U-17 Reggae Girlz coach says no room for complacency in St Vincent clash

Jamaica’s Under-17 Women’s National Team has gained significant momentum in the CONCACAF qualifiers following a decisive 2-0 victory against Aruba on Tuesday. The young Reggae Girlz demonstrated tactical discipline and offensive improvement under head coach Marlon Hylton’s guidance.

The breakthrough came immediately after halftime when Ricquanna Richards found the net in the 46th minute, establishing Jamaica’s dominance. The team’s depth was further showcased in the 62nd minute as substitute Elizabeth Miller secured the victory with a well-executed finish. This performance marked a substantial improvement from Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Guyana.

Coach Hylton emphasized the importance of maintaining focus despite the encouraging result. “While this victory provides a confidence boost, we remain completely grounded in our approach,” Hylton stated. “Our methodology involves taking each match individually while maintaining trust in our preparatory work.”

The tactical execution drew particular praise from the coaching staff. Hylton highlighted the team’s implementation of a high-pressing strategy that forced Aruba into uncomfortable long-ball situations while maintaining defensive compactness. “What we witnessed was a comprehensive team effort characterized by exceptional work rate, disciplined positioning, and intelligent decision-making,” Hylton elaborated.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s encounter against St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Aruba’s Stadion Guillermo Prospero Trinidad. Despite the positive momentum, Hylton identified areas for improvement, specifically noting the need for enhanced consistency and finishing efficiency in attacking phases. “We approach each opponent with respect and identical intensity,” Hylton affirmed, indicating the team’s growth in organizational structure and mental fortitude throughout the tournament.