Dreams at stake
Downswell promises fight as under-20 women begin tough campaign
Published:Wednesday | May 24, 2023 | 12:56 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Crediting strong camaraderie and team spirit, Jamaica Football Federation technical director Wendell Downswell has emphasised the need for a balanced performance as well as a positive start as the young Reggae Girlz begin their Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Championship final round campaign today.
The Young Reggae Girlz open against Concacaf heavyweights Canada this afternoon at the Estadio Felix Sanchez in the Dominican Republic at 3 p.m. Jamaica time, hoping to create shocks in a group that also includes the United States and Panama.
The limited time that the team has had to prepare has been used to strengthen their defence, according to Downswell, but what will be key to getting a result will be balance in all phases.
“We have to make sure we are solid defensively and offensively and do what we have to do to score goals. Our responsibility is to manage these players throughout the tournament because that is of critical importance. Our intention is for everybody to be ready to turn up and give their best,” Downswell told The Gleaner.
What Jamaica will take comfort in, is the fact that it is a challenge that they have proven they can overcome. The team defeated Canada in their last meeting at the Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Championship in 2020, a 3-1 result that won them the group.
Goalkeeper Liya Brooks’ experience from drawing Canada, when she played them in the under-17 championships, has her confident that they can mirror a similar performance
“It’s a challenge. We played Canada in the Under-17s last year and we tied them. So I know that we can do it. The United States is going to be a challenge, but I think a lot of countries underestimate Jamaica and I think when we get there, we will show them what we are about,” Brooks said.
The continuity of the squad has remained from last month’s qualifiers, with the attacking threats of Shaniel Buckley, Davia Richards and Natoya Atkinson expected to be the key sources of goals. However, Downswell emphasised the importance of having and maintaining a strong team spirit.
“It’s team effort more than anything else. The camaraderie is of utmost significance. So this is something that we are looking forward to carrying on the pitch and performing and going out there and fighting for the country. We did that in the first round and now this is the final round of qualifying. And our dreams and aspirations are at stake as it relates to qualifying for the Under-20 World Cup,” Downswell said.