Cuba were crowned 2014 Central America and Caribbean Games (Women) gold medalists when they edged Dominican Republic 4-3 in a penalty shootout after both teams played to an exciting 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time.

Dominican Republic stormed back from being 1-0 down in the 2^nd minute to take a 2-1 lead into half time against Cuba. Cuba’s opening goal was scored when Yuraima VERA ROJOS dribbled past several Dominica Republic defenders along the backline and slipped the ball to an unmarked Marisbel SIERRA, the Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament, who tapped it into the goal. SIERRA was denied a second goal minutes later when goalkeeper Cindy De La Rosa blocked her shot. Cuba earned several penalty corners but could not put them away to extend their lead.

Dominican Republic weathered the initial storm with Captain Soledad DEL PINO and Player of the Tournament, Benifer MORONTA marshalling their team’s defence and dictating the play. It was MORONTA that drew her team level when she scored a penalty stroke in the 20^th minute and Lucia NAVAMUEL struck 4 minutes later from a penalty corner to give her team a 2-1 lead.

Cuba fought their way back into the game and 3 minutes into the second half, Teresa De La ROSA put away a rebound from the goalkeeper to make it 2-2. There were more goals to come in the game and Dominican Republic went ahead 3-2 in the 47^th minute when Magalys ORTEGA looped a shot over the advancing goalkeeper. Their celebrations were however short lived as De La ROSA scored the equalizing goals 3 minutes later to make it 3-3 and this score remained unchanged at the end of 70 minutes. The match was settled via a penalty shootout, which Cuba won 4-3, and the goal scorers were:

Cuba:                                   Marisbel SIERRA, Yaniuska PASO, Yailin ABRAHAN and Yuriama VERA ROJAS

Dominica Republic:          Cecilia OFLAHERTI, Magalys ORTEGA, Lucia NAVAMUEL