Posted on January 21, 2012
By Michael Lewis
TropiGol.com Editor
VANCOUVER — Wendy Acosta connected for a brace early in the second half to boost Costa Rica to a 2-0 victory over Haiti as the Ticas booked a spot in the semifinals of the CONCACAF women’s Olympic qualifying tournament at BC Place on Saturday night.
The Ticas (2-0) clinched a spot in Friday’s semifinals, most likely against either the United States or Mexico.
The Haitians (0-2) were eliminated.
The Central Americans face Canada (2-0), 2-0 winners in the nightcap of the doubleheader, for first place.
“It’s part of our goal,” Costa Rica coach Karla Aleman said. “They are the hosts but we are prepared. We played them at the Pan American Games and the team played well. This game doesn’t have to be the exception.”
Aleman is realistic about her team’s chances of going to London this summer.
“There are four teams: The U.S., Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica,” she said. “Now we are here, we will fight for the ticket.”
Acosta was the Costa Ricans’ ticket on Saturday night as she struck within a seven-minute span early in the second half. She latched onto a pass from Carolina Venegas and from the edge of the penalty arc, sent an arching shot into the upper left corner past goalkeeper Geralda Saintilus in the 49th minute.
The San Jose, Costa Rica native scored from much closer range in the 57th minute. After a poor clearance by a Haitian defender, Acosta headed the ball home for a two-goal advantage.
“It was a tough game, but the help of my team — that’s the way I score,” she said. “I think the first goal was nice. The second was kind of a scramble and I just fought for the ball.”
Acosta has three goals in two games, having found the back of the net in the 2-0 win over Cuba on Thursday night.
The Ticas had the better scoring opportunities in a scoreless first half, forcing Saintilus to deny the Central
Americans twice.
Roselord Borgella had the best two chances within a matter of seconds in the 29th minute. She fired a shot that Saintilus kicked away. The rebound went straight to Borgella, whose second attempt wound up just wide right.
Carolina Venegas headed the ball on net in the 33rd minute, but Saintilus managed to flip out of harm’s way.
“Haiti is tough,” Aleman said. “They fight and battle. There were a lot of tough tackles. Luckily we got a few
breaks and the girls were able to solve the match. The win gives us the opportunity to continue to believe and to reach the final.”
The Haitians’ best opportunity came in the 67th minute. Sophia Batard launched her shot over the net as
goalkeeper Julieth Arias came out of the net to cut down the angle on the right side. Batard placed her head in her hands in disbelief.
“They played a really great game today,,” Haiti coach Ronald Luxieux said. “Unfortunately in the second half they were a little tired and they let it go a bit. The first goal really affected us and I felt the team really looked down after that and kind of lost their spirits.”
Categories: Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Olympic Qualifying, Women
Tags: CONCACAF women's Olympic qualifying tournament, Wendy Acosta
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