_{Photo: Belize National Women’s Team}

by William Ysaguirre

BELMOPAN, Sun. July 14, 2024

The Belize national senior women’s football team, the Lady Jaguars, shared the victories, 1-1, with the Bermuda national women’s team in a 2-match friendly series at the Football Federation of Belize stadium in Belmopan last Thursday night and Sunday evening, July 11 and 14.

In Game 1 on Thursday, team captain Sabrina Eiley’s brace (52’ & 69’) led the Lady Jaguars to a 2-0 win over the visitors. Belize’s top CONCACAF goleadora Khalydia Velasquez, Mikayla Bowden, Roshany Narvaez and Ashley Rodriguez all got open looks at goal in the first half, but failed to find the back of the net.

Coach Wayne Casimiro has started young Abby Calvio playing on the wing, while veteran midfield general Jennisha Scott created the plays at centerfield. Bowden led the Jaguars’ defense with Tammy Baptist, Shadette Lino and Shante Chacon to shut down the visitors’ attacks and help goalkeeper Jasmin Armstrong keep a clean slate throughout.

In Game 2, Coach Casimiro started 16-year-old Elva Nunes in Calvio’s position on the wing, and veteran goalkeeper Idania Ramirez replaced Armstrong in the web. The Jaguars gave it their all but did not achieve the desired outcome, as Jya Ratteray-Smith (12’) and Victoria Davis (78’) found the back of the net for Bermuda to celebrate a 2-0 win.

The Lady Jaguars will continue their preparations for upcoming CONCACAF tournaments by playing other practice friendlies against Cuba in August.