Visit www.djbabyace.co

King, Claude Davis score for English clubs
CMC
Sunday, December 11, 2005
LONDON (CMC) - Reggae Boy Marlon King continued his amazing run of form in the English Championship with a goal that helped Watford snatch a late draw, while fellow countryman Claude Davis scored his first of the season to extend Preston North End's unbeaten streak to 12 games yesterday. King, dumped by Nottingham Forest at the start of the season, hit a thunderous strike in injury time as Watford scraped a draw against Plymouth at home in the East of England. It was the 25-year old's 10th goal this season after moving to Watford on loan and it cancelled out Nick Chadwick's 48th minute strike for Plymouth. The goal compensated for King's earlier miss in the 61st minute when with only the goalkeeper to beat, he scuffed his shot wide. Watford are now unbeaten in eight outings and are now third in the Championship standings behind runaway leaders Reading.

Playing away in the East Midlands, Davis notched only his second league goal for Preston as they drew 1-1 with Derby County.
Davis, a defender, converted a cross from Chris Sedgwick nine minutes after the interval to put Preston ahead. However, the 26-year old Jamaica handled the ball 10 minutes from time and Tommy Smith put home the resulting spot kick to ensure a stalemate.
Preston had not lost a game since September 27. Read more in the forum

Captain Burrell offers Sponsorship
Nov 14
The St. James Football Association (STJFA), was presented with a sponsorship cheque for $300,000 from the Captain's Bakery for the upcoming 2005 St.James/Captain's Bakery KO competition. STJFA was left without a sponsor for one of its premier competitions and they were delighted when the former boss of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, stepped in with his assistance to the association. The Captain's Bakery is deeply involved in sponsorship of football in Jamaica. They are presently providing support in seven of the nations parishes along with sponsorship for the JFA Western Confederation Super Football League involving teams from St.James, Westmoreland, Hanover and Trelawny. Read more in the forum

The JFF accused of Selling Out
Oct 23
A recent report that the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) may host a one-week camp for Bahrain has escalated tensions between Caribbean football powers Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Bahrain, which is vying along with T&T for a place in next year's World Cup Finals in Germany, is reported to have offered Jamaica one million (dollar) to set up a training camp from October 30 to November 8. This would allow them to use Jamaica's facilities and the possibility of a friendly match against Jamaica's top players on November 4. Read more in the forum

Regional boss Austin "Jack" Warner called it a sad day for Caribbean football and has accused the JFF of selling out the twin-isle republic in a report published by the Trinidad and Tobago Express newspaper. It seems that the JFF is surprised by the outbursts as according to the report, they have not made a final decision on the matter. Members of the forum are also split in their opinion with many saying that Jamaica should show solidarity with their Caribbean neighbors. Read more in the forum

Australia takes easy 5-0 win over Jamaica
Oct 9, 2005
The Reggae Boyz were handed a comprehensive 5-0 spanking by Australia in an international friendly at Fulham on Sunday. In a one-sided game, the mainly experimental Jamaica team were dominated by Australia who used the game to prepare for next month's World Cup playoffs. The Dutch coached team dominated from the opening whistle and the Reggae Boyz were spared from further embarrassment by poor finishing from the Aussies.

Australia were superior to Jamaica in every area and struck after two minutes of play when Marco Bresciano hit a 20-metre curling shot from outside the box. They continued by doubling their advantage in the 28th minute when Jason Culina sent an exquisite defense splitting pass to Archie Thompson who cut back inside and then picked his spot pass Sawyers in goal. The half ended 2-0.
Minutes into the sccond half, Australian skipper Mark Viduka made it 3-0 by capitalizing on a stumble from substitute Jermaine Taylor as he tried a clearance.

Jamaica's poor defense was again exposed in the 60th minute as John Aloisi added Australia's fourth from close range. Joel Griffiths completed the 5-0 victory five minutes from time. Jamaica: 30-Shawn Sawyers; 8-Omar Daley, 14-Tyrone Marshall, 6-Robert Scarlett (19-Garfield Reid 54), 3-Damien Stewart (17-Fabien Dawkins 61), 25-Claude Davis (4-Jermaine Taylor 46); 22-Nicholy Finlayson (24-Desmond Breakenridge 54), 12-Jermaine Johnson (20-Damani Ralph 51), 11-Ricardo Gardner (captain); 10-Ricardo Fuller(7-Jason Marshall 64), 21-Luton Shelton. More in the Forum

Jamaica Edges Guatemala 2-1
October 2005
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida
Jamaica defeated Guatemala 2-1 in their friendly international at the Lockhart Stadium here on Saturday. The game was used as a fine-tuner for Guatemala prior to their two crucial CONCACAF fixtures against Mexico on October 8 and Costa Rica four days later. For Jamaica, it was an opportunity to give the local-based players some international exposure and playing time before their match against Australia at Fulham's Craven Cottage in London on October 9.

Luton Shelton opened the scoring for the Wendell Downswell coached Reggae Boyz in the 41st minute. Shelton scored an easy header from a free kick on the left side. The lead was short lived however as Guatemala was awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute and Juan Carlos Plata leveled the score. The first half was a bit scrappy and ended 1-1.

The Boyz were livelier and focused in the second half, making some positive attacks and spending the majority of time pressing the Guatemalans defence. The Boyz used the flanks often which allowed them to open up acres of space between their wing backs and centre backs. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 70th minute when Shane Crawford, who had just replaced Teofore Bennett, scored a powerful 30 yards free kick to the delight of the Jamaican spectators. Guatemala did not offer too much at all and were fortunate that Jamaica did not have a larger margin of victory. More in the Forum

Davis to miss Jamaica vs Australia Game
Sept. 26, 2005
It has been reported that Reggae Boy Claude Davis will concentrate on getting his club Preston North End into the Championship top six and so will put club before country. Due to his focus, Davis will not represent the Reggae Boyz when Jamaica plays Australia at Fulham's Craven Cottage in London on October 9. Although the match comes in the middle of a two-week break for Preston, Davis will use the break to get some valuable rest after playing non-stop for more than 12 months. Other friendlies are also planned for Jamaica in November and December, and the defender expects Preston's Billy Davies to ask for his exemption from these games. Claude Davis last represented the Reggae Boyz in the Gold Cup in the United States against Mexico where he was knocked unconscious and had to be rushed to hospital for a brain scan. More in the Forum

Football News
Sept. 18
Jamaican forward Fabian Dawkins showed good form by scoring a hat-trick of goals for the Atlanta Silverbacks in United Soccer League (USL). Dawkins helped the Silverbacks to come back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat the Minnesota Thunder 3-1.

Reggae Boy Barry Hayles is also showing good by scoring 2 goals in as many games for Millwall as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in the English Championship recently. Hayles was also praised by his club for helping them to break their losing streak with a injury time 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

22 year-old Reggae Boy midfielder Jamal Campbell-Ryce, is expected to sign a loan deal with the south-east England club Southend. With his departure from English League club Rotherham, he will train with Southend until the end of the season making the move permanent once the transfer window opens again in January.

Horace Reid, Executive Director of the Caribbean Football Union Marketing Division, will serve in the capacity as Match Commissioner for Group D in the CFU U20 Women's Qualifying Tournament in the Dominican Republic. The Tournament is scheduled for September 21-25, 2005 with the The winners of each group joining Trinidad & Tobago (CFU Group A Winner) Quadrangular final from 12-16 November. Jamaica is in Group C along with St. Kitts & Nevis and Antigua & Barbuda. More in the Forum

JFF Host Three-day Coaching Seminar
August, 28, 2005
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), hosted a three-day coaching seminar at the secretariat as part of it's youth development program. Vince Ganzberg, the director of coaching at Indianopolis Soccer and coordinator of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), spoke to over 100 coaches and officials that turned up on the first day of the seminar. Some of the topics covered included the philosophy of youth coaching, the prevention and care of injuries, organizing and observing training sessions and the concepts of attacking and defending. The coaching seminar marks an important milestone for JFF's president, Crenston Boxhill, in his focus on youth and the development of specialist youth coaches. The National Youth Diploma Course was conducted under the auspices of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Coaching Academy. More in the Forum

Orville Edwards Dies
August, 28, 2005
Former national goalkeeper Orville 'Tutus' Edwards, has died from kidney failure at the age of 53. Edwards was Jamaica's and one of the Caribbean's top keepers during the 1970s and '80s. He was a member of the victorious Vere Technical High School team that won the daCosta Cup and Olivier Shield in 1968, 1969 and 1970, and also a member of Santos Football Club at the National League, KSAFA Major League and Master's League levels. Edwards' death is is another great loss to Jamaica's football following the tragic passing of former Reggae Boy Peter Cargill earlier this year. More in the Forum

Burton Scores Hat-Trick
August, 28, 2005
Former Reggae Boyz player, Deon Burton put on an outstanding performance in scoring a hat-trick to lead his new club Rotherham to a 4-0 victory over Blackpool. The 28-year-old striker, who was recently transferred from Brentford, scored in the 58th minute from the penalty spot, then got his second a minute later from a header and finally scoring from the edge of the box to complete the hat-trick. The other goal was scored by John Mullin in the 40th minute. More in the Forum

Bibi Injured
August, 28, 2005
Veteran Reggae Boy and Bolton Wanderers player, Ricardo Gardner, was injured during the recent Bolton-Everton clash. He picked up an injury to his knee as he completed a tackle which caused a player trod on his leg. Gardner who rose to prominence with the Reggae Boyz in the 1998 World Cup, has made over 200 appearances for Bolton since they paid Jamaica's Harbour View FC £1 million for his services in 1998. His injury is not considered serious and he is expected to be back in Premier League action in about two weeks. More in the Forum

Scarlett and Hue to US Major League Soccer
August 21, 2005
Reggae Boyz defender Robert Scarlett, has signed with US Major League Soccer (MLS) team Real Salt Lake (RSL) for an undisclosed sum. Scarlett, a skillful defender with attacking skills, transferred from Jamaica's Harbour View FC and is expected to bring his ability to carry the ball quickly to the left side of the RSL team. Scarlett, who was a member of Jamaica's team that won the Digicel Caribbean Cup in February, will join Reggae Boyz teammate Andy Williams on the RSL roster. He also had a brief three-month stint with top Russian team Spartak Moscow.

Another Reggae Boyz and Harbour View player Jermaine Hue, is reported to be on the verge of signing with the Kansas City Wizards in the MLS. Hue has agreed to a professional contract that will see him playing the remainder of the season, plus an additional three years based on his performance. In joining the Kansas City Wizards, Hue will team up with fellow Jamaicans, defender Shavar Thomas and utility player Khari Stephenson. The 27-year-old midfield general also played for Jamaican side Harbour View FC and will be replaced at that club by Keith Kelley. More in the Forum

Reggae Boy Marlon King scores double in Watford win
August 14, 2005
Reggae Boy Marlon King scored two goals to lead Watford to a 3-1 victory over Cardiff their first win of the new English Championship on Friday. King put Watford ahead seven minutes into the game with a curling right footer to the far corner of the goal. The 25-year old striker, who is on loan from Nottingham Forest, scored again in the 67th minute to sealed the game for Watford. The other goals were scored by Darius Henderson in the 52 minute while Cameron Jerome scored the lone goal for Cardiff. More in the Forum

Fuller signs with Southampton
August 7, 2005
Reggae Boyz striker, Ricardo Fuller played for his new club Southampton FC in their 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton on Saturday. According to game reports, Fuller missed two opportunities in two minutes to put his team ahead as he shot wide from a tight angle six yards out followed by another wide shot while under pressure from Lescott near the penalty spot. Fuller was recently transferred from Portsmouth and signed by Southampton manager Harry Redknapp for a fee of £90,000. The 25-year-old striker is very optimistic about his new side's chances this season after linking up with his old boss. Another Reggae Boyz, Andy Williams, scored the 5,000th goal in MLS history in his team Real Salt Lake's 2-1 win over Chivas USA on Saturday. More in the Forum

Reggae Boyz Shelton and Hue on trials after impressive Gold Cup performance
August 3, 2005
Harbour View's striker Luton Shelton, has been taken on trial by Championship side Burnley after he impressed manager Steve Cotterill during the CONCACAF Gold Cup in United States last month. The 19 year old Shelton was outstanding and scored in a 4-3 win for Jamaica against Guatemala. Shelton is a very fast and fearless player with excellent goal scoaring abilities. He has represented Jamaica at the Under 17,20 and 23 levels and now the senior team. He played for Wolmers in the Manning cup schoolboy competition and was a fixture within Harbour View's youth program for many years. At Burnley, Luton will be joining up with fellow Jamaican players, Frank Sinclair and Micah Hyde.

Another Reggae Boyz skilled Jamaican midfielder Jermaine Hue, is on a one week trial with MLS club the Kansas City Wizards. The 27-year-old Hue enjoyed some recent success in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as he scored two goals for Jamaica in the tournament -- one against Guatemala and one against South Africa. Jermaine Hue is a very skillful midfielder known for his vision and accurate defense-splitting passing abilities. Kansas City presently has Jamaican defender Shavar Thomas, and midfielder Khari Stephenson. More in the Forum

JFF seeks to secure as many friendly internationals as possible.
Andy Williams retiring.
July 24, 2005
It was reported that Jamaica's Reggae Boyz will play a friendly international against Australia in London sometime in October. This is the first confirmed game of the plan for the Reggae Boyz to get as many friendly internationals as possible in the coming months. JFF's president, Crenston Boxhill, informed the media that the JFF have secured the Australia game and that there are others to come. When the teams last met on September 7, 2003, at Madjeski Stadium in Reading, the Reggae Boyz lost to Australia 2-1.

Jamaica gave a good performance at the recent 2005CONCACAF Gold Cup and Boxhill feels that the upcoming games will benefit the Boyz. They defeated Guatemala 4-3, tied with South Africa 3-3, but lost to Mexco their final match in the preliminary round and the USA 3-1 in their quarter final game. The Boyz will also be without midfielder Andy Williams who stated that he is retiring from the Jamaican national team. Williams currently plays professionally in the United States Major League Soccer for Real Salt Lake City.

USA defeats the Reggae Boyz 3-1 to advance to the Gold Cup Quarter finals
July 16
USA defeated the Reggae Boyz 3-1 to advance to the Quarter finals of the Gold Cup 2005.Both teams in their traditional colors started cautiously. Jamaica had the early possession. In the 5th minute USA wins a corner. Josh Wolff gets the ball in the penalty box and fires a shot that took a deflection pass Ricketts into the back of the net. One minute later Jamaica reacts with Ricardo Fuller winning a foul in the penalty box. A poorly taken penalty by Andy Williams gave USA's Keller an easy save. Reggae Boyz Stewart's strong challenge on Cherundolo gets him a caution and two minutes later Hue gets a yellow card for his challenge on Cherundolo. The Reggae Boyz continue to press for the equalizer with a 25 meter effort by Shelton that rolls wide and a header by Shelton that goes over the crossbar. Shelton again gets in the play just inside the box but swings and totally misses his shot. Midway through the game Jamaica's midfielders Hue and Williams are almost invisible. On the 41st minute Beasley penetrates in the penalty box and scores on Jamaica. The half ends with USA leading by 2 goals to nil.

Encouraged by cheering supporters, Team USA dominated the early stages of the second half and Beasley almost gets a third as the
USA continued their steady attack on a now anemic looking Reggae Boyz. In the 56th minute a very slick series of passes gives Andy Williams a breakaway but he is fouled outside the box. An excellent strike by Stephenson beats Keller only to be stopped by the post. 15 min " Ralph replaces Sawyers for Jamaica. Jamaica comes alive again in the 64th minute with a good run and shot from Andy Williams but his shot whizzes just wide. Shelton makes a good run and fires a dangerous ball across the face of the USA goal but Keller saves. As play resumes Jerome Taylor cleans up Beasley with a vicious tackle and immediately gets a red card. Jamaica substitutes Jermaine Johnson for Shelton. USA seems to be able to penetrate at will and Reggae Boyz goalie, Ricketts, is kept very busy. Team USA keeps the pressure on and is rewarded again with another Beasley goal with the assist from Armas. Fuller pulls one back for Jamaica with a quick dribble into the box and easily slipping it pass Keller. Jamaica defense collapses again and gives the USA a penalty just before the end of the game, but it is squandered by an over-confident Landon Donavon. USA wins 3-1 and advances to the semis.

Mexico stops Jamaica 1-0 to win Group C
in Gold Cup
July 14
In a very exciting match, Mexico stops Jamaica 1-0 at the Reliant Stadium in their final game of Group C in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Mexico dominates the early stages of the game putting the Jamaican defenders under some serious pressure. Zinha, Altamirano and Pineda keep attacking on the flanks. Thirteen minutes into the game Jamaica counters with Jermaine Hue sending a nice through ball to Teafore Bennett who gets around keeper Moises Munoz but shoots wide of an empty goal. As end to end action continues, Mexico attacks and catches Sawyers out of place with a ball that whizz across the empty Jamaican goal. Mexico's Salcido moves up to attack, but sends his shot just wide of goal. On the 19 minute mark Mexico scores from a great play as Medina slices through the Jamaican defense and slips the ball to Luis Perez who hits it perfectly into the Jamaican net. Jamaica steps up the tempo with a wicked shot from Hue that goes just wide. Jamaica looking more dangerous as the game progresses and the game becomes more tactical. Ralph beats two defenders on the line and crosses but keeper Munoz saves easily. Andy Williams cuts inside and launches a long range bomb but it goes wide of goalie Munoz. Jamaica presses forward again but the shot is blocked for a corner. Omar Daley picks up a silly yellow card for throwing the ball away. The Boyz continue to press for the equalizer with a series of long range shots without much luck. A very exciting first half ends with Mexico leading 1-0.

Second half picks up with early attacks from the Boyz as they win a series of corners but they fail to convert. Jamaica survives a scare 8 minute into the half. Jamaica immediately counters with a run and cross from the right wing. A foul on Bogetti just outside the box and the resulting free kick from Altamirano knocks Davis unconscious. Gamed stops. The Reggae Boyz adds fresh firepower as Johnson replaces Bennet and Fuller in for Ralph. Jamaica continues to press forward and the match gets more physical with both Borgett and Taylor picking up yellow cards. Omar Daley picks up second yellow and is ejected from game. 10 man reggae boyz wins a corner but again could not convert. Fuller fouled outside the box as the Boyz show their individual skills but Munoz saves the kick from Hue. Mexico counters and forces a brilliant save from Sawyers. Action swings from end to end. Shot from Andy Williams in overtime is saved and Mexico hangs on to a 1-0 win. Mexico advance to the 2005 quarterfinals along with South Africa and Jamaica.
Team Jamaica: Shawn Sawyers, Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Andrew Williams, Omar Daley, Jermaine Hue, Khari Stephenson, Garfield Reid, Claude Davis, Teafore Bennett (Jermaine Johnson), Damani Ralph (Ricardo Fuller).

Jamaica 3, South Africa 3 in CONCACAF Gold Cup
July 10, 2005
ReggaeBoyz Teafore Bennett scored in the 80th minute as Jamaica rallied to a 3-3 tie with South Africa on Sunday in their Zone C encounter of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Jamaica dominated the early stages with some speedy runs and good ball movement. Shots from Marshall, Johnson, Scarlett and Fuller all went wide of the South African goal. In the 34 minute South Africa launches an attack and Raselemane scores to go one up. Just one minutes later, Reggae Boyz Jermaine Hue fires back and equalizes. South Africa South takes the lead again in the 40th minute when Van Heerden delivers a corner kick and Ndela scores with a header. The Reggae Boyz gets the equalizer two minutes later when Damion Stewart executes a nice header from a corner kick. The half ends with both teams on two goals. The second half saw both teams trying to gain the advantage and South Africa taking the lead in the 56th minute. Jamaica kept pressing for the equalizer and was rewarded in the 80 minute with the goal from Bennet. The game ends Jamaica 3, South Africa 3. Both teams are tied for first place in Group C with four points apiece. Mexico in third place with three points after 4-0 victory over Guatemala. JAM: 30-Donovan Ricketts - 3-Damion Stewart, 4-Jermaine Taylor, 5-Tyrone Sawyers (74: 20-Damani Ralph), 6-Robert Scarlett, 9-Andrew Williams, 10-Ricardo Fuller, 12-Jermaine Johnson (64: 23-Teafore Bennett), 14-Tyrone Marshall (83: 16-Omar Daley), 17-Jermaine Hue, 18-Khari Stephenson. Booked: Scarlett 29’, Stewart 60’. More in the Forum

Reggae Boyz Make Winning Start in Gold Cup
July 9
Luton Shelton, Ricardo Fuller, Andy Williams and Jermaine Hue all scored to give the Reggae Boyz a 4-3 win over Guatemala in their Zone C encounter of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Jamaica, Wearing their traditional yellow jerseys and green shorts, immediately established the tempo of the game with a Luton Shelton goal in the 2nd minute. This was followed by Ricardo Fuller taking advantage of a goalkeeper error 2 minutes later, to give the Reggae Boyz a two goal lead.

Guatemala fought back with a shot from Ruiz, but his shot is deflected. Guatemala wins a foul in the 10 minute as Ponciano is fouled in the box and Ruiz scores to make the scoreline 2-1. Reggae Boyz defender Claude Davis gets red carded for a foul on Ruiz in the 15th minute putting Jamaica at a disadvantage. The Boyz continues to dominate by keeping possession and confidently knocking the ball around midfield. A 44 minute foul on Luton Shelton wins Jamaica a penalty which Andy Williams scores. Guatemala fires back with a goal from Ruiz scoring a nice header on the stroke of half-time. The half ends Jamaica 3 Guatemala 2.

The second half starts with a series of attacks from Guatemala but they are repelled by the Reggae Boyz defensive unit. In the 11 minute midfielder Jermaine Hue takes advantage of space and scores to put The Boyz further ahead. Jamaica continues to dominate and replaces Hue with Omar Daley and Williams with Jermaine Johnson. Guatemala continue to press for a goal and is rewarded in the 41 minute when Ruiz skillfully chips the ball in the Jamaican net. With three minutes added to the game, the 10 man Reggae Boyz team holds on to a well deserved 4-3 victory at the final whistle. Jamaica will take tonight's win into Sunday's game against South Africa who upset Mexico 2-1.

REGGAE BOYZ READY FOR 2005 CONCACAF GOLD CUP™
June 2, 2005
Jamaica's head coach Wendell Downswell has named his final squad of 22 players for the CONCACAF Gold Cup scheduled from July 6 to 24. The squad consists of nine overseas-based players including goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts of Bradford City, Jermaine Johnson (formerly of Oldham Athletic), Claude Davis of Preston North End, Ricardo Fuller of Preston, Tyrone Marshall of the LA Galaxy, Andy Williams of Real Salt Lake, Khari Stephenson of the Kansas City Wizards, Teofore Bennett of Virginia Mariners of the US leagues, and Damani Ralph, who plays for FC Rubin Kazan in Russia. The remaining players are goalkeepers Shawn Sawyers (Portmore United) and Leighton Murray (Harbour View), Jermaine Taylor (Harbour View), Tyrone Sawyers (Portmore), Garfield Reid (Rivoli), Robert Scarlett (Harbour View), Lovel Palmer (Harbour View), Nicholy Findlayson (Reno), Damion Stewart (Harbour View), Omar Daley (Portmore), Jermaine Hue (Harbour View), Luton Shelton (Harbour View) and Roland Dean (Tivoli).

The 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ will consist of three groups of four teams for the first round with the top two from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams, progressing to the quarterfinals for a total of 10 doubleheaders from 6-17 July throughout six stadiums in the USA. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz are in Group C along with Mexico, Guatemala and guest team South Africa. The Boyz will open against Guatemala on July 8 at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles at 9:00 pm, then against South Africa on July 10 at the LA Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles at 2:00 pm, and on July 13 they face powerhouse Mexico at the Houston's Reliant Stadium 9:00 pm. For tickets information please call +1/888-480-2005 and for latest information on the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ check www.goldcup.org. More in the Forum

2005 Gold Cup Teams and Roster

Jamaica 2005 Gold Cup Player Profiles

Reggae Boyz Still Atop CFU Ranking

CMC- Thursday, June 16, 2005
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - For the second month in a row, there is no positional change in the team ranking of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) nations, based on the release of FIFA's latest world rankings yesterday.

Trinidad & Tobago, rated second in the CFU behind Jamaica, climbed four places up FIFA's rankings to 58th and the CFU's third-ranked Cuba dropped six places to 70th, but Caribbean teams otherwise had marginal movement on the world list.

Jamaica, the CFU's top team and reigning Digicel Cup champions, remained steady at 41st in the world.
The CFU's number four team Haiti slipped one place to 88th in the world and the remainder of the top-10 has St Lucia, still 118th in the world, in fifth position, followed by St Kitts and Nevis, 120th in the world, in sixth position, Barbados (122nd) seventh, St Vincent and the Grenadines (132nd) eighth, Grenada (148th) ninth, and Suriname (151st) 10th.

Reigning CONCACAF Gold Cup champions Mexico moved one place up the world rankings to sixth in the world to retain the top position in CONCACAF (North, Central American and the Caribbean), ahead of the USA, 10th in the world.

Costa Rica (24th) are third in CONCACAF, followed by Jamaica and Honduras (50th), with Trinidad and Tobago, moving up to sixth in the confederation, ahead of Guatemala (59th).

The Brazilians remain number one in the world, with the Czech Republic in second, Argentina third, and the Netherlands fourth, followed by France and Mexico, with England seventh.

CFU Top-10 Rankings - June
(world rating in bracket)
1 Jamaica (41)
2 Trinidad & Tobago (58)
3 Cuba (70)
4 Haiti (88)
5 St. Lucia (118)
6 St. Kitts & Nevis (120)
7 Barbados (122)
8 St Vincent & the Grenadines (132)
9 Grenada (148)
10 Suriname (151)
More in the Forum

Nine-man Reggae Boyz hold Honduras 0-0
June 5
Jamaica' Reggae Boyz held on to a scoreless draw with Honduras in their friendly international at Morris Brown College, in ATLANTA, Georgia. Playing with just nine men after red cards were issued to midfielder Jermaine Johnson and defender Damion Stewart, Jamaica coach Wendell Downswell said his team put on a very gutsy performance and he was impressed with the character show by his team.

Jamaica made some good attaching moves on Honduras in the early stages of the game and had the advantage for long spells. In the 38th minute Johnson received a second yellow and was ejected by referee Ricardo Valenzuela. Honduras took advantage of the numerical difference and took control in the second half. The Boyz showed life in short spell with Omar Daley and Luton Shelton having chances to put Jamaica ahead. Substitute keeper Donovan Ricketts was also tested by the Hondurans forcing him to make some good saves.

The game is a part of the Boyz' preparation for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA in July. Jamaicans will next face Caribbean neighbours and rivals Trinidad & Tobago in the Unity Cup in England as part of their preparation. Jamaica- Shawn Sawyers (Donovan Ricketts), Tyrone Sawyers, Robert Scarlett (Garfield Reid 58th), Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Claude Davis, Tyrone Marshall (Nicholi Findlayson 74th), Omar Daley, Jermaine Johnson, Christopher Nicholas (Lovel Palmer 68th), Luton Shelton (Theofore Bennett 75th).
Booked: Daley (18th), Palmer (72nd)
Ejected: Johnson (38th), Stewart (64th)
Subs not used: K Deerr, J Morrison
Honduras - Victor Coallo, Maynor Figueroa, Edgar Nunez (Wilmer Velasquez 70th), Wilson Palacious, Milton Nunez, Astor Henriquez, Walter Lopez (Carlos Moran 45th), Mario Berrios (Elkin Gonzales 60th), Junior Izaguirre, Erick Allecillo, Luis Guifarro.
Subs not used: W Velasquez, E Gonzales, D Pacheo, J Morales, C Gardon
Referee: Ricardo Valenzuela (USA)
Assistants: Patrick Baker and Andrew Green (USA)
Fourth Official: Joeseph Ellis (USA)
More in the Forum

Reggae Boyz to meet Honduras in Atlanta
May 21,
JAMAICA'S REGGAE BOYZ are scheduled to meet Honduras in a friendly football international on June 4 in Atlanta, USA. The game will be played at the Herndon Stadium, Morris Brown College, in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue where the Boyz defeated Guatemala 1-0 in April.

The Boyz, drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, Mexico and Guatemala for the Gold Cup in July, are keen on keeping their unbeaten record intact under coach Wendell Downswell. This game will give the Boyz valuable practice opportunity following their impressive victories in the Caribbean Digicel Cup and the win over Guatemala.

Just like recent months where the Boyz have been made up of primarily young, local-based players, the 23-man squad which started preparation yesterday has seven players from Harbour View football club with goalkeeper Leighton Murray, defenders Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Robert Scarlett, midfielders Jermaine Hue, Lovell Palmer and forward Luton Shelton. Coach Wendell Downswell hasalso called two foreign-based players in goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and midfielder Jermaine Johnson who play professionally in the UK.

Missing from the team is striker Onandi Lowe who was recently acquitted of drug trafficking charges in Britain. It was reported recently that Lowe met with officials from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and demanded that the JFF pay part of his legal costs for the drug trial. The game is being promoted by Kicks International and is expected to attract a significant crowd. More in the Forum

Boyz to face 'Warriors' in Unity Cup
May 21,
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz and Trinidad & Tobago are scheduled play each other in the 2005 Unity Cup which kicks off on June 11 at Upton Park, London. The game will be the second of a double header with Nigeria taking on Ghana in the four nation tornument. Both Jamaica and T&T will use the tournament to fine tune their players for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.

Peter Cargill Dies In Motor Vehicle Accident
March 16
Former national midfielder and former national U 23 coach Peter Cargill, died Saturday night from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident in Jamaica. Early reports suggest that a bus in which he was traveling, crashed along the main road between Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay in the parish of St. Ann. Cargill was on his way to Montego Bay for Sunday's match between Waterhouse, the premier league football team he coached and Wadadah. Cargill, who represented Jamaica 84 times, was also a member of the history making Reggae Boys squad that qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France. More in the Forum

Downswell on Coaching Course in Paraguay
March 4
Jamaica's national head coach, Wendell Downswell is attending a 10 day advanced coaching course in Asuncion, Paraguay, that is put on by the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and supported by the Pan-American Olympic Solidarity. The course for national coaches is intended to improve technical exchange between coaches in North, Central and South America, update coaches on the new theories of the game and also to enhane the professionalism of coaches. Downswell, who guided Jamaica to victory in the inaugural Digicel Caribbean Cup in Barbados in late February is scheduled to return on April 13. More in the Forum

Arnett Look to Make Deal With Lowe
March 4
Patrick Roberts, President of the Arnett Gardens Football Club, has indicated that there are discussions to have striker Onandi Lowe join the club for the remainder of the National Premier League season. Lowe who has been training with Arnett Gardens in recent days has created speculation of his return to the club, but Arnett officials has stated that nothing has been finalized as yet. English club Peterborough had hoped to sign Lowe last month, but the deal fell short after his work permit was turned down due to him not playing the required number of matches for Jamaica. More in the Forum

Ralph To Join Russian Club
Feb 08
Jamaican international Damani Ralph will leave Chicago Fire to join Russian side FC Rubin Kazan, according to recent reports. The deal is reported to be for three years with a starting salary of US$650,000 which will increase after each season. It was also reported that the deal included a transfer fee was US$2 million, with a portion to go to the Chicago Fire. Since joining the USA Major League Soccer two years ago, Ralph has scored 22 goals and had nine assists. By joining FC Rubin Kazan which finished 10th in the Russian Premier League season, Ralph will have an opportunity to play in the UEFA Cup. Ralph has one international goal for Jamaica. More in the Forum

Jamaica Captures 2005 Digicel Cup
Feb. 25
Bridgetown, Barbados -Jamaica is the 2005 Digicel Caribbean Cup champions as Reggae Boyz striker Luton Shelton scored early in the second-half to lead Jamaica to a 1-0 victory over Cuba. Jamaica's goal came when Shelton pounced on a long ball from Jermaine Taylor and tapped it past the advancing goalkeeper Odelin Molina Hernandez on 48 minutes. For their effort, Jamaica won the first prize of US$100,000 and their third Caribbean title, following successes in 1991 and 1998. The Cubans took home US$50,000 for finishing second. Both teams now qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States in July. In the second game Trinidad and Tobago defeated Barbados 3-2 becoming the third team to advance to the Gold Cup. Jamaica - Shawn Sawyers, Jermaine Taylor, Damion Stewart, Tyrone Sawyers, Fabian Davis, Robert Scarlett, Omar Daley, Jermaine Hue (Khari Stephenson 54th), Andy Williams, Luton Shelton (Teofore Bennettt 88th), Newton Sterling (Roland Dean 72nd) Cuba - Odelin Molina Hernandez, Silvio Minozo, Yanier Molina, Mario Abreu, Alain Ofarril (Jorge Rondon 70th), Lester More (Reinier Nunes 70th), Maykel Castallenada, Jaime Valencia, Gisbel Izaguirre, Reysandry Fernadez, Pedro Fernandez (Disney Robert 56th). More in the Forum

Jamaica 1-0 over Barbados
Feb 23
Jamaica secured a spot to the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup as they were victorious 1-0 over host nation Barbados in their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Digicel Cup final round match. Jamaica got a lucky goal eight minutes into the game thanks to the Bajan keeper, Jason Boxhill, as he lost possession of the ball to Jamaica's captain Andy Williams, who scored into an unguarded net. After a brief protest the goal was allowed to stand. Barbados captain John Parris was red carded early in the second half and Jamaica did little to capitalize in a game that poor quality and lackluster play from both teams was the standard of play. In the first game Cuba came-from-behind to secure a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The championship-deciding game will be between Jamaica and their Caribbean neighbours Cuba, who have a superior goal difference. Jamaica's team: - Shawn Sawyers, Jermaine Taylor, Damion Stewart, Tyrone Marshall, Garfield Reid, Fabian Davis, Omar Daley (Keith Kelly 72nd), Jermaine Hue (Khari Stephenson 63rd), Andy Williams, Luton Shelton and Roland Dean (Teofore Bennett 68th). More in the Forum

Jamaica Defeats T&T In Opener
Feb. 20
Jamaica stopped arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 with goals from Luton Shelton and captain Andy Williams, in the opening game of the Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals in Barbados. Nigel Pierre got the lone goal for T&T. Trinidad and Tobago seemed to have had the early advantage before Jamaica struck 13 minutes into the game when Luton Shelton had an easy tap in at the back post. The Boyz then had periods of dominance and increased the lead at 35 minutes when Williams scored from a Jermaine Hue's right-sided corner with a header at the near post. T&T immediately pulled a goal back when Nigel Pierre picked up a long ball at the edge of the penalty area and lobbed it over Shawn Sawyers in goal. In another game Cuba defeated host Barbados 3-0.The top three teams will advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States in July.Teams: Jamaica - Shawn Sawyers, Jermaine Taylor, Damion Stewart, Tyrone Marshall, Fabian Davis, Garfield Reid, Omar Daley (Khari Stephenson 75th), Jermaine Hue, (Keith Kelly 77th) Andy Williams, Luton Shelton, Roland Dean (Teofore Bennett 81st). Trinidad - Durance Williams, Marlon Rojas (Jose Luis Seabra 40th), Derek King, Keyeno Thomas, Leslie FitsPatrick, Angus Eve, David Nakhid (Densill Theobald 46th), Cornell Glen, Anton Pierre, Nigel Pierre, Cyd Grey (Scott Sealy 85th). More in the Forum

Footballer Onandi Lowe Cleared of Drug Charge
Feb. 18
Jamaica foolball ace, Onandi Lowe, has been cleared by the Northampton Crown Court of being part of a drug smuggling ring. Lowe, 31, was accused of an attempt to possess more than 2lb (1kg) of crack cocaine when he allegedly signed for a package that was reported to contain drugs. Lowe told the jury he accepted the package as a favour for a friend and did not know its contents. Mr Lowe was released by First Division club Coventry City at the end of last season. More in the Forum

Boxhill Administration Gets Nod of Approval
Feb 14
The embattled president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Creston Boxhill, has maintained full control of the JFF after the much anticipated no confidence vote against his administration never materialized at their Annual General Meeting. The meeting was very democratic and orderly and there were no indication of members trying to overturn the administration. It was reported that 96 of the 105 eligible delegates attended yesterday's meeting and that Boxhill and his executives were given a nod of approval by the delegates, to continue with their present plans. A proposal by the JFF's Finance Committee to sell its $48m headquarters in order to offset huge debts has been challenged by the sport's world governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA). The US$500,000 cash that was forwarded to the JFF by FIFA for used in the purchase of the building would be viewed as a misuse of its funds and it was reported that a letter from FIFA warns that sale of the building could cause harsh penalties including expulsion. Boxhill was advised to find other solutions to their debt problems as the building, bought with funds from football must remain in football. More in the Forum .

Did Burchell Resign?
Feb. 7
Recent unconfirmed reports have emerged stating that the JFF's general secretary, Burchell Gibson, had handed in his resignation on Friday because his authority was being undermined. Other reports suggested that Gibson's was asked to step down. The JFF have not confirmed these reports and boss Crenston Boxhill could not be reached for comments. Additional reports stated that that the finance committee has recommended that the offices of the JFF be sold to payoff outstanding debts. The reported value of the building located at 20 St Lucia Crescent is about $48 million. The building was purchased by the JFF under the leadership of Captain Horace Burrell after the Reggae Boyz qualified for the World Cup Finals in France in 1998. More in the Forum .

Young Boyz Out Of World Youth Championship Race
Jan. 31, 2005
Jamaica lost to both Mexico and Canada over the weekend and was eliminated from the CONCACAF Under-20 qualifying for this summer's World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. On Friday Mexico's Luis Omar Hernandez scored on a header in the 22nd minute to defeat the young Boyz 1-0. Mexico outplayed the Jamaican team which seemed lackluster in their play. The young Reggae Boyz lost again on Sunday going down 1-0 to Canada. In their opening game on Wednesday, Jamaica also lost to Honduras 4-2. Jamaica ends the qualification round without any points. The two top teams from this group will join the US and Panama as CONCACAF representatives in the championship. More in the Forum .

Honduras and Canada Victorious
Jan 28
Host Honduras and Canada opened the 2005 CONCACAF Under-20 Group B Final Round games with victories over Jamaica and Mexico respectively on Wednesday. Two goals each by Cesar Guity (45th and 72nd) and Ramon Nunez (45th and 72nd) led Honduras to a 4:2 win over Jamaica whose goals came from Akeem Priestley (55th) and Obrion White (69th). The Young Reggae Boyz will face CONCACAF giants Mexico on Friday with hopes of keeping their Group B qualifying campaign alive in a match slated for 6:30 at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Group B ends on Sunday when Canada meets Jamaica and Honduras faces Mexico. The top two teams will join Panama and the USA as the CONCACAF representatives at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. Jamaica's team for today's game: Ryan Thompson, Kemar Munroe, Rodolph Austin, Keneel Moodie, Nicholy Finlayson , Luton Shelton, Horace Howell, Akeem Priestley, Obrian White, Jermaine Taylor and Seon Givens. More in the Forum

Jamaica U20s bid for spot in FIFA youth finals
Jan. 26
Jamaica's National Under-20 footballers will tackle hosts Honduras in their first game of Group B CONCACAF qualifying series for a FIFA Youth Championship spot. Jamaica will also play Mexico and Panama in the series. On Monday the team had an extended training session doing some offensive and defensive tactical work.
After Honduras, the young Reggae Boyz will face Mexico on Friday and Canada on Sunday at the Francisco Morazan Stadium. Jamaica has so far produced some excellent results in their qualifying games with wins over Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda and St Lucia, and then eliminating Haiti in a two-game second-round series. They have not conceded a goal in their last six CONCACAF Under-20 qualifiers. The USA and Panama qualified for the June 10 to July 2 World Youth Championship Finals in the Netherlands, after finishing first and second in the Group A qualifiers in California. The starting team is expected to be Ryan Thompson (goalkeeper), Keniel Moodie, Rudolph Austin, Kieron Bernard, Jermaine Taylor, Kemar Monroe, Mario Harrison, Akeem Priestley, O'brien Whyte, Richard West, Luton Shelton.
CONCACAF Group B Schedule:
San Pedro Sula - Estadio Francisco Morazan
Jan 26 - Mexico v Canada; Honduras v Jamaica
Jan 28 - Jamaica v Mexico; Honduras v Canada
Jan 30 - Canada v Jamaica; Honduras v Mexico
More in the Forum

Jamaica U-20 Win 5-0
Jan. 24
Jamaica's Under-20 footballers wrapped up their one-week training camp in Fort Lauderdale by defeating Haiti's Under-23s 5-0 on Saturday night. Jamaica will travel to Honduras today for the final round of the CONCACAF World Youth Championship qualifiers where they will meet host country on Wednesday. The Goals were scored by Richard West (10th minute), Luton Shelton (12th), Akeem Priestly (39th), Steve Morrissey (79th), Horace Howell (83rd) in the game dominated by the young Jamaicans. Midfielder Seon Givens from Arnett Gardens, is expected to join his team mates in Florida for the trip to Central America. Jamaica s Squad: Ryan Thompson, Ralston Robinson, Jermaine Taylor, Rudolph Austin, Kieron Bernard, Keniel Moodie, Adrian Reid, Kemar Munroe, Obrian White, Mario Harrison, Luton Shelton, Horace Howell, Steven Morrissey, Nicholoy Findlayson, Richard West, Akeem Priestly, Seon Givens and Jermaine Hollis, out of England. More in the Forum

Jamaica and French Guiana play to 0-0 stalemate
Jan. 16, 2005
Cayenne, French Guiana
The Reggae Boyz played to a 0-0 draw and maintained a five-goal cushion against French Guiana in their third-round return leg of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. The game was played before a small crowd on a soggy pitch which accounted for the dull performance by both teams. Jamaica's head coach Wendell Downswell said some valuable experience was gained by his players. Jamaica will face Barbados, Cuba or Martinique and Trinidad & Tobago or St Vincent in the next round. The three top teams will qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, set for later this year. Jamaica - Shawn Sawyers, Damion Stewart, Jermaine Taylor, Tyrone Sawyers, Fabian Davis, Robert Scarlett (Garfield Reid 66th), Khari Stephenson, Andy Williams, Jermaine Hue (Keith Kelly 75th), Luton Shelton (Teofore Bennett 62nd) and Damani Ralph. More in the Forum

French Guiana Gets 5-0 from Jamaica
Jan. 8, 2005
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz destroyed French Guiana 5-0 in their third round Digicel Caribbean Cup game at the National Stadium last night. An estimated 3,000 spectators saw Jamaica opened the scoring with Jermain Hue in the 13th minute followed by team-mates Damion Stewart (57th), Luton Shelton (62nd), Robert Scarlett (75th) and substitute Teofore Bennett (83rd) for an easy victory. Jamaica is now has the advantage for the second leg of the two-way tie set for French Guiana on Saturday, and should easily move on to the final round of the competition slated for Barbados next month. More in the Forum

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

Previous News