Provo, Turks and Caicos,
After going down in defeat to the Cayman Islands highly ranked squad on Thursday, the Bahamas Women’s National team took to the field on Sunday determined to prove they belonged in the Women’s Festival and to also send a message that their first match was one of unbridled nerves.
Led by Head Coach Cherlindria Thompson, the squad focused their efforts on their two days off and came back with a vengeance against the host, Turks and Caicos , with a 5-2 victory in the featured match. Buoyed by their home supporters, the Bahamas Team dug in and took control of the match. In the 14th minute Janeka Edey scored the opening goal. With momentum now in our favour, Asia Williams added a second goal in the 22 minute.
Going into the half with a 2-0 lead, the Bahamas rued the number of missed opportunities and knew this trend had to be reversed. In the 61st minute, Janeka Edey added to her account with her second score. This saw the Turks squad double their efforts and finally they got on the scoreboard. Irener Moline scored in the 76th minute. With goal difference coming into play , the Bahamas had to increase their total goals and Kenyonique Thompson finally found the back of the net in the 80th minute. Erline Dorastin of Turks and Caicos punched in a goal in the 84th minute which meant the Bahamas had to score before the final whistle in order to restore goal difference advantage in the standings.
In extra time, the youngest player on the squad, 15 year old Alexis Williamson scored in extra time to restore our advantage and propel us to the gold medal match on Monday , Emancipation day , against The Cayman Islands. A match the team actually wants.
Congratulations to the Women’s National Team on their successful return to international competition after a 25 year absence.
