WEST BAY, Grand Cayman — Jamaica’s Under-15 female footballers achieved their first objective of topping Group C after playing to a goalless draw with Costa Rica at the TE McField Sports Complex Monday night to set up a Wednesday quarterfinal clash with Haiti. 

The young Reggae Girlz finished with seven points, the same as Costa Rica, but in first place on goal difference and avoided a potentially dangerous clash with regional powerhouse Canada who won Group D after playing to a 1-1 draw by Haiti. 

Jamaica head coach Xavier Gilbert said he really wanted to win tonight but credited his players for topping the group which was the plan from the outset.

“Costa Rica is a quality team and they didn’t really get a shot at goal and got one or two chances from set play. We got the majority of the chances and they girls acquitted themselves well,” Gilbert told the OBSERVER ONLINE moments after the game. “I am so proud them,” he added.

“There were a few opportunities that we could have finished and a few areas where we could have done a little bit better but it’s a part of their learning curve and we expect that,” he pointed out.

“All the players did their part, probably not as consistent as we would have liked but they have all showed determination for their country,” he added.

The young Girlz entered the day knowing that a draw would be good enough to secure the top spot and performed in front of a packed complex of approximately 1,500 with mostly Jamaican fans.  With the added standing around the perimeter fence, the attendance figure was reported by officials to be closer to 1,700. 

Fans could be seen watching from atop of nearby buildings for the biggest game at the complex between two potential championships winners.

Jamaica started with 12-year-old Jody Brown and Chavelle Henry upfront with Shanhaine Nelson, Tarania Clarke, Sherice Clarke and Gabrielle Gayle starting in midfield. Captain Rachel Walters was again partnered in the heart of the defence by Canadian-based Emily Caza who was later named MVP for the game. Peta-Gay Dixon started at left back and US-based Lyana Steele rewarded for her good showing in the second game and retained her right back position.

The atmosphere was electrifying for a group match and the fans were not disappointed with the performance of both teams. Costa Rica started brightly but Jamaica backed by a vociferous crowd began to impose themselves and in the 10th minute, Nelson’s sweet left footed effort crashed against the upright and ran agonisingly across the goal mouth. Costa Rica responded and in the 28th minute, Meredith Calderon shot across goal and went inches wide as the half ended 0-0 after 35 minutes. 

Costa Rica went closest in the second half as Carmen Marin headed a free kick against the crossbar and over in the 43rd minute.

Chances were few and far between in an evenly contested encounter but Jamaica should have taken the lead in the 53rd minute after a patient build up and a neat one-two combination play in which Brown released Henry but she was crowded out before she could pull the trigger on goal. The deflection however fell to Nelson whose tame effort was blocked on the line.

Jamaica continued to dominate and should have found the clincher three minutes from normal time but substitute Tateyana Pitter’s shot was charged down in the 67th minute.

Jamaica will now turn the attention to Haiti on Wednesday while Costa Rica has a date with Canada in the curtain raiser at 5:30 pm.