U-20 Women: USA down Nicaragua while Mexico whip foreign-assembled Jamaicans

United States and Mexico made confident starts to their CONCACAF 2018 Women’s Under-20 Championship campaigns today as they swept past gutsy but outclassed opposition in Nicaragua and Jamaica respectively at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

USA have won five of the seven editions of this tournament played thus far and 10 years have passed since their last defeat, which was 1-0 to Canada in the 2008 final.

Photo: The United States team celebrate a goal against Nicaragua during CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship action at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on 19 January 2018.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Nicaragua, who have not gotten even this far since 2008, acquitted themselves admirably and frustrated the North American giants for as long as they could. But, an early scare apart, the outcome was never in doubt as items in either half by Taryn Torres and Civana Kuhlmann settled the contest 2-0 in USA’s favour.

There was an unmistakable North American flavour about the Jamaican team too, as all but one of their 13 players fielded hailed from the United States or Canada.


If coach Lorne Donaldson’s heavy recruiting was meant as a shortcut to success, Mexico were not overly bothered as they ran out 4-0 winners.

Jacqueline Ovalle and Katty Martinez struck with headed items for Mexico in the first half while a Chyanne Dennis own goal and predatory finish by substitute Belén Cruz closed off the score summary.

Mexico and United States can both seal their places in the semifinal round on Sunday when they face Nicaragua and Jamaica respectively at the same venue from 4pm and 6:30pm.

Photo: Mexico attacker Jacqueline Ovalle (centre) tries to find a way past Jamaica goalkeeper Sydney Schneider while Jamaican players Erin Mikalsen (left) and Giselle Washington look on during CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship action at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on 19 January 2018.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Trinidad and Tobago will be fighting for their own survival tomorrow when they tackle Canada from 6:30pm at the same venue, as the hosts seek to shake off a 3-2 loss to Haiti on Thursday night.

Haiti will battle Costa Rica from 4pm tomorrow with the winner likely to pinch a spot in the knockout round.

Editor’s Note: See Wired868 later for full match report and coaches’ comments from reporter Amiel Mohammed.

Photo: Haiti forward and captain Nérilia Mondésir (right) tries to get away from Trinidad and Tobago defender Shaunalee Govia during CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship action at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 18 January 2018.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship

[All matches are carded for the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva]

(Thursday 18 January)


Costa Rica 1 (Catalina Estrada 27), Canada 3 (Jordan Huitema 49, 65, Gabby Carle 56), Group A, 4pm;

Trinidad and Tobago 2 (Dennecia Prince 3, Kedie Johnson 10), Haiti 3 (Nerilia Mondésir, 25, 45, 53), Group A, 6.30pm;

(Friday 19 January)

Mexico 4 (Jacqueline Ovalle 26, Katty Martinez 33, Chyanne Dennis OG 55, Belén Cruz 77), Jamaica 0, Group B, 4pm;

United States 2 (Taryn Torres 18, Civana Kuhlmann 53), Nicaragua 0, Group B, 6.30pm.

Photo: Canada captain Gabrielle Carle (left) leaves Costa Rica defender Stephhanie Blanco for dead during CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship action at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
(Courtesy: Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Upcoming fixtures

(Saturday 20 January)

Haiti v Costa Rica, Group A, 4pm;

Trinidad and Tobago v Canada, Group A, 6.30pm;

(Sunday 21 January)

Nicaragua v Mexico, Group B, 4pm;

United States v Jamaica, Group B, 6.30pm;

(Monday 22 January)

Haiti v Canada, Group A, 4pm;

Trinidad and Tobago v Costa Rica, Group A, 6.30pm.

(Tuesday 23 January)

United States v Mexico, Group B, 4pm;

Jamaica v Nicaragua, Group B, 6.30pm.

More from Wired868
“Ten minutes of madness!” T&T U-20s fall 3-1 to Jamaica, despite Sween strike

After making their international bow with a 3-2 international friendly win over Jamaica last week, the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Read more

Sween and Chaves thrill, as Trinidad and Tobago U-20s down Jamaica 3-2

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team head coach Brian Haynes started his tenure with a 3-2 international friendly win Read more

Haynes targets impressive debut as T&T U-20s prepare for Jamaica friendlies

The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team will play three friendly international matches against Jamaica starting from Thursday 25 Read more

“Names seemed to have scared us!” Eve bemoans “soft goals” as T&T thumped 4-1 by Jamaica

The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team were second best in a Caribbean derby at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Read more

G/Cup 23: Eve’s Warriors ready to show what they’ve got; USA hold Jamaica 1-1

Jamaica led the United States for 75 minutes last night but had to settle for a draw, as the two Read more

Jamaica name five Premiership stars and one home-based player in Gold Cup squad

Jamaica Men’s National Senior Team head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson selected a 23-man team for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup with Read more

About Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

Check Also

“Ten minutes of madness!” T&T U-20s fall 3-1 to Jamaica, despite Sween strike

After making their international bow with a 3-2 international friendly win over Jamaica last week, …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.