U17 Boyz face pressure after first loss

HAVING LOST yesterday’s encounter against Seleccion Norte 2-0 in the Torneo del Sol competition in Mexico, the Under-17 Reggae Boyz will need a statement win against Seleccion Liga Premier today if they are to advance to the knockout round.

The brakes were pulled on the momentum Jamaica got from their winning start in the age-group competition on Monday when they were blanked in their second group stage match yesterday.

They were felled after a pair of stunning second-half strikes by Norte in the 48th and 60th minutes.

The result means Jamaica remains second in the group on three points, tied with Seleccion Norte, who have moved up to third.

Both teams are tied on points and goal difference. However, Jamaica holds the advantage with the greater number of goals scored.

Heading into the final round of fixtures tomorrow, the Boyz are aware they will need to improve their performance if they are to claim one of the two qualifying spots.

Anything short of a statement win could spell danger for Jamaica as the deciding factor of the final group placements could come down to goal difference.

However, it will be a tough task as they are set to face off against group leaders Liga Premier, who boast a perfect record so far in the tournament.

Liga Premier, who are yet to concede a goal, defeated Bajio 2-0 yesterday to continue their winning form, having already dismissed Norte 3-0 in Monday’s opener.

They will be hoping they can make it three consecutive wins when they take on Jamaica.

The match is set to kick off at 1:30 p.m. Jamaica time.

In other results, Mexico U17 won their second consecutive game in Group A when they edged Monarca 1-0 while Panama U17 downed Occidente 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The Torneo del Sol is being used as preparation for the Concacaf Men’s U17 Qualifiers set to kick off off in February.

U17 Boyz head coach, Altimont ‘Freddie’ Butler, will name his final squad following the conclusion of Jamaica’s campaign.