LYNN — There are many stars shining in Australia and New Zealand during the FIFA Women’s World Cup. One, however, comes from Lynn.
Lynn’s Cheyna Matthews is representing Jamaica’s national team Down Under.
Matthews was born in Lynn and attended both Vanderbilt and Florida State. At Vandy, she featured 17 times as a freshman, scoring six goals and dishing out six assists. As a sophomore, she started all 18 games.
Matthews then transferred to Florida State where she helped the Seminoles win their first NCAA National Championship in program history.
Matthews was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NWSL Draft by the Washington Spirit. She played 55 games for the Spirit, scoring 11 goals before finding a new home with Racing Louisville. Matthews scored one goal in 11 appearances for Racing Lousivlle, but has recently signed a contract with the Chicago Red Stars.
In 2019, Matthews was called up to represent the Reggae Girlz – Jamaica’s national team name – to help prepare the country for its first World Cup appearance in history.
With Matthews starting the opening match against France, the Reggae Girlz held on to an impressive draw despite having their striker sent off in the later stages of the game.
In Jamaica’s next game against Panama, Matthews came off the bench in the 65th minute to help preserve her team’s 1-0 lead to earn three crucial points.
Now, Matthews and the rest of Jamaica are in prime position to advance to the knockout stages as they currently sit second in Group F, needing only a draw against Brazil on Wednesday to punch a ticket to the next round.
