Desipte a strong second half, the young Reggae Girlz went 1-3 to Costa Rica Under-17 Women’s team at Winchester Park, St George’s College, yesterday, giving the Central Americans a 2-0 clean sweep of the two-match international friendly series.

The Costa Ricans, with speed and agility, totally dominated the Jamaicans for the entire first half of the game and within the first 25 minutes of play the visitors were able to get on the scoresheet through Andrea Capmany, who easily tapped home from point-blank range from a well-taken free kick from 30 yards out.

The Jamaicans responded immediately, but Captain Monique Pierre fired over Costa Rica’s crossbar a minute later.

Costa Rica continued their attack with sloppy play from the Jamaicans who failed a clear the ball, resulting in Pamela Gutierrez sneaking one past Chelisa Schloss in goal for the young Reggae Girlz in the 36th minute.

Five minutes later Gutierrez grabbed her second when her strike from 30 yards flew over the helpless head of Schloss to end the half 3-0 in favour of the Central Americans.

The young Reggae Girlz came out gunning on the resumption and dominated the visitors, who had difficulies getting out of their half within the first 15 minutes. Pierre, substitutes Rochell Gray, Jahnael Morgan, Nyla Allen and Davia Richards threatened the Costa Rica’s goal on numerous occasions. However, it was Richards with a brilliant play, three minutes from time, that brought some pride to the Jamaican camp when she fired past Veronica Trigueros in goal for the visitors.

Teams:

Jamaica — Chelisa Schloss, Kersha Thomas (Nyla Allen 75th), Nevillegail Able, Maliah Atkins, Sydoney Clarke, Christina Salmon (Davia Richards 64th), Giselle Washington, Shania Harris (Moesha McLaughlin 64th), Kelly Nunes (Stacyann Clair 31st), Monique Pierre (Jahneal Morgan 75th) and Chantae Blackwood (Rochell Gray 45th)

Sub not used: Tacia Austin, Shereece Young and Chrissann Roberts

Booked: Harris (23rd)

Costa Rica — Fabiana Solano (Veronica Trigueros 72nd), Andrea Capmany, Camila Capmany, Alexa Aguilar, Pamela Gutierrez, Yeimmy Umana, Medoly Guerrero (Nicole Gomez 58th), Carmen Marin (Daniela Contreras 58th), Priscila Chinchilla, Ariana Dobles, Gipsy Prieto (Valery Sandoval 72nd)

Sub not used: Maria Paula Salas, Keilin Gomez, Maria Paula Porras, Camila Garcia and Emily Flores

Booked: None

Referee: Cardella Samuels (Jamaica)

Assistant Referees: Jassett Kerr (Jamaica) and Keble Williams (Jamaica)

Fourth Officials: Kevin Morrison (Jamaica)

Commissioner: Elaine Walker-Brown (Jamaica)