Jamaica’s quest to make it to the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup suffered a big dent on Jan. 19th and again on Jan. 21st after they lost to Mexico and the US.
The team went down to a 4-0 defeat to Mexico in the day’s opening Group ‘B’ game at the CONCACAF Under-20 qualifiers on Jan. 19th while they lost to the US two days later. The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team defeated Jamaica 2-1 to win its second group stage match at the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship. With the victory, the USA clinches a berth in the tournament semi-finals.
The U.S. controlled possession for most of the first half, but as the clock wore on, Jamaica’s counterattack cut deeper and deeper into the Americans’ final third. The USA came out of the half on the attack with an eye to extend its lead, but the Reggae Girlz became more aggressive as the half wore on and made some very dangerous forays into U.S. territory, highlighted by a shot off the crossbar with 20 minutes remaining.
The shot was a warning, and Jamaica equalized from a set piece in the 88th minute via a Jadyn Matthews strike. But the USA was not to be defeated, striking back just over a minute later as Smith picked out Howell in the Jamaica box for the game winner and extend its CONCACAF qualifying undefeated streak to 22.
The Caribbean champions are seeking one of three spots to the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in France.
