Costa Rica dominates in opening win against Cuban side

Costa Rica defeated Cuba 2- 0 in a dominant performance Thursday night to open play in the CONCACAF women’s Olympic soccer qualifying tournament at BC Place. Costa Rica controlled the early play and scored in the 12th minute when loosely marked midfielder Saudy Rosales took a pass from Carolina Venegas and beat Cuban goalkeeper Lucylena Martinez with a low shot from six yards out. The scoring play was set up by a long through pass from defender Marianne Ugalde. Cuba missed a great chance to tie the match eight minutes later when forward Yesenia Gallardo had an open goal with Costa Rican goalkeeper Julieth Arias out of position but Ugalde blocked her close- in shot. Costa Rican winger Wendy Acosta made it 2- 0 early in the second half after she was sent through on a Mariela Campos pass and buried a high left- footed shot from 10 yards. Gallardo, Cuba’s only real scoring threat, missed another chance in the 59th minute when she won a loose ball in the Costa Rican box and fired a low shot that was blocked by an Arias leg save.