Reggae Girlz lose 3-0 to Spain in Cup of Nations opener
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s World Cup-bound Reggae Girlz were beaten 3-0 by seventh-ranked Spain in their opening game of the Cup of Nations tournament at the Industree Group Stadium early Thursday morning.
The Jamaicans, who were playing without a number of players, some who opted not to travel to Australia, and some who were delayed in their arrival, trailed 2-0 at halftime.
Maite Oroz gave ‘La Roja’ the lead in the 18th minute when she was first to a rebound off the crossbar and shot past goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.
Jamaica had a scoring chance late when the Spanish goalkeeper fumbled a free kick but they cleared their lines and countered, but a goal was called back after the Spanish player was called for a foul against the Jamaican defender.
Spain eventually added a second after Esther Gonzales ran on to a wonderful pass that split the defence and beat Spencer two minutes into time added.
Spain were awarded a penalty midway through the second half but the call was overturned after the assistant referee consulted with the referee.
Spain would get a third in the 78th minute when Fiamma Benitez curled a shot from just outside the 18 yards box high into the top right-hand corner of the goal.
-Paul A Reid