Girlz edge Mexico in seven-goal thriller

The Reggae Girlz defeated Mexico 4-3 in a crucial international friendly earlier tonight at Estadio Victoria as both teams continued to fine-tune their preparations for the Concacaf W Championship, which gets under way next month.

Goals from Jody Brown (15th minute), Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw (20th), Deneisha Blackwood (36th) and Solai Washington (90th) secured victory for the Girlz.

For Mexico, strikes from Lizbeth Ovalle (28th), Rebeca Bernal (45th) and Charlyn Corral (90+5) proved insufficient.

Brown opened the scoring in the 15th minute to cap a brilliant counterattack.

Shaw won possession in her own half before driving towards the Mexican goal.

The Manchester City striker then played the ball wide to Paige Bailey-Gayle, who delivered a cross across the face of goal for Brown to finish from close range.

The Girlz doubled their advantage five minutes later, this time with Shaw getting on the scoresheet.

Midfield maestro Drew Spence was quick to win possession in a dangerous area and fed Shaw, who opened up her body and guided the ball into the far corner.

Mexico pulled one back in the 28th minute when Ovalle’s free kick into the box found its way into the back of the net.

Jamaica restored their two-goal lead eight minutes later when Blackwood, who plays her professional football in Mexico, converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.

Mexico responded on the stroke of half-time through Bernal, who rose highest in the area to head past Rebecca Spencer.

Brown thought she had added her second goal in the 67th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

Jamaica extended their lead late in the match against the run of play when Washington found space in the box and calmly placed her shot beyond Mexican goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras.

Mexico again responded immediately after Jamaica scored, with Corral finding the back of the net in stoppage time.

The teams will meet again on Tuesday.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com