CONCACAF Women’s Championships Group B Preview

 

 

Mexico up against it after surprise loss to Costa Rica.

 

by Dan Gaichas, Windy City Soccer

 

Costa Rica vs. Jamaica (3pm, FS2); Martinique vs. Mexico (5:30pm, FS2)

 

Time to look at Saturday’s doubleheader at Toyota Park featuring Group B of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship. Keeping with the theme that hardly anything goes straightforward in World Cup qualifying, men’s or women’s, Mexico will enter its match against Martinique on zero points after a shock defeat against Costa Rica.

Carolina Venegas scored in the 9th minute for the Ticas and they made it stick to get the three points. It was their first win against either the USA, Canada, or Mexico in 11 tries (0-10-0 previously). Mexico have five players who play in the NWSL, plus former Chicago Red Star Dinora Garza who is currently listed as unattached at the moment.

By contrast, the Ticas have just one player in the NWSL. Seven players play for Costa Rican club Saprissa’s women’s side. Both Mexico and Costa Rica feature a mix of professional and US college players.

It could be argued that Martinique, an overseas department of France, is here to make up the numbers. Even if they finish second in the group, because they are not a full-fledged FIFA member, they cannot advance into the semifinals. The third place team in Group B would take its place. Martinique qualified for the Championship via the Caribbean Women’s Tournament. Their first match was a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Jamaica in Kansas City on Thursday night. It’s roster plays their club football in and around Martinique.

Before their 6-0 win on Thursday, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz had scored just six goals in their last 13 CWC matches. Both Donnakay Henry and Christina Murray scored braces in the win over Martinique. Henry plays for Swiss side SC Neunkirch. Another player to look out for is the forward Shakira Duncan. Forward Alexa Allen plays her college soccer at North Carolina State University.

Costa Rica vs. Jamaica kicks off at 3pm at Toyota Park on Saturday. The match will be televised on Fox Sports 2 and online via FoxSoccer2Go.com, the Fox Soccer2Go App and the Fox Sports GO App and foxsportsGO.com.

Martinique vs. Mexico kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday. That match will be televised on Fox Sports 2 and online via FoxSoccer2Go.com, the Fox Soccer2Go App and the Fox Sports GO App and foxsportsGO.com.