Concacaf W Championship: Matchday 2, Groups A&B
The second matchday for both groups in the Concacaf W Championship has come and gone and tonight the final matchday in the group stage happens with all eight sides taking the pitch. After the matches from Matchday 2, the knockout stage is nearly set as the focus will shift from gaining a World Cup spot, or at worst a spot in the inter-continental playoff, to going after a spot in the 2024 Olympics.
Group A, Matchday 1 (7, July)
Jamaica|0 – 5|United States
After a tight win last Monday over Mexico, the Reggae Girlz faced their toughest test against the best team in the tournament. Things did not go to plan for Jamaica however, as they lost 5–0 to the USWNT. Sophia Smith scored twice within the first 8 minutes of the match. Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, and Trinity Rodman all tacked on goals in the second half the cap off the American’s dominating victory.
Haiti|3 – 0|Mexico
After losses for both sides on the first matchday, Haiti and Mexico each needed a win in order to push themselves into a good position to make the group stage and the Women’s World Cup. While Mexico dominated possession with 61% and the teams were even on shots with 11 for Mexico and 9 for Haiti, it would be Haiti’s night.
A Roselord Borgella goal from a penalty in the first half but Haiti up early. Nérilia Mondésir added a second goal for them in the 67th minute. Mexico’s Greta Espinoza would be given a red card in the 77th minute and Sherly Jeudy scored on the ensuing free kick to cap off the night and Haiti’s win.
Group B, Matchday 1 (8, July)
Trinidad and Tobago|0 – 4|Costa Rica
Coming off a humiliating 6–0 loss to Canada a few days prior, Trinidad and Tobago were heavy underdogs to Costa Rica. La Sele Femenina would dominate the night holding Trinidad and Tobago to just two shots that wouldn’t reach the goal, 34% ball possession, and a 72% passing accuracy.
Costa Rica’s Cristin Granados scored the opening goal of the night in the 18th minute. Shortly after Kedie Johnson would be given her second yellow card, resulting in Trinidad and Tobago to have to play 68 minutes down a player. In the 33rd minute an own goal was scored to put Costa Rica up 2–0 and Cristin Granados scored late in the half to extend La Sele Femenina’s lead to 3–0. Katherine Alvarado scored the only second half goal in the 48th minute.
Panama|0 – 1|Canada
After a dominating win over Trinidad and Tobago on the first matchday, Canada had a much bigger challenge with Panama. It would take until the 64th minute when Julia Grosso broke the deadlock with a goal for Canada, the only goal for the entire match. The win guaranteed the CANXNT a spot in the knockout stage and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Upcoming Matches
Group B (18:00 local/CDT , 23:00 GMT)
Panama vs Trinidad and Tobago — Estadio Universitario
Win and you go to the inter-continental playoff, lose and you will not have the chance to head to the FIFA Women’s World Cup is the tagline for this match. Both sides will be looking for a win tonight to keep the push for the 2023 WWC alive. Panama is ahead on goal differential by six goals, so a win or draw puts them into the inter-continental playoff, while Trinidad and Tobago has to win or they’re World Cup dreams are done.
Canada vs Costa Rica — Estadio BBVA
The clash between Group B’s top sides is only for seeding. A win and they get away from more than likely facing the USA in the Semi-Finals, giving the winner a slightly easier road in Olympic Qualifying.
Group B (21:00 local/CDT , 2:00 GMT)
United States vs Mexico — Estadio Universitario
In the Men’s game USA vs Mexico is one of the best and fiercest rivalries in North America, however that does not translate to the Women’s game. The USWNT is 39–1–1 all time against El Tri Femenil and it’s been nearly 12 years since Mexico defeated the USWNT. In order to get into the inter-continental playoff, Mexico has to win as well as having a few other things go their way.
Jamaica vs Haiti — Estadio BBVA
Another win and your in match tonight, however unlike in Group B the winner of this match will head to the knockout stage and earn a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The losing team will more than likely head to the inter-continental playoff, unless Mexico wins and clears any goal difference needed.
