazzles in huge win
The 17-2 win for El Salvador was just as impressive as the score indicates. Not many teams are able to put up that many goals against anyone, let alone in a very competitive qualifier. Belize took the early chances and had a big push early, but they did not get the kind of success that they needed to make the match closer. El Salvador started fast, stayed fast, and closed out fast, as their speed and expertise were very evident throughout. The win was a perfect start to the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships El Salvador 2015 and the hosts will not need much more confidence going forward into their next match against Puerto Rico on Sunday. Belize will take a different approach in the upcoming Sunday showdown against Jamaica, though there will be much they can take away from this match.
Belize may have gotten the first shot of the match but the El Salvadorians drew off the energy of the crowd and quickly returned fire, the only difference was they scored on the shot and took the lead less than a minute into the match. Belize had their own fighting spirit but it did not match the Cuscatlecos energy and El Salvador quickly scored again on a perfect flick header from a beautiful cross to make the score 2-0. The hosts accelerated out of the gates and scored another three times to finish the period up 5-0. The scoring did not let up in the second period and even though the Jaguars got on the board, the El Salvadorian Selection were relentless, scoring another seven goals, taking a 12-1 lead into the final frame.
The hosts kept the pressure, not taking their foot off the gas they continued to take shots on goal and attack and control possession but the goals were not flowing like in the second period. The El Salvadorian goalie even got in on the scoring though and pushed the lead to 13-1 heading into the middle of the period. The fight was still there from the Belizeans but they could not catch many breaks, despite adding another goal, it was only a consolation as the match was well out of reach. When the final buzzer sounded, El Salvador had more than earned the 17-2 win.
Goals: 0-1: Henriquez, min. 11 (1); 0-2: Henriquez, min. 10 (1); 0-3: Robles, min. 1 (1); 0-4: Ramos, min. 1 (1); 0-5: Ruiz, min. 0 (1); 1-5: Cabral, min. 11 (2); 1-6: Henriquez, min. 11 (2); 1-7: Velasquez, min. 9 (2); 1-8: Velasquez, min. 8 (2); 1-9: Ruiz, min. 6 (2); 1-10: Robles, min. 5 (2); 1-11: Ramos, min. 3 (2); 1-12: Velasquez, min. 2 (2); 1-13: Velasquez, min. 1 (2); 1-13: H. Ramos, min. 8 (3); 2-13: King, min. 7 (3); 2-14: Ramos, min. 6 (3); 2-15: Velasquez, min. 5 (3); 2-16: Ramos, min. 0 (3); 2-17: Membreño, min. 0 (3).
CONCACAF BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS EL SALVADOR 2015 (FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP 2015 – CONCACAF QUALIFIER)
Results Today:
Saturday 28.03.15
14:00 – Bahamas 10-4 Barbados (Group C)
15:15 – Trinidad and Tobago 8-4 Guadalupe (Group B)
16:30 – Jamaica 7-3 Puerto Rico (Group A)
17:45 – Antigua and Barbuda 1-4 USA (Group C)
19:00 – Turks and Caicos Islands 3-8 Mexico (Group B)
20:15 – Belize 2-17 El Salvador (Group A)
Upcoming Matches:
Sunday 29.03.15
14:00 – Guatemala vs. Panama (Group D)
15:15 – Trinidad and Tobago vs. Turks and Caicos Islands (Group B)
16:30 – Mexico vs Guadalupe (Group B)
17:45 – El Salvador vs. Puerto Rico (Group A)
19:00 – Jamaica vs. Belize (Group A)
20:15 – US Virgin Islands vs. Costa Rica (Group D)
