Jamaica
To Play French Guiana on January 8
Jan 1, 2005
Round three of the Digicel Caribbean Cup will
see Jamaica hosting French Guiana in the first
leg on Saturday, January 8 at the National Stadium.
The return leg is scheduled for January 15 in
French Guiana with the winner of the two-way tie
advancing to the final playoffs in Barbados. Jamaica
advanced to the third round after defeating St.
Lucia on a 3-2 goal aggregate. French Guiana defeated
Martinique, Guadeloupe and Dominica to top their
zone. Head coach of Jamaica's senior football
team Wendell Downswell stated that French Guiana
are a formidable opposition with a number of their
players playing in France. US-based players Tyrone
Marshall, Damani Ralph, Khari Stephenson and Andy
Williams along with England-based midfielder Omar
Daley are expected to be included in the Reggae
Boyz team. The top three teams in the Barbados
series will qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
More
in the Forum
Boyz
advance in Digicel Cup
Dec. 20, 2004
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz team defeated St Lucia 2-1
in the second leg of their quarter-final Digicel
Caribbean tie at the National Stadium yesterday.
The win gives Jamaica a 3-2 aggregate advantage
after drawing the first leg 1-1 in St Lucia. Jamaica
will now face French Guiana in a home-and-away
series on January 9 and 16. Jamaica took the lead
with just 40 seconds on the clock when a Luton
Shelton cross found Roland Dean who had an easy
task of tapping home the first goal. St. Lucia
fought back and found the equaliser in the 23rd
minute with a goal from Titus Elva. St Lucia continued
to pressure Jamaica in the second half but in
the 66 minute the Boyz went ahead courtesy of
a curling 25-yard free-kick from Harbour View's
midfield maestro Jermaine Hue. St. Lucia continued
to threaten and in the 80th minute Elva broke
away but his shot was saved by the well-placed
Jamaican goalkeeper. JAMAICA - Shawn Sawyers,
Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Tyrone Sawyers,
Robert Scarlett, Fabian Davis, Jermaine Hue, Khari
Stephenson (Keith Kelly 50th), Mario Harrison,
Roland Dean (Teofore Bennett 70th) and Luton Shelton.
Booked: Harrison (12th), Scarlett (61st) Subs
not used: L Murray, K Kelly, L Hyde Jnr, G Reid,
F Dawkins, T Bennett, A Priestly St Lucia - Abraham
Mentor, Germal Valcin, Mogabi Polius, Angus William,
John Perry Joseph (Levi Gilbert 84th), Eliga Joseph,
Curtis Alcide (Vernus Abbott 70th), Alvin Xavier,
David Flavius (Peter Valcin 76th), Titus Elva
and Earl Jean. Booked: William (43rd), Xavier
(57th) Subs not used: Giovanni Deterville, Garvin
Phillip, Peter Valcin, Albert Joseph, Vernus Abbott
and Leyton Sandiford Referee: Roberto Guitierez
(Cuba) Assistants: Ricardo Morgan and Rohan Thobourne
(Jamaica) Fourth Official: Victor Stewart (Jamaica)
Match Commissary: Anton Sealy (Bahamas). More
in the Forum
Jamaica
draw 1-1 with St Lucia inDigicel
Cup
Dec. 12, 2004
Jamaica's new-look senior Reggae Boyz team had
to come from a goal down to snatch a 1-1 draw
against St. Lucia in the second round of the Digicel
Caribbean Cup at the St Lucia National Stadium
in Vieux Fort on Sunday. St Lucia surprised the
Jamaicans and went ahead on a goal from Elija
Joseph midway in the first half. Jamaica grabbed
the equalizer in the 40th minute through Akeem
Priestly. Skipper Andy Williams was red carded
and will miss the second leg at the national stadium
in Jamaica. The
winner of the two-way tie will advance to the
final four of the play-offs in Barbados next year,
where the top two teams will advance to the prestigious
CONCACAF Gold Cup. Jamaica - Shawn Sawyers, Damion
Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Tyrone Marshall, Fabian
Davis, Garfield Reid, Khari Stephenson (Mario
Harrison 75th), Andrew Williams, Akeem Priestley
(Lenworth Hyde Jnr 72nd), Roland Dean (Theofore
Bennett 79th), Luton Shelton. Booked: Marshall
(30th), Williams (red card 44th), Shelton 45th,
Reid (80th). Subs not used: R Murray, K Kelly,
R West, A Reid. Haiti defeated
St kitts 1-0 in their encounter in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida.
CONCACAF
Under-20 Group B Qualification Schedule
Dec.
6, 2004
CONCACAF announced the Group B fixture for the
Under-20 Final Round Qualification scheduled to
take place in San Pedro Sula, Honduras from January
26-30, 2005. Honduras will play host to Canada,
Jamaica and Mexico in Group B from which two teams
will qualify to the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
in Netherlands. The U-20 Group B games begins
on 26 January, when Mexico meets Canada and Honduras
faces Jamaica. Two days later, Jamaica takes on
Mexico while Honduras meets Canada. The U-20 Group
B Final Round concludes on 30 January, when Canada
plays Jamaica and then Honduras faces Mexico.
The other two CONCACAF representatives to the
FIFA Youth Tournament will come from Group A as
Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba/Trinidad & Tobago and
the host, USA compete in at the Home Depot Center
in Carson, California from 12-16 January 2005.
More
in the Forum
Jamaica
Stops Haiti 3-1
Nov. 29, 2004
Jamaica's new-look Reggae Boyz defeated Haiti
3-1 in their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Group
A Digicel Cup (CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying) at
the National Stadium yesterday. The three first
half goals from Khari Stephenson (20th minute),
Roland Dean (22nd) and Luton Shelton (30th) were
too much for the Haitians as the Jamaica team,
ended the tournament with maximum nine points
from three wins, scoring 26 goals and conceded
two. Jamaica will now face St. Lucia on December
12 and 19 in a two-game home and away second round
knockout series. Haiti also advanced as the second-placed
finishers as they ended with six points with victories
over the USVI and St. Martin. Interim coach Wendell
Downswell said he was satisfied with the performance
of the team and that they are looking forward
to meeting St. Lucia in the next round. Jamaica
- Shawn Sawyers, Jermaine Taylor, Tyrone Marshall,
Damion Stewart, Robert Scarlett, Fabian Davis,
Khari Stephenson (Akeem Priestly 72nd), Andy Williams,
Jermaine Hue (Mario Harrison 71st), Roland Dean,
Luton Shelton (Teofore Bennett 74th). Haiti -
Luidgi Beauzile, Roosevelt Desir, Pierre Bruny,
David Saincius, James Dorcelus, Richardson Ulcena,
Peter Germain, Louisvens Mesidor (Rudy Lormera
57th), Turlien Romulus, Dieuphene Thelamour (Saint-Preux
Leonel 76th), Mones Chery. More
in the Forum
Carl
Brown Fired!
November 22, 2004
Reports from a number of sources close to the
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) have stated
that technical director Carl Brown was fired after
an emergency meeting of the JFF's executive members.
It was reported that Brown was asked to resign
but refused and was then fired. Similar reports
have been published by The Jamaica Observer and
on TVJ News. The firing of Carl Brown comes as
no surprise after the Reggae Boyz senior team
failed to advance to the final round of CONCACAF
World Cup Finals qualification. In addition to
the senior teams loss, the National Under 17 team
lost 4-0 to Haiti a few days later. Head coach
of the Reggae Boyz, Brazilian Sebastiao Lazaroni
have already resigned the program. The failure
of The Reggae Boyz to advance to next year's final
round is viewed as a big problem for the Crenston
Boxhill led JFF and resulted in the emergency
meeting of parish association presidents and confederation
heads. The head coach of the Under-20 team Wendell
Downswell is expected to fill in as the interim
coach as the senior team is scheduled to play
in the upcoming Digicel Cup competition on Wednesday.
More
in the Forum
Jamaica
Eliminated! The Reggae Boyz Road to Germany Ends.
Nov. 17
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz saw an end to their World
Cup campaign when they drew 1-1 with the United
States in Columbus Ohio on Wednesday night. Jamaica
got off to a slow start in sloppy conditions as
the USA pressed the early attack. Donovan Ricketts
was called on early to make some big saves only
to have Eddie Johnson slipped one pass him to
give the USA the lead 15 minutes into the game.
Jamaica's Ricardo Fuller was brought down in the
box for a penalty in the 27th minute and midfielder
Andy Williams calmly converted to give Jamaica
the equalizer. Jamaica pressed late in the game
but the score remained unchanged at the end of
extra time to the disappointment of the Jamaican
fans. With the end of Jamaica's campaign comes
the departure of coach Lazaroni whose contract
was for as long as Jamaica were on the Road to
Germany. The USA and Panama advances as the USA
led the group with 12 points, Panama on 8, a point
ahead of Jamaica, while El Salvador brought up
the rear with four points. Jamaica - Donovan Ricketts,
Ian Goodison, Damion Stewart (Jermaine Hue, 24th
minute), Ricardo (Jason Euell, 71st), Andy Williams,
Damani Ralph (Marlon King -68th), Ricardo Fuller.
Read
More in the Forum
Reggae
Boyz Training Session Report from Columbus
Nov 17 Dweetsweet2 (forum member)
The national team had a short 1 hour open training
session at the Columbus Crew Stadium tonight at
6 p.m. The USA had previously held their one hour
session, which was held behind closed doors. Of
note was that while no one was allowed to watch
the U.S. train, everyone and their mother was
allowed to watch Jamaica train. U.S. Soccer scouts
and technical staff hung around after their session
to watch JamaicaÕs session, and were seen taking
copious notes. Yours truly and Karl were escorted
unceremoniously out of the stadium by a U.S. Soccer
"press officer" and evicted when we
turned up to watch the U.S. training session.
Our lack of expertise in espionage was made abundantly
clear all.
Right
after the session started at 5:00 p.m.it was interrupted
by CONCACAF officials who asked to see all Jamaica
team passports, a normal action required of all
national teams prior to play a WCQ game. This
check took about 10 minutes. This was to become
very relevant as when the Columbus Crew officials
motioned to Lazaroni at 6:00 p.m. that he should
stop training as time was up, Laza got into an
argument with them to try to get back the 10 minutes
lost earlier. He was unsuccessful and the lights
were turned off... Read
More in the Forum
Boyz
To Face USA Without Hyde
Nov 16
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz football team arrived in
Columbus Ohio on Monday for their crucial CONCACAF
semifinal round World Cup qualifier against the
United States on Wednesday night. Missing from
the squad was British-based midfielder Mica Hyde
who injured his thigh in a weekend club game.
He now joins Jermaine Johnson on the injured list.
Kansas City Wizards midfielder Khari Stephenson
has been called as a replacement and was due to
join Reggae Boyz camp late yesterday along with
utility player Tyrone Marshall. Within hours of
arriving the players were training in the cold
temperatures at the Columbus Crew practice ground
in Obetz, about a 20 minute-drive from the team
hotel. Another training session is scheduled for
the match venue, the Crew Stadium in Columbus.
The Boyz are in a three-way battle for the second
qualifying spot in Group One as they are on six
points, one more than third place Panama and two
ahead El Salvador. The squad includes Donovan
Ricketts, Aaron Lawrence Theodore Whitmore, Ian
Goodison, Jamie Lawrence, Ricardo Fuller, Ricardo
Gardner, Jason Euell, Deon Burton, Marlon King,
Aaron Lawrence, Damion Stewart, Tyrone Marshall,
Andy Williams, Damani Ralph, Craig Ziadie, Jermaine
Hue, Jermaine Taylor, Garfield Reid, Fabian Davis
and Khari Stephenson. More
in the Forum
Boyz
Report To Training
Nov. 9
Eight
locally-based Boyz are to report to training camp
along with USA based Andy Williams, Craig Ziadie
and Damani Ralph in preparation for the Reggae
Boyz World Cup qualifier against the United States
on November 17. An additional 10 players based
in England along with Tyrone Marshal in the USA
are expected to join the squad at a later date.
Jamaica is currently second on six points in their
group and needs an unprecedented victory over
the USA to guarantee them a place in the final
phase of the CONCACAF qualification. A loss would
definitely end their 2006 Germany World Cup campaign.
The Boyz will be without key central defender
Claude Davis who is serving a one game suspension
after receiving his second yellow card against
El Salvador on October 13. Jamaica's Technical
director, Carl Brown, insists that the team is
capable of doing well and points out that they
have only given up one goal in their last three
games which is an indication that they have been
playing well as a unit. In addition it is expected
that the inclusion of new recruit Jason Euell
will bring new options and strength to the midfield
which is an area of concern. More
in the Forum
Euell
to join Reggae Boyz for clash against USA
Nov 7
Charlton Athletic striker Jason Euell is expected
to make his first start for Jamaica against the
United States in their crucial CONCACAF World
Cup qualifier in Ohio on November 17. With an
impressive goalscoring record in the English Premiership,
Euell had planned on playing for the Reggae Boyz
in the World Cup qualifiers against Panama and
El Salvador last month, but his initial application
to represent Jamaica was turned down by FIFA.
Euell, whose father was born in Jamaica, was assisted
in getting his international clearance by former
Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain
Horace Burrell. A former England Under-21, Euell
was transferred in 2001 from Wimbledon to Charlton
Athletic for a fee of £4.75 million and has since
scored 32 goals in 110 games in the Premiership.
With only one semi-final stage qualifying match
remaining Jamaica are five points behind group
leaders United States and one ahead of Panama.
The Reggae Boyz are now up against the wall and
will need a win, as loss or even a draw could
see their World Cup hopes come crashing to halt
on November 17.
Dear
God...A Prayer for November 17 (Senior Analyst -member)
Nov 3 It's been a while since I have called on you
this formally... since yu save me out of that
terrible mess. I have been good for the most part,
a know a don't have to tell you because you know
all things. Anyway, I have a little problem and
need some help. Since today is the day most people
stop to reflect on you, I thought I woulda give
yu a talk, cause although a nuff a we, yu always
seems able to hear the whole a we at the same
time. I am not sure what happen at the stadium
last game but a just couldn't get through to you.
Yes I know it look like a only come to you when
a need help but the truth is...a desperate and
have come to learn that there is no other meaningful
help outside of you...Read
More
Fuller
crucial in Portsmouth's win over United
Oct 31
Jamaican International Ricardo Fuller, played
a crucial role in Portsmouth shock 2-0 win over
Manchester United in the English Premiership on
Saturday. The 24-year-old Fuller came off the
bench to add his pace and skill to the Portsmouth's
attack and was instrumental in a penalty which
gave his side a 1-0 lead over United. Fuller,
who had replaced the injured Diomansy Kamara,
was brought down in the penalty area by Rio Ferdinand
after a a quick move inside the box. The resulting
penalty was scored by David Unsworth. Fuller almost
set up another goal for Portsmouth midway during
the first half when he deftly dribbled by defender
Gary Neville on the by-line and set up Lomana
Lua Lua, but the striker's low shot under pressure
was cleared off the line by Neville. Fuller was
signed from Preston North End to Portsmouth on
a pay-as-you-play basis in late August. More
in the Forum
Jamaica
advances to CONCACAF U-20 Final Round
Oct 23
Jamaica advanced to the 2005 CONCACAF Under-20
Final Round Qualification after receiving a 3:0
forfeit victory over Haiti in the second-leg of
the Caribbean Zone Second Round Series 2 in Portmore,
Jamaica.
After losing the first-leg 4:0 on Monday (18 October
2004) at the Portmore’s Ferdie Neita Park,
Haiti departed Jamaica on Tuesday, prior to their
second-leg encounter scheduled for Wednesday,
and therefore resulting in a 3:0 forfeit and a
7:0 aggregate win for the reggae boyz. Jamaica
will progress to Group B of the 2005 CONCACAF
U-20 Final Round Qualification from 26-30 January
in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with Canada, Mexico and
the host. More
in the Forum
2005
CONCACAF UNDER-20 QUALIFYING
Caribbean Zone – Second Round
Series 2
20.10.2004: Portmore, JAMAICA; Ferdie Neita Park
HAITI – JAMAICA 0:3 (FORFEIT)
Jamaica wins 7:0 on aggregate
Series
1
19.11.2004: TBD, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO;
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – CUBA
26.11.2004:
La Habana, CUBA;
CUBA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
FINAL
ROUND
Group A (12-16.01.2005 – Home Depot Center
in Carson, California USA)
USA
Central American 1
Central American 2
Caribbean Series 1
Group
B (26-30.01.2005 – Estadio TBD, Tegucigalpa,
HONDURAS)
Honduras
Mexico
Canada
Jamaica More
in the Forum
Jamaica
Whips Haiti 4-0in Under-20 World Cup Qualifier
Oct 19
Two goals each from Luton Shelton and Horace Howell
powered Jamaica's Under-20 team to a 4-0 win over
Haiti in the Caribbean zone FIFA Under-20 World
Cup qualifiers at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday.
At press time the venue of the return game was
still undecided. The Jamaica Football Federation
stated that they were instructed by the Caribbean
Football Union (CFU), that due to political instability
in Haiti, Jamaica should host the second game.
Haiti's delegation were reportedly instructed
by their federation to return to Miami to prepare
for the second leg and were reportedly booked
to fly out of Kingston this morning. Jamaica is
expected to qualify alongside host Honduras, Canada
and Mexico in the CONCACAF under-20 final round
series between January 26 and 30 in San Pedro
Sula. Jamaica - Jermaine Taylor, Rodolph Austin
(Dwayne Jumpp 72nd), Ryan Thompson, Adrian Reid,
O'Brian White, Mario Harrison, Akeim Preistly
(Jermaine Holiss 82nd), Luton Shelton, Merick
Howard, Rafe Wolfe, Howard Wong (Horace Howell
60th). Booked: Reid 70th. Subs not used: K. Moodie,
R Robinson, K. Bernard, N. Findlayson. Haiti -
Yves Marie Clervin, Jean Sony Alcenat (Senecharles
Monder 75th), Wilson Blanc, Cedric Guy Joseph,
Pamel Guerrier, Roody Kelly Jean (Noel Sylvestre
80th), Serge Luis, Jackson Jean, Michelet Joineus
(Roberto Ylysse 70th), Leonel St-Preux, Lescat
Cileus. Subs not used: F Dort, P Noel, A Vuibert.
Referee: Lazaro Hernandez (Cuba) Assistants: Dave
Meikle & Triston Tulloch (Ja) Fourth Official:
Victor Stewart. More
in the Forum
El
Salvador hold Boyz to 0-0 draw
Oct. 14
Host Jamaica (1-1-3, 6 Points) were held to a
scoreless draw at the National Stadium in Kingston
last night in their crucial CONCACAF World Cup
semifinal Zone A game against El Salvador. The
result places the Reggae Boyz in second place
on six points, five less than the United States,
and one ahead of Panama. El Salvador are still
at the bottom with four points but kept their
hopes alive by sharing points with the Boyz. Jamaica
were clearly the better side last night and constantly
pressured El Salvador's defenders but they just
could not find the target when it mattered most.
El Salvador, Jamaica and Panama are now in a battle
for the second and and last Group A berth. The
Semifinal Round concludes next month (17 November
2004) with Jamaica visiting the USA at Crew Stadium
in Columbus, Ohio, while Panama hosts El Salvador
at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Ciudad de Panama.
Jamaica - Aaron Lawrence, Claude Davis, Ian Goodison,
Craig Ziadie, Ricardo Gardner, Tyrone Marshall
(Williams 65th), Jamie Lawrence, Theodore Whitmore,
Damani Ralph, Marlon King, (Burton 70th), Ricardo
Fuller (Johnson 81st). Booked: Marshall (8th),
Jamie Lawrence (37th), Claude Davis 78th), Johnson
88th) Subs not used: D Ricketts, F Davis, D Stewart,
G Reid El Salvador - Alvaro Alfaro (Santos Rivera
46th), Jose Tobar, Marvin Benetiz, Victor Velasquez,
Erick Prado, Victor Merino, Fredy Gonzalez, Ronal
Cerritos (Cabrera 84th), Denis Alas, Deris Umanzor,
Jorge Rodriquez (Isaac Zelaya 73rd). Booked: Merino
(6th), Benetiz (78th)
Jamaica
seeking full points against El Salvador
Oct. 13
The Reggae Boyz will be seeking full points when
they face El Salvador in a vital CONCACAF World
Cup Group A qualifying semifinal game at the National
Stadium this evening at 7:00pm. In their previous
encounter on September 8, The Boyz's gained maximum
points with an historic 3-0 win in San Salvador.
During a very intense training session at the
National Stadium yesterday, the players appeared
businesslike and focused. There were some concern
for first-choice goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts,
who injured his rib area in Saturday's 1-1 tie
against Panama, and he remains doubtful for tonight's
game. El Salvador who are at the bottom of Group
A with three points, have hired a new coach and
called up five new players to their squad and
are expected to give a better performance against
Jamaica tonight. Jamaica (from) - Donovan
Ricketts, Aaron Lawrence, Claude Davis, Damion
Stewart, Ian Goodison, Garfield Reid, Fabian Davis,
Ricardo Gardner, Tyrone Marshall, Craig Ziadie,
Jamie Lawrence, Theodore Whitmore, Andy Williams,
Jermaine Johnson, Marlon King, Ricardo Fuller,
Damani Ralph and Deon Burton. El Salvador
(from) - Alvaro Misael Alfaro Sanchez, Jose Rafael
Tobar, Marvin Reynaldo Benitez, Victor Manuel
Velasquez, Erick Dowson Prado, Victor Hugo Merino,
Fredy Antonio Gonsalves , Ronal Osvaldo Cerritos,
Denis Jonothan Alas, Deris Ariel Guevara, Ramon
Alfredo Sanchez, Julio Alexander Castro, Issac
Nehmias Zelaya, Jorge Humberto Rodriquez, Josue
Naun Galmadez, Jose Orlando Martinez and Santos
Noel Rivera. More
in the Forum
Reggae
Boyz and Panama Play to 1-1 Draw
Oct. 10
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz and Panama played to an
exciting 1-1 draw in their CONCACAF Group A World
Cup qualifier at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium
in Panama City last night.The first half saw Panama
applying pressure to the Reggae Boyz and they
took the lead in the 22 minute with a header from
striker Roberto Brown that slipped under keeper
Donovan Ricketts. It was Brown's third goal against
Jamaica in as many games. The Boyz battled back
in the second half and were rewarded in the 74th
minute with a Theodore Whitmore equalizer. Both
teams remain tied on five points as the CONCACAF
Semifinal Round Qualification continues for Group
A on Wednesday (13 October 2004) as Panama visits
the USA in Washington, D.C., while Jamaica will
host El Salvador in Kingston.
Group A (GP, W-L-T, GF:GA, PTS)
USA (4, 2-0-2, 6:2, 8)
Jamaica (4, 1-1-2, 6:4, 5)
Panama (4, 1-1-2, 5:5, 5)
El Salvador (4, 1-3-0, 2:8, 3) More
in the Forum
Jamaica
and Guatemala Draw 2-2 in Friendly.
Oct 2
See Game Pictures
A youthful and spirited Jamaica team came from
two goals down to draw with Central American upstarts
Guatemala 2-2 at the Lockhart Stadium in Florida
tonight. The Reggae Boyz was comprised primarily
of youth players from the national domestic league
was left a man down for nearly the entire 90 minutes
as midfielder Antholow Dawkins was red-carded
very early in the first half the friendly international.
After an evenly contested first half, Guatemala
took the lead early in the second half scoring
two quick goals from Juan Carlos Plata and Maynor
Davila just before a heavy down pour of rain drenched
the crowd of 8,500 fans and had them running for
cover. Minutes after coming on, Jermaine Hue took
control of the game, and along with Cornel Chin
Sue and Keith Kelly had the Guatemalans on their
heels the last 15 minutes of the games. Jamaica's
first goal was scored in the 88th minute by Hue
after he received a cross from the left side,
he controlled the cross, faked a fast approaching
Guatemalan and released a quick shot into the
back of the net. Hue struck again in stoppage
time with a neatly placed inside the post shot
to level the score. Jamaica - Aaron Lawrence,
Gerald Neil, Rudolph Austin, Jermaine Taylor,
Robert Scarlett, Antholow Dawkins, Fabian Davis,
Mario Harris, Akeem Priestly, Luton Shelton and
Teofore Bennett...
See Game Pictures | More
in the Forum
Marlon
King's stunner does it for Forest
Monday, September 27, 2004
NOTTINGHAM, England (AFP) -
A superb last-minute goal by Nottingham Forest's
Jamaican international Marlon King wrapped up
a suitable ending here yesterday on a day dedicated
to remembering former manager Brian Clough, who
died of stomach cancer last Monday aged 69.
King's
stunning effort rounded off a come-from-behind
2-1 victory over West Ham and gave Forest their
first victory of the season in The Championship.
Former Forest star Marlon Harewood had given the
visitors the lead, but that was wiped out by a
goal from Paul Evans.
The
match was preceded by a minute's silence for Clough,
and a parade of the trophies he won by some of
his best-known players from both Nottingham Forest
and Derby County.
Clough
had been earlier described by his former Forest
captain John McGovern as one of the greatest teachers
in the history of football. Clough guided Derby
to their first ever league championship and trumped
that by landing two European Cups with unfashionable
Nottingham Forest where he moulded seemingly mediocre
players into a formidable team.
"The
last time I stood on this balcony we brought back
a very large gold cup from Europe," said McGovern
addressing fans of both clubs in the central square
in Nottingham. "Brian was a teacher, he tought
players how to pass the ball, and told them to
keep the ball on the floor and to respect authority."
Clough is rated as the best manager England never
had, but former England handler Sir Bobby Robson
believes he should have been even if it would
have meant replacing him at the helm. More
in the Forum
The
CFU's Gold Cup qualifying kicks off in October
Sept. 19
The regional qualifying of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold
Cup for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), begins
next month with 24 teams placed into six groups
of four. The top two teams from each group will
advance to the Second Round, which will be comprised
of six home-and-away series match-ups on December
12 and 19. Second Round winners will then advance
to the Third Round of three home-and-away series
games on January 9 and 16, 2005. The Third Round
winners will advance to the CFU Final Round Qualification
along with the hosts Barbados from February 20-24,
2005. The top three teams from the Final Round
will advance to the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup in
July. 2005
CONCACAF
GOLD CUP QUALIFYING - CARIBBEAN ZONE First Round Group A (November 24-28) Jamaica, Haiti,
US Virgin Islands, St Martin Group B (November 10-14) Martinique, French
Guyana, Guadeloupe, Dominica Group C (October 6-10) Cuba, Dominican
Republic, Netherlands Antilles, Guyana Group D (November 24-28) Trinidad & Tobago,
Puerto Rico, Grenada, Surinam Group E (October 26-30) Cayman Islands,
St Vincent & The Grenadines, British Virgin Islands
Group F (October 27-31) St Kitts & Nevis,
Monsterrat, St Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda
Second
Round Home-and-Away Series (December 12 & 19,
2004)
Series 1: Group A Winner vs Group F Runner-up
Series 2: Group A Runner-up vs Group F Winner
Series 3: Group B Winner vs Group C Runner-up
Series 4: Group B Runner-up vs Group C Winner
Series 5: Group D Winner vs Group E Runner-up
Series 6: Group D Runner-up vs Group E Winner
Third
Round Home-and-Away Series (January 9 & 16, 2005)
Series A: Winner of Series 1 vs Winner of Series
3
Series B: Winner of Series 5 vs Winner of Series
6
Series C: Winner of Series 2 vs Winner of Series
4
Final
Round Group (February 20-24, 2005) Barbados
+ Series Winners A, B, C. More
in the Forum
Hurricane
Ivan Puts U17 and U20 Games On Hold
Sept. 14
The national Under-20s and Under-17s football
teams were both scheduled to play the first leg
of a home and away second round qualification
duel against Haiti over the weekend. This has
been put on hold due to hurricane Ivan as the
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has been unable
to prepare the teams. There are problems contacting
most of the players due to lack of electricity
and phones and other important utilities along
with water damages to the offices of the JFF.
It is anticipated that the JFF will request that
the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) reschedule
the games to sometime next week. Both the Under-20s
and Under-17s earned the right to meet Haiti after
putting forth dominant performances in the first
round of qualifications hosted in Jamaica, maintaining
unbeaten streaks that included a 12-0 walloping
by the Under-20s over Antigua and Barbuda. More
in the Forum
Jamaica
defeats El Salvador 3-0
Sept. 08
With goals from Marlon King in the 3rd and 37th
minute along with Mica Hyde in the 39th, The Reggae
Boyz defeated El Salvador 3-0 in their CONCACAF
World Cup semi-final qualifying game here at the
Cuscatlan Stadium in El Salvador. The win puts
Jamaica on 4 points and in second place behind
the USA on 5 points in Zone A. Panama was unfortunate
not to have defeated the USA who equalized in
the 92nd minute also sits on 4 points but Jamaica
have the better goal difference. El Salvador,
bottom of the table with three points, were jeered
off the field, although most of the 12,000 crowd
at the Cuscutlan stadium left before the end.
Jamaica- Donovan Ricketts, Claude Davis (Craig
Ziadie), Damion Stewart, Tyrone Marshall, Ricardo
Gardner, James Lawrence, Micah Hyde, Theodore
Whitmore, Damani Ralph, Ricardo Fuller (Andy Williams),
Marlon King (Jermaine Johnson). More
in the Forum
Jermaine
Taylor to replace suspended 'Pepe' Goodison
Sept. 06
Jamaica's under-20 skipper Jermaine Taylor has
been called to Jamaica's 18-man squad for Wednesday's
critical World Cup qualifier against El Salvador
in El Salvador. Taylor is expected to replace
the suspended Ian 'Pepe' Goodison, who was red-carded
in Saturday's loss against Panama at the National
Stadium. Jamaica sits at the bottom of the four-team
Zone A CONCACAF World Cup qualifying semi-final
group with one point from two games. The USA leads
the group with four points - one ahead of El Salvador
and Panama. Each team has played two matches.
Jamaica's Brazilian coach Sebastiao Lazaroni stated
that his team must now try to win the next match
on Wednesday against El Salvador. The Reggae Boyz
left the island yesterday for Miami, en route
to El Salvador and includes Donovan Ricketts,
Aaron Lawrence, Claude Davis, Tyrone Marshall,
Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Fabian Davis,
Garfield Reid, Jamie Lawrence, Micah Hyde, Ricardo
Gardner, Andy Williams, Theodore Whitmore, Jermaine
Johnson, Damani Ralph, Ricardo Fuller, Marlon
King and Deon Burton. More
in the Forum
Panama
stuns Jamaica with late winner
Sept. 05
A ten man Jamaica team lost 2-1 to Panama as veteran
striker Julio Dely Valdes scored the winner in
injury-time in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The surprise loss leaves the Reggae Boyz at bottom
of their group with one point from two games.
Panama took an early lead with a goal from Roberto
Brown whose parents are Jamaican. The Reggae Boyz
fought back but were unable to score any of their
numerous shots on goal. Jamaica found themselves
further in trouble in the 33rd minute when key
defender Ian Goodison was sent off for holding
Valdes as he broke away. Reggae Boyz substitute
Damani Ralph finally equalized in the 77th following
a combination with Jermaine Johnson which ended
with Ralph beating goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. Panama's
Valdes struck in the second minute of stoppage
time to silence the partisan and shocked Reggae
Boyz supporters at " The Office" and
putting doubt to the future of newly appointed
Brazilian coach Sebastiao Lazaroni. More
in the Forum
Winston
"Twinny Bug" Anglin killed in car crash
Sept. 05
Former national footballer Winston "Twinny Bug"
Anglin died in a car accident in Discovery Bay,
St. Ann, late Saturday night. Anglin and his friends
Donald Findlayson, Oniel Eccleston, Allan Dexter,
and Keith Gentles were returning home from Jamaica's
World Cup qualifier against Panama at the National
Stadium when the Nissan Maxima motor car being
driven by Eccleston, lost control and crashed,
immediately killing the occupants. More
in the Forum
Reggae
Boyz prepares for Panama
Sept. 03
Technical director of Jamaica's football Carl
Brown was less than happy with the performance
of his players in their evening training session
at the National Stadium yesterday. The team is
preparing for their crucial CONCACAF World Cup
qualifying semifinal game against Panama on Saturday
at the National Stadium in Jamaica. Brown's main
concern was the lack of enthusiasm by the players
but noted however that fatigue could have been
a factor. The training session included a man-in-the-middle
drill and also an intra-squad game which lasted
for just under an hour. In an earlier morning
session the team concentrated on tactics and drills
which involved freekicks from various angles,
throw-ins aimed at creating goal-scoring chances,
corners, ball possession, quick passing, defending
and counter-attacking moves. Both Theodore Whitmore,
suffering from muscle pains and Richard Langley,
who twisted his knee were rested yesterday. Panama
who was expected to arrive in the island last
night had lost their first Group semifinal game
2-1 to El Salvador and will be desperate for a
victory over Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz full squad
is Donovan Ricketts, Ian Goodison, Claude Davis,
Garfield Reid, Tyrone Marshall, Micah Hyde, Theodore
Whitmore, Ricardo Gardner, Andy Williams, Ricardo
Fuller, Marlon King, Aaron Lawrence, Jermaine
Taylor, Damion Stewart, Fabian Davis, Christopher
Jackson, Craig Ziadie, Akeem Prestley, Jamie Lawrence,
Jermaine Johnson, Deon Burton, Damani Ralph, Gerald
Neil and Richard McCallum. More
in the Forum
More
Sponsorship for the Boyz
Sept. 01
The President of the Jamaica Football Federation,
Crenston Boxhill, was presented with a cheque
for J$33 million from the CEO of Supreme Ventures,
Brian George, at a press briefing at the Terra
Nova Hotel in Kingston. The donation is an incentive
scheme for the Reggae Boyz during the remainder
of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying series and
guarantees each player US$2,000 for each win and
US$1,000 for a draw. The Boyz will earn a total
of $2.4 million for each match that they win.
Brian George said that they were proud to announce
Supreme Ventures as Platinum Sponsors of the Reggae
Boyz and that the contribution was a natural extension
of what they have been doing over the years. The
cash award becomes effective for the team's next
qualifying game against Panama at the National
Stadium on Saturday September 4. The Boyz will
then travel to San Salvador to face El Salvador
on Wednesday September 8. On October 10 they play
away to Panama, then host El Salvador before playing
the USA on November 17. More
in the Forum
Fuller
moving to English Premiership
Aug. 22
Fuller to Following months of interest in Ricardo
Fuller by First Division English Premier League
team Portmouth, a deal was finally struck to sign
the skillful Jamaica forward. Portmouth had pulled
out of the proposed £1.5 million signing after
Fuller failed his medical exam last month because
of a recurring knee problem. The new deal is on
a pay-as-you-play basis, meaning that Fuller will
only be paid whenever he plays. Portsmore have
also absolved themselves from all liabilities
relating to his injury. Fuller had requested a
transfer from his club Preston North End before
the deal went bad. Since then, Fuller was examined
by renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman who cleared
him to continue playing. More
in the Forum
USA
survive a dominant Jamaica with 1-1 tie
Aug
19
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz could have tasted victory
over the United States in their CONCACAF Zone
of the World Cup qualifiers last night at the
National Stadium. The Boyz looked the better team
all night and took the lead over their North American
neighbours following an Ian Goodison's goal in
the 49th minute. The goal came from a corner taken
by Williams and headed in by Goodison beating
a diving Kasey Keller into the far corner.In the
67th minute, Marlon King was replaced by Ricardo
Fuller and the USA introduction veteran, Cobi
Jones who made a difference to the USA attack.
In the 77 minute Jamaica could have gone two goals
up when Fuller displayed his magic by evading
Frankie Hejduk and crossing to Damani Ralph who
sidefooted just inches from the USA goal. With
two minutes to go, Jones moved swiftly down the
right wing and crossed for Donovan who slipped
to Ching who blasted over the advancing Ricketts
into the roof of the net to give the USA a very
lucky tie. Jamaica - Donovan Ricketts, Ian Goodison,
Claude Davis, Fabian Davis, Ricardo Gardner, Tyrone
Marshall, Theodore Whitmore, Micah Hyde, Andy
Williams, Damani Ralph, Marlon King (Ricardo Fuller
66th). Booked: Fabian Davis (58th) Subs not used:
A Lawrence, D Stewart, R Langley, K Lisbie, J
Johnson and D Burtonn United States - Kasey Keller,
Eddie Pope, Carlos Bocanegra, Frankie Hejduk,
Greg Vanney, Claudio Reyna, Earnie Stewart (Cobi
Jones 69th), Chris Armas (Eddie Lewis 77th), DeMarcus
Beasley, Landon Donovan, Brian McBride (Brian
Ching 88th). Booked: None Subs not used: J Walker,
K Zavagnin, S Cherundolo, C Gibbs Referee: William
Mattus (Costa Rica) Assistants: Edgar Bolanos
& Leonel Bermudez (Costa Rica) Fourth Official:
Greivin Quiros (Costa Rica) Match Commissary:
Oscar Thamar-Torres (Guatemala) Referee Inspector:
Osmond Downer (Trinidad and Tobago). More
in the Forum
Boyz
Arrive for USA game
August
16
Members
of Jamaica's Reggae Boyz arrived yesterday for
their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying game against
the United States at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
Technical Director, Carl Brown and head coach
Sebastiao Lazaroni along with 10 UK-based players,
captain Theodore Whitmore, Ian Goodison, Ricardo
Gardner, Claude Davis, Ricardo Fuller, Jermaine
Johnson, Kevin Lisbie, Deon Burton, Donovan Ricketts
and Micah Hyde, all arrived on Sunday. Only Marlon
King and Richard Langley were yet to arrive from
the UK. Three USA-based players - Andy Williams,
Tyrone Marshall and Damani Ralph have also arrived.
The squad will join six home-based players including
Fabian Davis, Christopher Jackson, Gerald Neil,
Aaron Lawrence, Damion Stewart and Under-20 defender,
Jermaine Taylor. The players will participate
in the first training sessions at 8:00 on Monday
where the focus will be on tactical planning and
to get the players mentally ready. Jamaica have
never beaten the US in World Cup qualifiers and
the points in Wednesday's game will be crucial.
The top two teams from each of the three groups
will advance to next year's final round, where
the first three nations qualify for the Germany
2006 World Cup Finals. The fourth-placed team
will play a two-way tie against the fifth-placed
team from Asia. More
in the Forum
Fuller
pleases manager in Preston win
CMC Monday, August 09, 2004 LONDON (CMC) -
Injury-plagued Jamaican striker Ricardo Fuller
pleased Preston North End manager Craig Brown
with a solid performance in the club's 2-1 victory
over Watford in the opening game of the 2004 English
League Championship on Saturday. Fuller, tentative
heading into the season because of a knee problem,
was a constant menace to the Watford defence and
his Jamaica international teammate assisted on
one of the goals as Preston won their season opener.
"He did very well considering his lack of match
action," said Brown, although Fuller is scheduled
to fly to the USA tomorrow to see a knee surgeon.
"That was his first match since June 20 for Jamaica.
He has not played in any of our pre-season matches
and has done only a week's training," Brown added.
Preston took a 34th minute lead when Davis floated
over a free-kick from the left and Richard Cresswell
struck the ball just inside the far post. Fuller
drove narrowly wide moments later before Preston
had a second ruled out for handball. Fuller's
brilliant run took him past three defenders, his
shot came back off the underside of the crossbar
and Eddie Lewis bundled the ball home, but referee
Mike Pike disallowed the goal and booked the American
international. Paul Devlin levelled for Watford
in the 47th minute and David Healy netted the
winner from the penalty spot in the 77th minute.
The only Caribbean scorer on Saturday was Jamaican
Micah Hyde, who netted in Burnley's 1-1 draw with
Sheffield United. More
in the Forum
Reggae
Boyz slip 5 places on FIFA list
August 05, 2004 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)
Positions in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU)
ratings for August have remained exactly the same
as they were for July although some of the region's
top teams have slid several places down the world
list. The CFU's number one team Jamaica fell five
places from the July position to 54th on FIFA's
list, and all of the teams in the CFU's top five
slipped from their world spots last month. Second-ranked
Trinidad & Tobago slid four places to 67th, but
their nearest rivals on the CFU list also suffered
drops - Cuba going down eight places to 74th,
Haiti four places to 95th and St Kitts and Nevis
four places, to 112th. The bottom half of the
top-10 held more steadily on the world list -
sixth-ranked Barbados up one to 115th, St Lucia
slipped one spot to 128th, Grenada stayed at 138th,
Suriname kept their 147th spot, and the CFU's
10th ranked St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
moved up two places to 151st. Ahead of the CONCACAF
World Cup semi-final series starting this month
when CFU teams encounter tough CONCACAF (North,
Central America and the Caribbean) opposition,
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz maintained their fourth
spot on the CONCACAF list, behind Mexico, who
are eighth in the world, the USA (10th) and Costa
Rica 28th). Honduras, 59th in the world, are fifth
in CONCACAF, followed by Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba,
Guatemala (79th), Haiti, and Canada (96th). Five-time
world champions Brazil stay number one ahead of
France, followed by Spain, Argentina, the Czech
Republic, and the Netherlands, with England seventh.
CFU top 10 rankings (world rankings in brackets)
1 Jamaica (54) 2 Trinidad & Tobago (67) 3 Cuba
(74) 4 Haiti (95) 5 St Kitts/Nevis (112) 6 Barbados
(115) 7 St Lucia (128) 8 Grenada (138) 9 Suriname
(147) 10 St Vincent & the Grenadines (151) More
in the Forum
We
Need To Study The USA
August 1
Speaking at a press luncheon on Thursday at the
Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, new head coach of
the Reggae Boyz, Sabastiao Lazaroni, placed an
emphasis on scouting their next opponent, the
USA, for their semi-final round CONCACAF World
Cup qualification game in Jamaica on August 18
at the National Stadium.
He stated that he and his staff will continue
to thoroughly study the USA, their players, options,
systems, the coach, their mentality and their
tactical plans. Lazaroni noted that there is not
have much time to prepare for the USA, but was
optimistic that the Boyz can give a good performance
if a proper analyst of the USA is done. He added
that "Jamaica has never beaten them and this
could be a good opportunity to do so, we just
have to try.
On the subject of foreign players, Lazaroni said
he will be giving the Jamaican-based players a
fair chance to stake their claims for places in
the senior team. He urged players to "Show
the best" when given an opportunity, take
chances and do your best, show character, quality
and discipline. More
in the Forum
We
Need Funding!
August 1
Jamaica's technical director of football, Carl
Brown made an impassioned plea to corporate Jamaica
to help with the funding of the national Under-17
and Under-20 teams at a press luncheon on Thursday
at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston. Brown stated
they are about to start their respective World
Cup qualification campaigns and are really in
need support if they are to move forward. In the
past, both the Under-17s and Under-20s have qualified
for the Youth World Cups in New Zealand in 1999
and Argentina in 2001, respectively. The Under-17
team is presently in Cuba training and returns
on Monday and the Under-20 squad is in a training
camp with the local-based Reggae Boyz. More
in the Forum
