Mexico punish sloppy Girlz to avenge Friday’s defeat
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz surrendered a two-goal first-half lead and fell 1-3 to Mexico in the second match of their two-game international friendly series in Querétaro on Tuesday, as the hosts responded emphatically to Friday’s 4-3 defeat.
- The Girlz, who had edged a seven-goal thriller in the opening encounter, struggled to reproduce that attacking spark and were undone by defensive errors and a spectacular free kick at La Corregidora Stadium.
- Mexico established control early, capitalized on Jamaica’s mistakes and extended their advantage after the break before Kalyssa van Zanten scored a consolation goal for the visitors.
- Defensive mix-up sets Mexico on their way Jamaica made four changes to the starting lineup from Friday’s encounter, introducing Chantel Swaby, Kayla McKenna, Trudi Cater and Solai Washington.
- However, the reshuffled side endured a difficult opening half, with two defensive lapses leaving them chasing the game.
Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz surrendered a two-goal first-half lead and fell 1-3 to Mexico in the second match of their two-game international friendly series in Querétaro on Tuesday, as the hosts responded emphatically to Friday’s 4-3 defeat.
The Girlz, who had edged a seven-goal thriller in the opening encounter, struggled to reproduce that attacking spark and were undone by defensive errors and a spectacular free kick at La Corregidora Stadium.
Mexico established control early, capitalized on Jamaica’s mistakes and extended their advantage after the break before Kalyssa van Zanten scored a consolation goal for the visitors.
Defensive mix-up sets Mexico on their way
Jamaica made four changes to the starting lineup from Friday’s encounter, introducing Chantel Swaby, Kayla McKenna, Trudi Cater and Solai Washington. However, the reshuffled side endured a difficult opening half, with two defensive lapses leaving them chasing the game.
The hosts needed just six minutes to take the lead, although the breakthrough came through an unfortunate Jamaican own goal.
A clumsy exchange between goalkeeper Rebeca Spencer and her defenders proved costly when a back pass from Chantel Swaby rolled beneath Spencer’s foot and crossed the goal line.
Spencer subsequently kept Jamaica in contention, producing a strong save in the 19th minute to deny Lizbeth Ovalle from point-blank range. Mexico, however, continued to threaten, and Maricarmen Reyes squandered a golden opportunity a minute later when she lifted the ball over the crossbar from close range.
Reyes made amends in the 32nd minute, punishing another defensive breakdown to double Mexico’s advantage. She found space between two Jamaican defenders to meet a cross from the left flank, volleying the ball inside the right post.
The two-goal deficit reflected Jamaica’s difficulties in containing Mexico’s attack during a disappointing first-half performance.
Ovalle delivers a stunning free kick
Mexico tightened its grip on the contest 13 minutes into the second half when Ovalle produced a moment of individual brilliance.
The forward struck a superb left-footed free kick from approximately 25 yards in the 58th minute, sending the ball beyond the reach of substitute goalkeeper Liya Brooks to give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead.
Jamaica responded almost immediately, with van Zanten providing a reminder of the attacking quality that had helped the Girlz win the opening match.
In the 60th minute, she collected herself just outside the penalty area and unleashed a well-placed shot that flew high into the far left corner, reducing the deficit to 1-3.
The goal offered Jamaica a measure of relief, but the visitors could not mount a comeback to match their exploits from Friday’s encounter.
Captain’s injury adds to Jamaica’s woes
The defeat was compounded by an injury to Jamaica’s captain for the night, Allyson Swaby, who was carried off the field during the second half after sustaining an injury to her right foot.
Regular captain Khadija Shaw, who played the full 90 minutes in Friday’s victory, was not listed on Tuesday’s match card.
For head coach Hubert Busby Jr. and the Girlz, the second encounter provided a contrasting outcome to the series opener. After showcasing their ability to outscore Mexico in a thrilling 4-3 win, Jamaica were left to rue defensive mistakes and a subdued first-half display as the hosts secured a measure of revenge.
