JAMAICA’S senior Reggae Girlz are set to face Mexico in the second and final international friendly match of their tour, with the game kicking off at 7:30 this evening in Houston, United States.

Following a 0-3 loss in the first match in Kansas City on Friday, the Jamaicans are looking to bounce back and make a strong impression against their opponents.

The Jamaicans struggled to find their footing against a well-organised and determined Mexican side which dominated all areas of the pitch, controlling possession, tempo, and creativity.

The Mexicans’ superiority was reflected on the scoreboard within the first 40 minutes, as Alexia Delgado (23rd minute), Christina Burkenroad (32nd minute), and Rebeca Bernal (37th minute) scored before the half-time whistle.

Assistant Coach Deon Burton has revealed that the team has been reflecting on their performance in the first game, identifying areas for improvement and working to address them.

“We have done a lot of reflections from the squad meetings or individual meetings, just to relate to what we had found to be problems and things to solve moving forward. It has been very good to have the time and players to do that and put in place and [get] ready for the game,” Burton said.

The team’s analysis of their previous match has allowed them to pinpoint specific aspects of their gameplay that require attention. By focusing on these areas they aim to enhance their overall performance and create a more cohesive unit on the field.

With a full squad at their disposal Burton said the Reggae Girlz are looking to be more focused and effective in their gameplay, both in and out of possession.

“We just want to relate to the same objectives, and just to knuckle down on them, and just to be more on point in everything we do in and out of possession. We have a few players that we are monitoring — and the doctors are keeping us on a loop with them — but we are going into the game with a full squad,” Burton added.

The match is an important opportunity for the Girlz to gain valuable experience and to work towards their ultimate goal of reaching the 2027 World Cup, with qualifiers set to begin in October.

“The more opportunities we can get with the ladies is the better. It is all about our objective for October — the World Cup Qualifiers — so the more time we get on the grass with them can only benefit [us] for our goals [of] qualifying for the World Cup,” said Burton.

— Ruddy Allen