No joy for young Reggae Girlz

Jamaica’s young Reggae Girlz crashed out of contention for a place in the next FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup when they were crushed 4-0 by the United States at the Estadio Felix Sanchez in the Dominican Republic yesterday.

It was Jamaica’s second big loss in two games following a similar 4-0 defeat by Canada on Friday. The United States lead Group A of the Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Championships on goal difference ahead of Canada after two games each. The Americans have scored 10 goals and Canada nine. Neither team has conceded as yet. Jamaica and Panama have failed to score in their two matches.

The young Reggae Girlz started slowly yesterday and found themselves behind after only 11 minutes when Madeline Dahlien scored to give the Americans the lead.

The USA then took control, but the young Reggae Girlz were able to keep them out for the rest of the first half. They gave the USA a few concerns before half-time but could not take advantage of their good breaks.

Moments after the restart, the United States added a second goal thanks to a thunderous strike from Dahlien in the 47th minute.

Two minutes later, the US added a third when Tessa Dellarosa scored.

The Americans continued to dictate possession, but the Reggae Girlz kept positive and had a few good moments.

The Americans created more chances to increase their lead but good defending and goalkeeping kept them from adding to their lead until Dahlien struck a third for her hat-trick 11 minutes from time.

Jamaica will play Panama, who are also yet to score a point after two matches, in their last game tomorrow.

The United States and Canada, who both have six points from two games, will progress to the last four.