Dominica defeats the Dominican Republic 1 - 0 advances
Dominica came out of the lion’s den with their cup dreams still alive after they defeated hosts Dominican Republic by a single goal and progressed to the second stage of the Digicel Cup for the first time in their history.
With both teams having comprehensively beaten minnows BVI in the past week, the two teams came into the match with plenty of shooting practice and attracted a large crowd expecting yet another goal fest. With the home fans buoying on the Dominican Republic, the hosts went close on 28 minutes when 5 goal sensation Batista, the top scorer in the Digicel Cup to date, came close with a diving header after meeting an inch perfect cross from Peralta on the right. Navarro was denied just before half time after a superb finger tip save from Price in the Dominica goal sent the boisterous crowd into a frenzy.
Dominica’s game plan remained constant with coach Hector reiterating the tactics to his troops at half time with the away side showing a solid well organized defence. The opening goal came on 71 minutes when centre half Elmond Derrick rose unchallenged at the back post to power home his header from a well flighted corner kick.
Knowing a draw would suffice the Dom Rep threw caution to the wind and but for some heroic last ditch defending by Austrie and Christopher, not to mention a strong of top class saves from keeper and man of the match Prince, they would have surely scored.
Despite coach Hernandez bringing in Mariano and switching formation to a more attacking three four three, the home side could not overcome a stubborn defence which meant the home crowd had to go home disappointed and remain satisfied with breaking the history books after their incredible victory over the BVI last Thursday .
Dominica now progress to Group G where they will take on Antigua, Cuba and Suriname in Antigua commencing on November 10th .
Dominican Republic.- 12 Odalis Baez, 4 Cesar Garcia, 2 Joan Cruz (17 Ramon Mariano 76 mins), 3 Rafael Ramirez, 5 Orlando Belén, 8 Kelvin Severino, 19 Gonzalo Frechilla (11 Eric Ozuna 53 mins), 7 Inoel Navarro (14 Francisco Jimenez 64 mins), 15 Omar Reynoso, 10 Darling Batista, 13 Domingo Peralta.
Coach: Domingo Hernandez
Dominica.- 1 Glenson Price, 2 Prince Austrie, 3 Elmond Derrick, 6 Colin Bernard, 19 Rashid Bertrand (7 Wayne George 44 mins), 16 Chad Bertrand, 17 Carly Christopher, 15 Kelrick Walter, 10 Mitchel Joseph ( 13 Donald Javier 30 mins) (18 Cheston Dangleben 71 mins), 11 Kurlson Benjamin, 9 Lester Langlais.
Coach: Kirt Hector.
