Goalkeeper Spencer wants Girlz to get back to basics

Reggae Girlz goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer says the team has to get back to basics when they tackle Haiti in their crucial Concacaf Women’s Group A Championship game tonight at 9 o’clock in Mexico.

The Jamaicans are coming off a 5-0 hammering by the United States. Spencer says rebuilding confidence will be key to a good performance against a quality Haitian side and that they will have get back to basics and rediscover their rhythm.

“We know there is going to be a lot at stake. It is going to be a real tough game. Haiti have got huge amounts of quality in their team. They are really good and they played really well against Mexico to get the win, but we are confident as a group, and we are excited for the challenge ahead.

“For us it is about getting back into the rhythm of things. We have to put the disappointment behind us with the United States game. We are all disappointed in the manner in which we lost the game, so we want to get back to basics because we know that we are more than good enough to qualify,” she said.

BETTER GOAL DIFFERENCE

The two teams have three points each after scoring wins over Mexico, but the Haitians hold the better goal difference, which means that Jamaica must win to secure one of the top-two places in the group and a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The United States have already sealed one of the top two spots in Group A with an unassailable six points. The third-placed team in the group will advance to an inter-confederation play-off.

“With the three days rest that we have had, we will be more than ready, and we have players on the bench ready to go. In the last game we rested certain players, and hopefully, for Monday’s game, we will all be fresh and recovered,” said Spencer who has kept goal in Jamaica’s two group matches.

“There is a lot at stake, but we are up for the challenge. So we want to prepare properly and be ready for the game,” she added.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com