Thursday, September 19, 2024

23 THE STAR SPORTS • Thursday, September 19, 2024 @JamaicaStar www.facebook.com/JamaicaStar • www.jamaica-star.com LIVINGSTON SCOTT STAR Writer R eggae Girl Davia R i cha rds ne t t ed Frazsiers Whip’s first goal after three matches, in the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup at the National Stadium last night. However, the Jamaican champions lost 7-1 to Tigres of Mexico and are now eliminated. The Jamaican team, which is competing in the competition for the first time, conceded five goals or more for the third game in succession and they remained rooted at the bottom of Group A without a point. Coach Courtney Dowdie said scoring a goal in the competition provided a big morale boost for the team. “We scored a goal and that was a proud moment for us. We were punching above our levels, so it was always going to be tough. But scoring today shows we are heading in the right direction,” he said. “This is a learning experience but the goal tonight gave us the courage to show that we are here to compete, even though the scoreline may show otherwise. We are pleased with the performance.” Tigres dominated all aspects of the first period, dictating the pace of the game and using the flanks to create numerous openings, but they were let down by poor final passes or poor first touches inside the penalty box. It took the visitors just six minutes to break the deadlock, when striker Ana Dias was played through and slotted past Italya Robinson in goal. The Mexicans continued to control the tempo and wasted some good opportunities until defender Ana Seica rose to head home from a corner in the 14th minute. Tigres would add a third in the 23rd minute after another smooth build up, which was finished off expertly by Thembi Kgatlana. Although Frazsiers Whip showed some brief sparks late in the half, Tigres were always in control and should have been even further ahead at half-time. The Jamaicans started the second half defending for dear life, as the visitors kept them pinned in their goal area for the first 10 minutes. However, Frazsiers’ best player on the night, Davis Richards, would pull a goal back, when she volleyed home a cross at the back post for the team’s first goal in the competition. Tigres would restore their three-goal cushion five minutes later, after they were awarded a penalty and Alison Gonsalvez converted. Two minutes later Belen Cruz extended their advantage when she netted from close range to make it 5-1. Cheered on by a small crowd, the local girls stayed positive and had a few moments. However, the Mexicans added a sixth in the 81st minute, through Stephany Mayor. Mayor added a second goal late in time added to seal a comfortable 7-1 win. Tigres now lead the group on maximum six points from two matches. Frazsiers Whip, without a point, are bottom of the standings with one game to go. livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com Frazsiers Whip embrace ‘proud’ goalscoring moment