Well, it looks like the squad is getting thinner by the day. But for those who wanted to see more locals, the opportunities for those players are growing.
Ankle injury rules out Austin from Boyz squad
By Howard Walker, Observer staff reporter
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Weehawkin, New Jersey, US - Top midfielder Rodolph Austin was ruled out of Jamaica's international friendly against Ecuador after picking up an ankle injury and frantic efforts are being made to have Harbour View's Richard Edwards join the squad.
Up to press time last night Edwards did not arrive, but was expected to join his teammates today, said head coach Theodore Whitmore.
"Myself and Bradley Stewart were looking at a number of options and we finalised it. I spoke to Austin yesterday and he said he could be out for up to 12 weeks. Again we just have to concentrate on who is here and take it from there," Whitmore told the Observer.
Austin, 24, injured his ankle while representing his Norwegian club SK Brann in their 1-5 lost to Odd Grenland over the weekend and was looking to return to the starting side after picking up a red card in his last international against Costa Rica during the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Jamaica are already without its English-based senior players, but welcome striker Luton Shelton, who arrived at the team hotel moments after 2:00 pm from Denmark.
The team was scheduled to train at the Giants Stadium at 7:00 pm yesterday, a one-half hour drive from the hotel for their first real training session since arriving early Sunday morning.
"We just had a pool session on Sunday and got the players relaxed until everybody came in. Shelton was the last person in, so will have our first training session and we are looking forward to it," Whitmore pointed out.
The depleted Reggae Boyz squad has opened the door for some young players to stamp their class. Both Lovel Palmer and Jermaine Taylor are making a return to international football after a long absence.
Palmer has not played since 2006 against Iran, while Taylor was not selected because of inactivity during a long running transfer saga at the local club level.
Young and talented defender Dicoy Williams was drafted in to replace the injured veteran Tyrone Marshall and is hoping to grasp his opportunity with both hands.
"Marshall is one of my favourite players and I hope that I could fill his footstep and I know that I will do Jamaica proud and play a good game," Williams said.
Williams, 22, thinks the move from Arnett Gardens to Harbour View has made him a better all-round player.
"Basically yes, the move from Arnett to Harbour View has made me a complete footballer. The move was a very good move that I made. I am an all-round player. I can play man marker, sweep or wingback," said the former Mona High Manning Cupper.
now i dont know about u guys but obrian white must have some class to be picked as 4th overall in the mls superdraft.
Yes, he was a big star in college, and would have gone first in the draft had he not injured his knee, but let's distinguish between college and professional football. He will eventually show whether he is going to be a top pro.
distributor, what you are saying is certainly true, but even more important than that is the fact that he's just getting healthy. It's disrespectful to the club and player when you call a guy for a friendly match that means nothing other than experience that is coming off of a huge injury and is just now completing his rehab with a start vs real madrid. Add to that the way Jamaica and Ecuador both play, they are physical teams that will go right for the other players... you see the problems we've been having with cards for what seems like 20 years. Let's say he were to get hurt, it's one thing if he gets hurt for his club or in an important international match, but it's not right to have him risk himself in what should be a highly physical, yet meaningless match like this.
I agree. White needs to be given until next season to rehab his knee, and to become an experienced pro player. He has shown small flashes of his potential so far, but there is no rush. TFC is doing the right thing by bringing him along slowly, and JA has nothing to play for for a couple of years. Yes, we don't want to slide below a certain level in the FIFA scheme, but we have many other players to test, such as Ryan Johnson, before we put pressure on White.
By the way, now that Rudi might be out for a while, Tappa might finally have to give Khari some respect. The guy has three goals so far this campaign in Norway, which is not a bad return for a holding midfielder. He has been ignored by Tappa, Simoes, Barnes and then Tappa again, until now, and I am sure that politics are in there somewhere.
I agree. White needs to be given until next season to rehab his knee, and to become an experienced pro player. He has shown small flashes of his potential so far, but there is no rush. TFC is doing the right thing by bringing him along slowly, and JA has nothing to play for for a couple of years. Yes, we don't want to slide below a certain level in the FIFA scheme, but we have many other players to test, such as Ryan Johnson, before we put pressure on White.
By the way, now that Rudi might be out for a while, Tappa might finally have to give Khari some respect. The guy has three goals so far this campaign in Norway, which is not a bad return for a holding midfielder. He has been ignored by Tappa, Simoes, Barnes and then Tappa again, until now, and I am sure that politics are in there somewhere.
You are sure politics is involved?
Interesting with Khari how he has moved from politics get him into the team (Under 20 days) to politics keeping him out as a Senior.
Look here guys Khari did not get playing time at Aeslund in the 2008 season. So jus as Demar Phillips come he gets time to play for the club and gets a callup to the game vs Panama in June. But still lets see how he performs tomorrow.
He as well as Lovel Palmer will have to be the dead ball specialists
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Austin, Marshall injuries force changes to Reggae Boyz line-up
Rodolph Austin, Marshall - File photos
Injuries to key Reggae Boyz Rodolph Austin and Tyrone Marshall will see changes to the national team's line-up ahead of tomorrow's friendly International against Ecuador.
National coach Theodore Whitmore was forced to make the changes following the late withdrawal of defensive stalwart Marshall due to injury, and even later, notification of unavailability of emerging midfield lynchpin, Austin.
Marshall was replaced in the squad by Dicoy Williams of Harbour View, and Austin who aggravated an ankle injury could be replaced by Harbour View midfielder Richard Edwards. With Marshall out, Shavar Thomas, who added some stability to the defense during the recently held Gold Cup, could be partnered in the centre of defense with the returning Jermaine Taylor of St Georges. Jason Morrison, a fixture in the centre of Jamaica's midfield since his impressive displays in the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Championships when he partnered Austin, could have Khari Stephenson of Aalesunds SK in Norway by his side in the engine room.
The Boyz, who began arriving at their New Jersey base in the early hours of Sunday morning, had a 45-minute training session in the pool and the gym that evening and will take the field for a second time today.
Of the previously named players to the 18-man squad, Luton Shelton, who recently returned to Valerenga from loan with Aalborg in Denmark, was the last to report. He did so just after 1 p.m. His fellow Norway-based professionals Demar Phillips and Stephenson arrived on Sunday night while the duo of Morrison and Wolfe who ply their trade in Hungary arrived earlier in the afternoon.
The United States-based Thomas, Omar Cummings and Dane Richards arrived on Sunday as well.
Squad: Dwayne Miller (Harbour View), Shawn Sawyers (Portmore United); Defenders - Shavar Thomas (Chiva USA), Jermaine Taylor (St Georges), Demar Phillips (Alesunds SK), Rafe Wolfe (Ferencvaros), Eric Vernan (Portmore United), Dicoy Williams (Harbour View); Midfielders - Jason Morrison (Ferencvaros), Khari Stephenson (Alesunds SK), Lovel Palmer (Harbour View), Dane Richards (New York Red Bulls); Forwards - Luton Shelton (Valerenga), Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids), Navion Boyd (Tivoli Gardens), Keammar Daley (Meadhaven) and Devon Hodges (Rivoli United).
Look here guys Khari did not get playing time at Aeslund in the 2008 season. So jus as Demar Phillips come he gets time to play for the club and gets a callup to the game vs Panama in June. But still lets see how he performs tomorrow.
He as well as Lovel Palmer will have to be the dead ball specialists
Jyouth, I know that you are a young and enthusiastic guy, but your logic needs some work. What does Demar's arrival at the club got to do with Khari? And, was he here for the Panama game? Khari has played more games for his club than Claude has over the last three years.
In response to Shavar, you must admit that it is funny that a player of his experience was so summarily ignored over the last couple of years.
Shavar Thomas will lead a relatively young Jamaican team into battle against Ecuador
Coach Theodore Whitmore has the captain arm band to Thomas, 28, who plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer. He been in out of the team (more out than in) since making his debut in 1999
Thomas, a veteran of six years in the MLS, said he expects a tough game from the South Americans. "Ecuador is a good team. They play in a good confederation, so we expect good football."
Jamaica, ranked 69th in the world, will be playing a team ranked 33 spots higher at 36.
Jamaica and Ecuador have met only once before at the senior level with Ecuador emerging 2-1 winners back in 1996.
The Ecuadorians are coming off an impressive 2-0 win over Argentina in their last World Cup Qualifier and coach Vizuete said he is taking this game very seriously, as it is the last practice game before two crucial World Cup Qualifiers against Colombia and Bolivia.
Jamaican starting line-up was not determined up to press time last night, but Dwayne Miller could get the nod in goal ahead of the Shawn Sawyers and Jermaine Taylor should partner captain Thomas at the centre of the defence. Eric Vernon and Demar Phillips should be the wingbacks.
Jason Morrison and Khari Stephenson are expected to form the central midfield duo, with Navion Boyd starting on the left and the speedy Dane Richards on the right. Luton Shelton and Omar Cummings are expected to start up front.
Look here guys Khari did not get playing time at Aeslund in the 2008 season. So jus as Demar Phillips come he gets time to play for the club and gets a callup to the game vs Panama in June. But still lets see how he performs tomorrow.
He as well as Lovel Palmer will have to be the dead ball specialists
Jyouth, I know that you are a young and enthusiastic guy, but your logic needs some work. What does Demar's arrival at the club got to do with Khari? And, was he here for the Panama game? Khari has played more games for his club than Claude has over the last three years.
In response to Shavar, you must admit that it is funny that a player of his experience was so summarily ignored over the last couple of years.
I thought he should be included, but the fact is quite a few coaches in Jamaica do not think that highly of him, especially since he is not a brucky boo. Downswell has stuck with him since his youth days.
Well, this will be a good test for the Boyz, because with the exception of Edison Mendez, Felipe Caicedo, Giovanny Espinosa, Neicer Riasco and Joffre Guerron, who all played in Ecuador's victory over Argentina a couple of months ago, the Africans from the Andes are bringing a strong team. And they will be using this game to prepare for next month's qualifiers.
Yes, we are missing a number of major players, but it is good to see Shavar getting some respect, and Khari as well. Shavar, I agree that he should have been called more consistently, and I agree that "since he is not a brucky boo" it has hurt him with some coaches. But he works hard, is physical, heads well, and will be a good replacement for Rudi.
Reggae Boyz make fresh start Published: Wednesday | August 12, 2009
Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer
New Jersey, United States:
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz will take their first step towards becoming a revamped, more youthful football force tonight when they tackle Ecuador in a friendly international here at Giants Stadium.
Match time is 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Ja. time).
Following a disappointing CONCACAF Gold Cup run in the US last month, when a full-strength Jamaica squad bowed out in the group stages, managing a single win while scoring one goal, the Boyz have announced a new direction.
Even with the absence of several senior overseas-based players on club committments, primarily in the English leagues, the plan is to inject some fresh faces into the team as part of an overhaul with future major competitions in mind.
Rebuilding programme
Ugly reports of indiscipline among the Boyz, which surfaced at the region's top tournament, including the sending home of one player, also contributed to the change of thinking.
"We've started our rebuilding programme," said Jamaica's coach Theodore Whitmore yesterday afternoon. "We're looking for more discipline and more organisation."
According to Whitmore, the team is willing to suffer through teething pains if necessary.
"We're gonna play some games," he said. "We're gonna win some, we're gonna lose some. Some we might share the points. But all in all we just want to go out there and give a good performance; don't get embarrassed."
Among those who will be gone from future national consideration are stalwarts like Tyrone Marshall and Ian Goodison.
"Basically, we have one or two young players, like Dane Richards and Luton Shelton who will carry on with a couple other players."
Richards, especially will be anxious to make his mark after being restricted to a second half substitute's performance at the Gold Cup. Being a member of New York Red Bulls of US Major League Soccer, he will also be playing in front of his home crowd.
"I look forward to playing a great role in the upcoming, rebuilding of the Reggae Boyz," said the 25-year-old Richards. "... We have a great group of young guys. (Tonight) we're all gonna see what we're made of because Ecuador is a team ... They are no easy team, so hopefully we can put up a good show, be competitive and get something from this game and the coach will see where we stand."
Standing in Jamaica's way will be an Ecuador team still in the mix to qualify for World Cup 2010 from the competitive South America group.
Ecuador have beaten the likes of Argentina (2-0 in June) and drawn with Brazil to be fifth in the CONMEBOL group.
Only meeting
Jamaica have played Ecuador once at the senior level, losing 1-2 away in a friendly international on October 4, 1996. However, the teams met in the final of the 2007 Pan Am Games, with the Under-20 Boyz going down 1-2. Dwayne Miller, Eric Vernan and Keammar Daley, currently senior squad members, were part of Jamaica's Pan Am team. Ecuador's coach then was Sixto Vizuete. He is currently in charge of the senior team and said he is "happy to face Jamaica again".
Apart from the big scalps Ecuador have taken in World Cup qualifiers, the coach believes his team is gelling at the right time.
"(Ecuador) is a very disciplined team for attack and defending in any moment of the game," he said through a translator yesterday. "... They have a lot of mental strength and that makes it easier for the technical staff and the coach."
Whitmore expects Ecuador to be a typical South American team, "very fighting and hard running".
He is also eager to put the ghosts of the disappointing Gold Cup - where he suffered his first losses as the senior national coach - behind him although the lessons learnt are still fresh.
"I don't want to dwell too much on the Gold Cup," said Whitmore. "It was very disappointing. We went into the Gold Cup with a fairly good squad, but again, good squads don't guarantee good performance. It all went down to committment and I didn't think everybody was committed to the cause. That's where we went wrong. So, again, we have to put that behind us and see where we went wrong and move on."
The new journey starts tonight.
Jamaica (from): Dwayne Miller, Shawn Sawyers, Shavar Thomas, Jermaine Taylor, Demar Phillips, Rafe Wolfe, Eric Vernan, Dicoy Williams, Richard Edwards, Jason Morrison, Khari Stephenson, Lovel Palmer, Dane Richards, Luton Shelton, Omar Cummings, Navion Boyd, Keammar Daley and Devon Hodges.
