The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has announced that the Reggae Girlz will compete against the United States in an international friendly today at Energizer Park stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, with a kick-off time set for 7 p.m. However, head coach Hubert Busby will not be present due to personal matters, but he remains in constant communication with the team.
In his absence, assistant coach Deon Burton will assume the role of interim head coach, supported by a team of coaches including Xavier Gilbert, Sanford Carabin, and Laura Jackson. This is not the first time Burton has stepped in for Busby; he previously took on the head coach role during the team’s friendlies against Mexico in April.
Burton expressed confidence in the team’s preparation despite the limited time spent in camp, stating, “The team is looking well… A lot of information and hard work has gone in, so it’s credit to the Girlz in this short period; so we’re looking forward to the game.”
Facing a formidable opponent, the U.S. team recently secured a convincing 3-0 victory against China, while Jamaica seeks to bounce back from two consecutive losses. Burton emphasized the opportunity for his players to gain valuable experience against such high-caliber competition, which he believes will contribute to their development.
Historically, Jamaica has struggled against the United States, remaining winless in their last three encounters, including a 5-0 defeat in the 2022 Concacaf W Championships. Despite these challenges, the squad is infused with youthful talent and the defensive prowess of experienced players like Allyson Swaby, Konya Plummer, Chantelle Swaby, and Vyan Sampson. Additionally, the team has welcomed veteran attackers Tiffany Cameron and Natasha Thomas, who have joined the squad on short notice, boosting their offensive capabilities.
This friendly represents not only a competitive challenge but also an invaluable learning opportunity for the Reggae Girlz, as they aim to build a stronger future through experience against top-tier teams.