1 week ago
12
JAMAICA’S REGGAE Girlz conceded three first-half goals to lose 3-0 to Mexico, in the first of two friendlies matches, at the CPKC Stadium in Kansas City yesterday.
Alexis Delgado put Mexico ahead in the 23rd minute, Christina Burkenroad made it 2-0 in the 32nd, and Rebeca Bernal added a third in the 37th.
The Reggae Girlz had the first opening of the contest when Deneisha Blackwood fed Kayla McKenna a ball inside the area, but the latter was denied by Mexican goalkeeper Esthefanny Barrera.
However, Mexico controlled the game from there, with the Jamaicans struggling to regain or keep possession.
The Central Americans forced the Girlz on the backfoot and eventually found the breakthrough after 24 minutes, when Delgado was allowed space in the area to glance an in-swinging cross from the left, inside goalkeeper Rebbeca Spencer’s back post.
The Mexicans then had chances through Burkenroad and Alice Soto, who both failed to convert. But Burkenroad would extend their advantage further with a towering header past Spencer nine minutes later from Lizbeth Ovalle’s pass.
Mexico heaped more misery on the Reggae Girlz in the 38th, when Bernal, the captain, got a foot to Ovalle’s free kick to get the ball past Spencer.
Mexico took their foot off the gas in the second half but still dictated possession and, in the 52nd minute, Ovalle broke through but had her shot blocked.
Although the Girlz were slightly better after the break, they never really troubled Barreras in Mexico’s goal.
Mexico maintained their superiority and continued to create chances, with Ovalle missing a great chance at the back post in the 67th minute.
Soto also flashed a shot just wide in the 72nd minute, while Spencer had to tip a shot from outside the box from Myra Delgadillo, around her post for a corner moments later.
The Girlz had a bit more possession towards the end, but they were never a threat, as Mexico saw out the game comfortably for the win.
English (US) ·