Donaldson: We gave it everything and we got beat

MONTERREY, Mexico (CMC):

Jamaica suffered heartbreak here Thursday when they missed out on the final of the Concacaf Women’s Championship with a 3-0 defeat to Canada in the semi-final.

An early goal at the Estadio Universitario from Jessie Fleming, along with second-half strikes from Allysha Chapman and Adriana Leon, dashed the Caribbean side’s hopes of reaching the championship game.

Canada will now meet United States in Monday’s final, the Americans beating Costa Rica 3-0 in the earlier semi-final at the same venue. Also on Monday, Jamaica will play Costa Rica in the play-off for third place.

“Give Canada some credit because they’re still Olympic champion the last time I turned around. They’re a very good team …,” said Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson.

“We’re just a growing team. We’re learning. We’ve been together for three weeks and that’s it. We gave it everything and we got beat.”

Jamaica were hampered by the loss of their Manchester City star forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who was left on the bench for the encounter.

The 25-year-old has scored a joint tournament-leading three goals but Donaldson said she was not well enough to play.

“You have to look ahead especially when you have players who are a little bit banged up and sickness and all that stuff,” he said.

Fleming headed Canada ahead in the 18th minute, courtesy of Ashley Lawrence’s cross, a scoreline which remained at half-time.

After the break, 53rd minute substitutes Chapman and Adriana Leon combined to double Canada’s lead in the 64th minute – Leon providing the pass and Chapman finishing the header past Rebecca Spencer.

Another 53rd minute sub played a hand in the final goal, Jordyn Huitema coming up with the assist for Leon to bury a 76th minute header.