Young Girlz continue journey to U–20 World Cup

With only two wins required for Jamaica to earn a historic berth into this year's Under-20 Women's World Cup, the young Reggae Girlz will be looking to their captain Jody Brown to lead the way as they face host nation Dominican Republic in their Concacaf Women's Championship quarter-final at the Estadio Panamericano today at 12 p.m.

Jamaica enter this afternoon's game in fine form having dismantled Bermuda 9-1 in their round-of-16 game last Saturday with the 17-year-old Brown spearheading the assault with four goals. Her form has been relentless as she has now amassed eight goals for the tournament, putting her into a tie with Mia Fishel of the United States for second place in the golden boot race, two behind Haiti's Melchie Dumornay.

Coach Xavier Gilbert praised the performance of his skipper but has also credited the performances of other contributors who have fuelled their charge into the last eight.

Offensive threats

"Jody has been leading the team very well. She has managed to step up and score in all the games that we have played and also with the support from the others," Gilbert told STAR Sports.

Jamaica's other offensive threats include Marlee Fray who is the second highest goalscorer on the team with four goals, Lacey Murray who has three and Chantelle Parker and Sydoney Clarke who came off the bench to score two in the Bermuda win. While Gilbert has credited the team's offensive threat, he has singled out praise for three players who have impressed during their run.

"There have been a number of players who have been doing really well in the tournament. Maliah Atkins, Peyton McNamara and Jaden Roberts have [done] outstanding work during the tournament. Probably not being highlighted for not being on the score sheet but nevertheless they have been really working hard," he said.

Jamaica's path towards qualification to the World Cup will have a massive final obstacle should they progress to the semi-finals with either the United States or Canada their opponents for one of the two spots for the tournament this August in Costa Rica and Panama.