AP

Mexico's Sandra Stephany Mayor (10) celebrates her goal as Jamaica's Monique Pryce (3) lies on the ground during the first half of their CONCACAF Women's Championship football match at RFK Stadium yesterday in Washington. Mexico won 3-1.

Gordon Williams, Star Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C., United States: Jamaica crashed out of the CONCACAF Women's Championship (CWC) here last night , following a 3-1 loss to Mexico, which also destroyed the Reggae Girlz' hopes for a historic World Cup berth.

Despite giving a spirited performance in wet and chilly conditions at RFK Stadium, Jamaica eventually succumbed to a Mexico team which, although falling behind to a 14th minute strike from Donna-Kay Henry, managed to stamp its superiority, eventually drawing level then pulling away with goals from Sandra Stephany Mayor (29th), and a second-half double strike from Veronica Charlyn Corral (59th and 76th).

They worked hard

Despite the disappointment, Jamaica's head coach Merron Gordon, who described the defeat as 'devastating' for the Girlz, was proud of his team's effort.

"They gave up a lot of sacrifices," he said shortly after the game. "They worked hard."

It wasn't enough to earn Jamaica a win necessary to claim second place in Group B, which was won by Costa Rica, and a place in Friday's CWC semi-finals.

Missed opportunity

The missed opportunity to qualify for 2015 World Cup in Canada also left a bitter taste. But, according to Gordon, the CWC performance should boost the country's women's programme as it showed that Jamaica is ready to compete with the region's best.

"We were right there with the top teams in CONCACAF," said Gordon, after Jamaica beat Martinique 6-0 in the opening group game and lost 2-1 to Costa Rica.

Prominent team supporter Cedella Marley said the Marley Foundation recognised the promise of Jamaica's women's football and would continue to support it, despite yesterday's disappointment.

"I'm definitely in for the long haul," she said. "You don't turn off the passion."

The weather couldn't cool it either for the Girlz.

"I wouldn't blame the conditions at all," said Gordon.

Jamaica brought plenty quality. It showed in Henry's opening salvo, a beautiful curler into the top corner. But Mexico clawed back into the exciting contest of unrelenting pace and eventually forced an error. Goalkeeper Nicole McClure failed to collect a low cross and Mayor pounced for the equaliser.

What tilted the balance eventually, Gordon explained, was Mexico's veteran response having been through similar situations. His counterpart Leonardo Cuellar agreed, believing more quality practice games would have served Jamaica well.

"The players are there (for Jamaica)," he said post-game. "The talent is there. The tools are there."

Coaches and supporters appear more encouraged that the world witnessed Jamaica's overall improvement. That, they believe, will prove most beneficial.

"They're growing a bigger fan base," said Marley.

Even in defeat.