JWPL semis: Champs Frazsiers Whip face ambitious Real Mona
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The first leg of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League (JWPL) semi-finals will get underway with a double header today at the Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence (CHBCOE) when Arnett Gardens take on Los Perfectos while Real Mona face Frazsiers Whip.
In the opening game, Arnett will draw battle lines against Los Perfectos at 3 p.m. while Real Mona will look to gain the early advantage against three-time defending champions Frazsiers Whip.
Arnett booked their spot in the final four after an unbeaten run in Zone A where they finished atop the zone with 28 points, ahead of Real Mona who sneaked into second place on the final match day of the regular season with 17.
For Frazsiers Whip, it was another dominant season in the nation’s top flight, as they completed a perfect run with 10 wins in a row to top Zone B with 30 points, ahead of Los Perfectos who were second-best with 24.
It is expected to be a close affair between Arnett and Los Perfectos in semi-final one, but the Junglists will enter as slight favourites.
They boast the second best scoring record in the league with 38 goals, bettering Los Perfectos’ tally of 33, and a better defensive record, only conceding five goals compared to Los Perfectos’ 12.
Arnett will look to the ever-reliable Shikira Douglas to provide the goals for the Junglists, and will get support from Sade Berry and Suen Gregory.,
For Los Perfectos, veteran striker Venicia Reid will lead the lines in what is expected to be her final season in the JWPL.
RAISE THE LEVELS
In the feature match, it will be a clash between the inexperienced versus the reigning champions as Real Mona take on Frazsiers Whip.
The defending champions will enter as overwhelming favourites, as they do every game, and will look to continue their prolific record in front of goal.
They have scored 62 goals in their 10 games played, while only conceding four, by far the best attacking and defensive records in the league.
But Real Mona will not be intimidated by the challenge. Head coach Neo Oxford said he is looking forward to the match.
“That's a team that I love to play. We now have to raise our level, because they will raise their level to play us, I tell you that,” Oxford said ahead of the match.
“I really think that we're living in the moment right now. So, yes, we have to get back to earth quickly, but we know what it takes,” he continued.
“Frazsiers Whip are a very seasoned team. Give them their due, but we are coming to play.”
Today’s games:
Arnett vs Los Perfectos (3 p.m.)
Real Mona vs Frazsiers Whip (5 p.m.)