Bajans progress in Brooklyn

THE Barbados/USA men’s football team are into the quarter-finals of the Digicel Caribbean/USA Cup after defeating Antigua 1-0 last weekend at the Jefferson High School Playing Field, in Brooklyn, New York.The goal came in the 21st minute. After the Antiguan defence had partially cleared a corner kick, Donovan Lavine drove the ball back into the penalty area, finding the feet of the in-form Ricky Barnes who slammed home.Barbados’ joy soon turned to sorrow when goalkeeper André Griffith was red-carded for a tame tackle on one of the Antiguan forwards. Skipper Theo Griffith replaced his brother in goal and did a commendable job.Despite being a man down, Barbados still continued to take the fight to Antigua, and created several opportunities, but poor finishing and sometimes outstanding goalkeeping by the Antiguan goalie maintained the 1-0 scoreline.The game was a rather physical affair, and the referee sought to keep a firm grip. He showed patience on many occasions, opting not to hand out any cards. However, his patience finally ran out and he issued national midfielder Jeffrey Williams his marching orders for apparently violent conduct toward an opponent.Barbados will meet Guyana on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. (ROG)