Dominican Republic claimed 5^th place at the Central American and Caribbean Games (Men) when they beat Jamaica 2-0 in a penalty shootout following the teams’ 2-2 draw at the end full time.

Jamaica’s Kemar MITCHELL opened the scoring in the 4^th minute with a low drag flick to the bottom right corner. Jamaica had several chances to increase their lead but were let down by poor finishing. Dominican Republic’s defenders had their problems containing Jamaica’s MITCHELL and Jerome DAVIS who were instrumental in creating their team’s scoring opportunities.

Dominican Republic settled after their shaky start and gradually got their offense going with Captain Hugo CRUZ, Cleudys SOLER and Francisco GARCIA making life difficult for Jamaica. They brought the game on level terms when Braulin EMILIANO finished off a good attacking move on the right side in the 20^th minute. The teams went into the half time break with a 1-1 scoreline.

Jamaica forged ahead to a 2-1 lead in the 44^th minute when Kemar MITCHELL”S long ball into the circle was deflected in the goal by Giovanni GORDON however Dominican Republic levelled the game 7 minutes later when GARCIA put away a penalty corner rebound. Both teams tried very hard to find the go ahead goal but neither had the quality to finish off their attacking moves.

Dominican Republic then won the penalty shootout 2-0 with Jorge NIVAR and Captain CRUZ leading their team to victory.