US women defeat Reggae Girlz 4-0
TEXAS, United States — Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz wrapped up the 2021 WNT Summer Series, presented by AT&T 5G, with a 0-4 loss to host United States at the BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday night.
The 51st ranked Girlz, who defeated African flag bearers and 38th ranked Nigeria 1-0 on Thursday, put in another brave performance, but proved no match for the number one ranked United States, who started like a house on fire, racing to a 3-0 lead inside 30 minutes.
Captain Carli Lloyd, at 38 years old, became the oldest player to score for the United States when she fired home in the first minute.
Six minutes later, Lindsey Horan doubled the lead for the world champions from the 12-yard spot, after Reggae Girlz Captain Konya Plummer fell Christen Press inside the 18-yard box.
The Jamaicans did well to keep their opponents at bay until the 22nd minute when Margaret Purce slotted home from close range after picking up a pass from Press.
Hubert Busby’s Reggae Girlz had a few good runs in the attacking third, but never really threatened Adrianna Franch in goal for United States.
Their best chance at goal came from a set play when Havana Solaun floated a dangerous freekick towards the far post, but Chantelle Swaby couldn’t arrive in time to head home.
The Girlz were more stout in defence on the resumption, as they kept the maurauding United States attack at bay, while also showing a bit more life in attack, but again failed to find a telling effort to challenge the Franch.
United States eventually found the fourth goal when substitute Alex Morgan headed home a cross from another substitute Samantha Mewis, in time added.
Sunday’s game was the fourth meeting all-time between the USA and Jamaica and the first outside of a Concacaf qualifying event. The USA have now tallied by a combined margin of 26-0 across those meetings.
Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, who were returning to action for the first time since the Olympic qualifiers in February last year, will now turn their attention to the next FIFA window for another camp and or game, having gained alot from the Series, which officially kicked start their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for November.
Sherdon Cowan