Reggae Girl’s versatility stands out in Liga MX Femenil

By Alexis Montieth

Two assists and a goal at the weekend earned Deneisha Blackwood a Player of the Match award in what was her most decisive performance since arriving in Mexico last year. The Reggae Girlz’s contribution to all three of Pumas Femenil’s goals in their 3-0 win over Atlético de San Luis came on matchday five of the Liga MX Femenil season.

A lot can be said of Blackwood’s versatility in attack and defence for Pumas over the past several months. Her role has extended beyond the familiar left-back position for which she is recognised within the ranks of the Reggae Girlz.

Last season, from game to game, Blackwood adapted to various positions–from left-back to left midfield or left wing. Her coach Jhonathan Lazcano alternated between relying on her defensive solidity and making the most of her dribbling, ball-carrying and crossing skills in attack, depending on the demands of each match.

The current season under new manager Marcelo Frigério has been no different. During Pumas’ first match against León, forward Aerial Chavarin was substituted early in the second half due to injury and Blackwood was moved up to a forward position to compensate for the American’s absence. In the next game against champions Tigres, in which Blackwood scored her club’s only goal in a 5-1 loss, she worked the left wing and the left of midfield.

Against Toluca, she started on the left of midfield in a 4-4-2 formation and did the same against Juarez before being shifted to the back line in the second half.

Interestingly, in the game at the weekend which saw her make three goal contributions against Atlético de San Luis, she started in her more recognised position of left-back.

Carrying the ball on the left side of the San Luis half in the 34th minute, Blackwood made a long pass to find Stephanie Ribeiro just as she entered the right top corner of the box. Unopposed, Ribeiro advanced a few steps to slot the ball to the right of the San Luis keeper at the near post and into the net.

Blackwood would add her name to the scoresheet in the 41st minute after Aerial Chavarin’s shot rebounded off the keeper towards her. Once she got control of the ball which was slipping past her, the Jamaican made no mistake from close range to make it 2-0 for Pumas.

In the 58th minute, Ribeiro would get her second goal courtesy of another Blackwood assist. With Blackwood in possession and the two players charging towards the San Luis box, Blackwood passed to Ribeiro who was in a more central position. The forward received the ball just before entering the box and firing to the left of the keeper and into the goal.

This was a pivotal performance from the Reggae Girl that helped Pumas to a second consecutive win after starting the season with two heavy defeats (4-1 to León and 5-1 to Tigres) followed by a 2-2 draw against Toluca.

With the recent victories against San Luis and Juarez under their belt Pumas will be hoping to take that winning momentum into their game against Pachuca on match-day six.

And with two goals and two assists since the start of the season Blackwood will be looking to maintain this excellent form and improve the fortunes of the team. But in what position on the field will she start next?