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Gallant Girlz clipped by Canada
September 27, 2023
Jamaica's dream of a first ever Olympic Games football qualification was dashed at the BMO Stadium in Toronto, Canada, last night after they lost 2-1 in their second leg Olympic qualifier for a 4-1 aggregate defeat.
Coming into the game needing to win by three clear goals to advance after a 2-0 defeat at home last Friday, the Reggae Girlz got a moment of hope when Drew Spence fired home a spectacular free kick after 25 minutes.
However, Chloe Lacasse with a 39th-minute header and Jordyn Huitema with another goal four minutes after the break ensured the defending champions will be in Paris next year to defend their title. The United States had already secured the first of Concacaf's two spots in the field for the Olympics.
Jamaica who were without ace striker Khadija Shaw and speedy forward Jody Brown, kept things tight at the back and had a good header from Cameron Simmonds early in the game.
However, the hosts controlled the game and had a few openings but the Allyson Swaby-led defence gave very little away.
The Jamaicans took the lead from a set play, thanks to Spence's wonderful free kick.
Nevertheless, the Canadians stormed back to get the equaliser and restored the two-goal cushion on aggregate in the 39th minute
Jamaica fell further behind the eighth ball four minutes after the break when Jordyn Huitema headed home a cross to make the score 4-1 on aggregate.
Canada then had some great chances to add to their lead but goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, who was in imperious form, made some impressive saves to keep the score respectable.
