Photo:Roberto Johnson of Jamaica drives between drives between Mario Pocasangre (left) and Rene Maltes during their CONCACAF Under-20 Championship game on Sunday. Guatemala won the game 1-0 to move to 4 points and second place in the group behind Trinidad and Tobago.
Jamaica suffered a major setback in their hopes of advancing to the knock stages of the CONCACAF Under-20 Championships on Sunday when they were beaten 1-0 by Guatemala at the National Stadium in Kingston Jamaica.
Jamaica had to play without Dc United striker Micheal Seaton who got injured in the previous game against Trinidad and Tobago.
The home team started out pressing the ball, getting combination of passes and looked more confident than in their first match. Guatemala found it hard settling in the first ten minutes of the game but slowly grew into the contest.
Guatemala got the opening goal of the contest in minute 28th when Steven Robles fired past Nicholas Nelson after a right sided move.
Goal scoring opportunities did not come at regular basis and both teams struggle to build a rhythm.
Guatemala was strong in defense and was physically stronger than the Young Reggae Boys. Jamaica was caught giving away the ball too easily while failing to create real goal scoring opportunities.
The visitors looked more dangerous on the resumption and earned a penalty in the 55th minute. Nelson was up to the task, pulling off a good stop to keep the score at just 1-0.
Guatemala could have double their advantage in the 61st minute when Jamaica were clumpy in defense failing to clear a cross and it Nelson again at the rescue, denying a Kevin Bordon header.
The Young Reggae Boys finally got their act together mid-way the second half having a couple of looks at the Guatemala goal.
Guatemala was looking tired with 20 minutes to go in the contest and Jamaica was capitalizing running at their opponents defense.
Martin Davis’s introduction in the game was really influential as he held up the ball well and he was responsible for the buildup plays for the Jamaicans.
Junior Flemmings put in a good shift of work but was unable to create any magic, while Cardel Benbow was unable to find the space he had against Trinidad and Tobago.
Guatemala was comfortable playing ten men behind the ball with ten minutes left in the game.
Three minute of stoppage time was played before the referee Marlon Mejia signalled the end of the match.
Guatemala won1-0 and now sit on 4 points same as Trinidad and Tobago who lead on goal difference. Jamaica is 4th in the group and must win against both United States of America and Aruba to have a chance of advancing to the next stage.
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