Caribbean representatives experienced vastly different outcomes in their Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship Group A openers on Friday, as Puerto Rico battled to a hard-earned goalless stalemate with Costa Rica, while Guyana endured a sobering 8-0 defeat to tournament favourites, the United States.

The double-header at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto offered both encouragement and alarm for the Caribbean contingent. Puerto Rico walked away with a valuable point, as their defence held firm against the host nation, while Guyana were outclassed by a dominant United States team led by four-goal hero Izzy Engle.

The United States flexed their championship pedigree with a relentless attacking display that saw them assume pole position in the Group A standings. Engle opened the scoring in the fifth minute and doubled her tally by the 24th, with a penalty from Kennedy Fuller (13th) sandwiched in between.

Guyana in action against United States. (Photos: Concacaf Media)

Sealy Strawn (25th) and Linda Ullmark (37th) added their names to the scoresheet before Engle completed her hat-trick with a stunning effort from a distance in the 41st. Her fourth came just after the break in the 48th minute.

Emma Johnson rounded out the scoring in the 77th as the United States registered a milestone 55 wins, more than any other nation in the tournament’s history.

The loss leaves Guyana at the bottom of the group standings, with a difficult path ahead in the pursuit of a semifinal spot.

Puerto Rico in action against Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico delivered a disciplined defensive performance to hold Costa Rica to the first goalless draw of the tournament.

Though playing against the hosts in front of a supportive home crowd, Puerto Rico nearly stole the lead in the 41st minute when Susana Roberts came close to converting. Costa Rica responded with their best chance in the 78th minute, but Alondra González’s header flew over the bar.

Goalkeepers Valeria Fernández (Costa Rica) and Alondra Iriarte (Puerto Rico) each secured their first clean sheets, with Iriarte’s command between the posts proving especially vital during Costa Rica’s late surge. The result leaves Puerto Rico in contention with two matches left to play.