T&T's U-17 Soca Princesses fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Mexico on Wednesday night at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, in their second match of the U-17 Women's Four Nation Tournament. It took T&T more than half the match to settle, with the defence consisting of Rehanna Omardeen, Camille Borneo, Khadisha Debesette and Anette Mims showing tremendous depth. It was a rare lapse in defence, however, which resulted in Mexico's first goal–a superb effort by Andrea Sanchez.
Sanchez released a beautifully curled ball that beat two defenders and goal keeper, Linfah Jones to find the far left corner of the post. T&T had its first shot on goal through Kayla Taylor but her shot was easily saved. Usual starting striker, Jo Marie Lewis, who did not play in the first match against Jamaica, was brought on in the second half and immediately made her presence felt, with a shot on goal in the first minute after the whistle. She injected aggression and purpose into the T&T side which finally woke up about halfway into the second half, and began stringing together proper passes while making meaningful advances.
In an attempt to equalise, coach Even Pellerud sent his troops forward, with just a few minutes to go before the end of the match, leaving the defence open. This made it easy for Christina Murillo to find herself unchallenged in front of the net to easily tap the ball into the left corner, in the second minute of added on time. In the opening match, Canada whipped Jamaica 4-1 with Chantale Campbell, Caroline Beauline, Sabrina Hemond and Haillie Price finding the net for Canada. Captain Trudi Carter scored Jamaica's lone goal. T&T is scheduled to meet Canada tonight from 7.15, while Jamaica will face Mexico from 5.30 pm on the final night of the tournament at the same venue.
