2 days ago
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The U14 Reggae Girlz saw their campaign in the 2025 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge Series come to an end after they were defeated 2-0 by Puerto Rico yesterday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.
Coming into the match with a perfect record, the Girlz suffered their first defeat through goals from Carolina O’Brien in the 32nd minute and Lizmarie Espinoza in the 34th minute.
The U14 Girlz had been enjoying a three-game win streak following wins over Bermuda, Aruba and Trinidad and Tobago, but came face to face with difficult opponents in Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Ricans also had a fairly good run in the tournament with two wins and one defeat to advance to the semifinals.
Following a brisk start from both teams, it was Puerto Rico who gained the ascendancy as they went past the Jamaican defence just after the half-hour mark.
A failed counterattack from Jamaica allowed for Paula Storer to skip past her marker before playing in O’Brien inside the box.
O’Brien reacted in time to toe the ball around the onrushing goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Stunned by the goal, Jamaica took too long to recover, giving Puerto Rico the chance to double their lead.
A free kick from the right flank was all the opportunity Espinoza needed as she lifted a ball into the box.
Confusion between goalkeeper Mikalia Banton and Shennel Walters saw the ball bouncing between both players and landing in the back of the net.
Despite their chances, Jamaica could not find a way back into the game as they were unable to break the Puerto Rican defence. By virtue of the win, Puerto Rico advanced to the final of the Challenge Series Tier I competition, where they will face off against the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic qualified for the final after defeating Bermuda 1-0 in their semifinal contest yesterday.
The final will be a replay of their Group A fixture earlier in the competition where the Dominican Republic blanked Puerto Rico 3-0 in commanding fashion.
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