Trinidad beats Cuba in World Cup qualifier

By JAMES FULLER PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad
Soccer Summaries, AP - 2 months ago

A pair of goals by Kenwyne Jones and Dwight Yorke in a two-minute span in the second half helped Trinidad to a 3-0 win over Cuba on Wednesday night and a place in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Keon Daniel added a late goal for Trinidad, which needed only one point to advance.

On a heavy surface soaked by two days of torrential rain, Trinidad almost took a second-minute lead when Cuban defender Jenier Molina slipped and gave up possession. Russell Latapy's shot was wide and the game remained scoreless.

Cuba had a chance in the 24th minute when Mario Leonard's drive beat goalkeeper Clayton Ince only to hit the inside of the post. Roberto Balmaseda failed to convert the rebound.

Jones missed a number of opportunities before Yorke's pass put him through one on one with Cuban keeper Danis Quintero Chevans in the 67th minute. The Sunderland striker slotted the ball beneath Chevans to send the home fans in Hasely Crawford Stadium into a roar.

Two minutes later, Jones returned the favor when he hit Yorke inside the penalty area. Yorke drifted past a Cuban defender before driving a low right-foot shot beyond Chevans.

Daniel completed the scoring in the 89th minute. Carlos Edwards worked down the right flank, ran to the byline and cut the ball to the top of the box, where Daniel calmly side-footed a shot into the top of the net.