PARKER
JAMAICA'S UNDER-20 Women's team lost 2-1 to Canada in their semi-final showdown at the Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes in Veracruz yesterday and will now have to battle Mexico for a World Cup berth to Russia.
Jamaica will tackle Mexico on Friday at 1:00 p.m. for the third place and essentially the final of three CONCACAF spots.
Finalists the United States of America (USA), which defeated Mexico 3-0, along with Canada, advanced directly to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup slated for Russia in August by claiming the top two spots.
Jamaica's coach Vin Blaine thought with a little more luck and better refereeing Jamaica could have secured their World Cup spot.
"The girls took it hard. In the 45th minute we gave up a soft goal, it turned out to be a defender's goal. Then we scored a beautiful free-kick and 10 minutes after they scored another soft goal," noted Blaine.
TURNED DOWN
According to Blaine, the Canadian player handled the ball into the goal from a corner kick, but the players' appeals were turned down.
Canada, the CONCACAF champion, opened the scoring in the 45th minute via Selenia Iacchelli, but midfielder Kimmia Parker scored a free-kick in the 76th minute to level the scores.
The Maple Leaf girls found the winner in the 86th minute, when Lisa Collison converted from a corner kick to break the Jamaicans' heart.
"They didn't even take a shot to goal. We played a good game but what is killing us is the midfield. Canada play a direct game, hitting the ball long and getting in crosses," said Blaine.
Jamaica will now turn their attention to Mexico tomorrow and Blaine knows that it will be a tough game.
"None of the teams that we played so far looked like they would beat us. Although they got 3-0 from the USA it will be difficult because they will be playing at home. They did pretty well still. It's going to be rough."
