Price upbeat despite Reggae Girlz' loss

Jamaica senior women's football team assistant coach Andrew Price said that despite going down 1-0 to Cuba, it was an improved performance as the inaugural Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge series ended yesterday at Drewsland Stadium.

Cuba ended the series on a maximum six points in Group B, followed by Jamaica on three points, then Barbados, who finished without a point.

MarÌa PÈrez Torres scored the winning goal for the visitors in the 61st minute. Torres had an outstanding game in midfield and terrorised the Jamaicans with her dribbling, passing, and decision making.

It was a better display by the Jamaica team after a dismal game against Barbados last Friday. Jamaica missed a few one-on-one chances against Cuba's goalkeeper Lucylena Rodriquez. But Shantel Bailey and Kevena Reid's shots went into the goalkeeper's hand from close range on both occasions.

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Cuba settled and dominated midfield, but Jamaica was better organised at the back, and captain and goalkeeper Chris-Ann Chambers made several saves.

"It was a much better performance from the team," Price told The Gleaner. "I think we were a bit unfortunate to come out on the losing end. I think we played well enough to win the game."

"I must give credit to the team because this is the first time some of these women are donning the national colours. We gave it as good as we got from them. I must give credit to Chris-Ann Chambers," he shared.

"We thank the CFU for giving us the opportunity as we prepare for the CONCACAF qualifiers next month," Price ended.

Cuba's physical trainer Edelsio Cairo said it was a good game from both teams.

"We had self-confidence and knew that Jamaica had the best eleven in our region. We applied different tactics as Jamaica was hard to break down," Cairo shared.