Jamaica’s Under-17 Women’s Football Team Still Winless After Squandering Leads

Photo above: Jamaica’s under-17 women’s football team. Photo credit: Jamaica Football Federation.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Mar 7, (CMC) – Jamaica remained winless in the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship, after twice squandering leads, to plunge to a 3-2 defeat to Costa Rica.

Playing at the Grenada National Stadium, yesterday, Jamaica led 1-0 on 22 minutes and 2-1 on 34^th but could not hang on to their advantage. They did appear on course for a share of the points, before Maria Paula Salas struck in stoppage time at the end, to crush their hopes.

The points were Costa Rica’s first of the tournament and they now sit third, while Jamaica remain rooted at the bottom of Group B.

In the other game, United edged Mexico 1-0 go top with six points from their two outings.

Looking to atone for their heavy 8-1 defeat to the US on Friday, Jamaica started positively when Ebony Clarke capitalised on a defensive error, to put the Caribbean side ahead in the 22nd minute.

The Central American unit drew level from the penalty spot in the 29^th minute through Valeria Del Campo, after Erin Mikalsen brought down Gloriana Villalobos in the box.

However, Jamaica once again restored their lead when Tarania Clarke scored with a firm right-footed volley in the 34^th minute, after being teed up by Ebony Clarke.

Up 2-1 at half-time, Jamaica suffered a major setback when Alyssa Julien was sent off in the 70th minute but their hopes of a maiden win in the competition remained, when they still led with 14 minutes left.

Things fell apart, though. Merilyn Alvarado headed in the equaliser in the 76th minute and Salas then found the net at the death, to hand Costa Rica a dramatic victory.