The Orange Blocks: Women’s World Cup Qualifier Match Day 4

Recapping another day of CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying at H-E-B Park.

Typically the home of RGVFC soccer, we continue to bring you coverage of the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at H-E-B Park.

Evening Match Summary (Jamaica vs. Costa Rica)

The first match featured a tense action back-and-forth action that provided plenty of opportunities for either side to claim all three points. In the end, it was a Jamaica goal that separated the sides and made for an interesting group B finish. Both sides had chances during the first half but no goals were scored. Jamaica made a substitution at the break as Giselle Washington provided them more attacking chances. The change paid off as Jamaica made the most on the first attack of the second half as Khadija Shaw pounced on a loose ball and scored. As the second half progressed, Costa Rica tried to find an equalizer with several 1-v-1 chances, but they could not convert. Jamaica took the victory in the victory in South Texas.

Night Match Summary (Cuba vs. Canada)

The last match produced no surprises. The Canadian team used an alternate lineup to face Cuba in the nightcap in route to a 12-0 win. Adriana Leon and Jordyn Huietma each scored four goals in the victory. For Cuba, just being in the group stage has been a historical accomplishment, this being their first time in the group stage of this qualifying tournament.

What’s Next (Match Day 6)

With the results from Match Day 4, Canada is virtually through to the semifinal stage with a +14 goal differential. Both Costa Rica and Jamaica are level with 3 points. Costa Rica holds the second spot due to a +7 goal differential. If Jamaica defeats Cuba in the first match Thursday evening by any goal difference, Costa Rica would then need to defeat Canada. Moreover, should Canada win or draw with Costa Rica, plus a Jamaica victory, then both Canada and Jamaica go through. If Cuba comes away with a draw or victory vs. Jamaica, then both Canada and Costa Rica go through, regardless of their result.

Photo courtesy of Cesar Cortez of Down in the Valley Podcast.