CHICAGO, United States (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors produced a rapid first-half burst to stun Guatemala and run out 3-1 winners in their opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup here Thursday.Sheldon Bateau, Cordell Cato and Joevin Jones all netted inside the first 25 minutes to propel the Caribbean side to a 3-0 lead at halftime in the Group C opener at Soldier Field, and Carlos Ruiz’s second-half strike was but a mere consolation for the Central Americans.
In the feature game of the double-header, Mexico put six past a hapless Cuba without getting a response, with Oribe Peralta smashing in a hat-trick, and Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado and Giovani dos Santos getting the other goals.
The results left T&T and Mexico on top the group with three points each, ahead of their second games in Phoenix tomorrow.
Entering their first game on the backs of several disappointing results in friendly internationals, T&T showed no signs of lethargy as they quickly got on top the Guatemalans.
Bateau put them ahead in the tenth minute, converting Khaleem Hyland’s corner in off the post and T&T doubled their lead three minutes later when Cato capitalised on a mix-up in the Guatemala defence to punch the ball into an open net.
T&T went three-up in the 25th minute through Jones who combined with captain and namesake, Kenwyne Jones, and then Cato, before hitting a rebound past goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez.
With the game virtually over as a contest at halftime, Guatemala came out still fighting in the second half and were able to pull one back.
In the 61st minute, Ruiz controlled a pass in the area with his chest before blasting a volley past goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.
Guatemala went close on a couple occasions late on but T&T managed to hold firm and preserve the scoreline.
Tomorrow, T&T will take on Cuba while Mexico face Guatemala.