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24 player squad named for Jamaica vs Chile game
May 22, 2007
Technical Director Bora Milutinovic, has named a 24 member training squad comprised of local and internationally based players to represent Jamaica in a friendly international against 37th ranked Chile on Tuesday, June 5 at the National Stadium.

Included  in the list of local players are Harbour View's diminutive, hard working midfielder Richard Edwards, who is getting his first call to the national program and  former representative Wolry Wolfe from Portmore United who has been missing from the national program for some time. They will be joined by overseas-based players, Ricardo Fuller of Stoke City, Sheffield United's Luton Shelton, Bolton Wanderers Ricardo Gardner, AIK Stockholm's Khari Stephenson and former Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 representative Sean Fraser who currently plays for Miami FC. The other members of the squad are all home-based and have been called at different times since Bora took over in January.  

The full list of players are: Andre Redwood, Mario Harrison, Allien Whittaker, Nicholy Finlayson, Jermaine Taylor, Demar Phillips, Donald Stewart, Richard McCallum, Fabian Taylor, Lovel Palmer, Wolry Wolfe, Christopher Harvey, Mario Swaby, Richard Edwards, Adrian Reid, Ricardo Gardner, Keneil Moodie, Luton Shelton, Donovan Davis, Sean Fraser, Fabian Davis, Ricardo Fuller and Xavian Virgo. The Reggae Boyz will begin training on Thursday at Brancourt in Clarendon. More in the forum

Reggae Boyz to play Chile
May 15, 2007
The National Senior Men’s Team, the Reggae Boyz, is confirmed to play an international friendly game against Chile on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 7:00pm at the National Stadium. It is expected to be the first of possibly three upcoming games for the Boyz including matches in the Middle East as well as south-east Asia.

Technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic is expected to use the opportunity to continue looking at both local and overseas based players at his disposal.  In his first home match back on March 26, Jamaica played to a 1-1 draw against Panama with Sheffield United's striker Luton Shelton scoring for the Boyz.

Chile is currently ranked 37th in the Coca-Cola FIFA World Rankings, moving down five (5) places in April. Chile has a record of 1 win, 1 loss and 2 draws in its last four games as tabulated below

Chile has qualified to the World Cup Finals seven (7) times and finished third (3rd) in the 1962 FIFA World Cup where they were the host nation.

The entire training squad including the list of overseas invitees will be named shortly.

T&T advance to Under-17 World Cup with 1-0 win over Jamaica
May 7, 2007
Jamaica's young Reggae Boyz saw their hopes as one of the finalist at the  FIFA Under-17 Youth World Cup  slip away following a 1-0 loss to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) at the National Stadium last night.  T&T on six points will now join United States with nine and Costa Rica who have seven points as the three teams from Group B who will journey to South Korea this summer.

Going into the game, Jamaica needed an outright win as they were tied on three points along with Trinidad. Jamaica lost their first two games of group play but got back into contention with an upset 3-2 win over the United States on Friday. After the loss to T&T, Jamaica’s coach David Hunt announced his resignation from the team.

Jamaica started strong and dominated possession with both strikers Dever Orgill and McKauly Tulloch missing early opportunities to put the Boyz ahead. They again came close to scoring nine minutes into the game when a header by Robert Freeman went sailing over the top. Then T&T struck just before the quarter hour when Kevin Molino broke free down the right flank, cut inside the penalty area and unleashed a grounder to far corner past Jamaica keeper Oneil Wilson. The young Reggae Boyz continued to dominate the game but missed numerous chances including a goal which was ruled offside. Good defending by the Soca Warriors kept Jamaica at bay as they held on to snatch victory and secure their place at the final whistle.

In the first game, the US edged Costa Rica 2-1 and along with T&T the three teams will join the other regional qualifiers Haiti and Honduras from Group A at the 2007 Under-17 Youth World Cup August 18 to September 9.
Teams:
Jamaica - Oneil Wilson, Damaine Thompson, Kenneil Hyde, Marvin Boothe (Andre Steele 60th), Noel Mais (Christopher Waugh 76th), Jermaine Jarrett, Kabari Palmer, Shamari Brown, Yannick Salmon (Akeem Brown 59th), McKauly Tulloch, Dever Orgill. Trinidad - Glenroy Samuel, Ryan Oneil, Sheldon Bateau (Aubrey David 54th), Akeem Adams, Leston Paul, Stephan Knox (Daniel Cyrus 81st), Robert Primus, Jean-Luc Rochford, Chike Sullivan, Micah Lewis (Chad De Freitas 80th, Kevin Molino.
Subs not used: J Fullerton, B Balbosa, S Desilva, S Chang, M Joseph, I Ferguson. More in the forum

Young Boyz score historic 3-2 win over US
May 5, 2007
Jamaica’s U-17 pulled of a major upset in their bid to qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, by defeating the USA 3-2 at the National Stadium last night. Trailing 0-2 up to the 77 minute, the young Reggae Boyz stunned their opponents with a remarkable come back to win the game.

Goals from substitute Akeen Brown in the 77th minute, skipper Dever Orgill (82nd) and John Ross Doyley in time added on steered the U-17’s to the first victory of a Jamaica team over the Americans at any level.  Despite the defeat, the USA is assured one of the three Group B spots to Asia with six points.

In a game that Jamaica needed a win in order to keep their hopes alive, they fell behind following goals from Sheanon Williams in the 15th minute and Alexander Nimo in the 33rd as the USA dominated the early play. The first half ended with the USA leading by two goals.

On the resumption, the young Jamaicans showed a new spark. Dever Orgill tested the Americans in the 56 minute with a well-struck left-footed shot from 18 yards out but was denied by Joshua Lambo in goal. Two minutes later Christopher Waugh’s header from Orgill's right sided cross was again saved by the American goalkeeper.

Jamaica finally got their reward in the 77 minute as Brown found the back of the net from a goalmouth melee. The U-17 continued to pressure their opponents and was again rewarded as Orgill was well-positioned to tap home a cross from the right side five minutes later.

Then the unbelievable happened as Jamaica was rewarded a penalty that John Ross Doyley calmly converted to give Jamaica a 3-2 win and keep their hopes alive. Jamaica will next face Trinidad and Tobago for the final spot as T&T earlier defeated Canada 2-1to end Canada's dream of advancing to Asia for the FIFA World Cup. More in the Forum

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U-17s lose to Costa Rica in World Cup qualifier
May 03, 2007
Costa Rica defeated Jamaica 1-0 in their CONCACAF Group B Under-17 World Cup qualifying tournament at the national stadium last night. In the 69th minute Esteban Lunar scored the lone goal of the game killing the hopes of the Jamaican team.

With two defeats in two games, the Young Reggae Boyz are almost certain to be eliminated although they have two games left to play. Costa Rica, on seven points, became the first Group B qualifier to the age-group World Cup Finals to be held in South Korea from August 18 to September 9. In yesterday's opening game, the USA defeated Canada 2-1. Jamaica will play the USA on Friday in the 7:00 pm feature, while Canada takes on Trinidad & Tobago in the opener at 5:00.

Jamaica - Oneil Wilson, Christopher Banner, Kenneil Hyde, McKauly Tulloch, John Ross Doyley, Jermaine Jarrett, Damaine Thompson, Kabari Palmer, Shamari Brown (Marvin Boothe 80th), Yannick Salmon (Andre Steele 70th), Dever Orgill (Shabon Brown 76th).
Subs not used: P Kafach, A Brown, C Waugh, A Christian, A Blake, N Mais, C Waugh
Booked: Banner (22nd), Boothe (83rd)

Costa Rica - Leonel Moreira, Roy Smith, Jordan Smith, Esteban Luna, Diego Brenes (Josue Martninez 67th), David Guzman, Marcos Urena (Bruno Castro 53rd), Jorge Castro, Erick Rojas, Oviedo Bryan (Jessy Peralta 85th), Daniel Varela. More in the forum

Young Boyz tackle Costa Rica in uphill challenge
May 2, 2007
JAMAICA'S Under-17 footballers face a tough challenge tonight when they tackle favorites Costa Rica in the feature Group B game of the CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium. The curtain raiser at 5:00 p.m will feature a clash of the North Americans as Canada take on the United States.

Jamaica will try to bounce back from an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Canada if they are to stay in contention for one of the three available spots at the FIFA Youth World Cup Finals in Korea.  Coach David Hunt admitted that it was a tough loss, but insisted that the players did their best.  Hunt said that the early goal and a few mistakes set his team back and they did not take advantage of some of the opportunities. He added that his players had bounced back mentally from the opening game, are in a positive mood and are looking forward to the game. Much is expected from the Under-17s as earlier this year, they enjoyed success when they held Mexico 1-1 in addition to defeating the Central Americans 2-0 in their two-game friendly international series.

Presently, Canada tops the five-team group on goal difference (+3) with four points, the same as Costa Rica (+2). The US (+3) are next with three points, while Jamaica (-3) are fourth, just ahead of Trinidad & Tobago (-5). More in the Forum

Jamaica fall 3-0 to Canada in CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup qualifying tournament.

April 29, 2007
Jamaica’s Under -17 team suffered a blow to their  U-17 World Cup dreams as they lost 3-0 against Canada at the National Stadium last night. Goals from Daniel Tannous in the 6th minute, Jarek Whiteman in the 42nd and William Hyde in the 83rd pushed Jamaica to an early setback in the five-team CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup qualifying tournament.

For the most part, Jamaica U-17 offered little response and struggled to lift their game making bad passes and booting the ball aimlessly when under pressure. Although Canada dominated, Jamaica had a good chance in the 16th minute when Marion Boothe was release down the right by Kenniel Hyde, but the shot from the edge of the 18-yard box flew over the Canadians goal. Jamaica had another good chance to score in the 38th minute when the Canadian keeper failed to hold on to John-Ross Doyley's grounder.

Other chances came in the second half when Hyde took a powerful shot which slammed into the horizontal and in the 79th minute Hyde's picture-perfect cross was headed into the waiting hands of the Canadian goalkeeper. Jamaica will next play on Wednesday where they will face Costa Rica, while Canada face tournament favorites, the USA.

Jamaica - Oneil Wilson, Christopher Banner (Christopher Waugh 73rd), Andre Steele (McKauly Tulloch 70th), Kenniel Hyde, Marion Boothe (Yannick Salmon 45th), Dever Orgill, Adrian Christian, John-Ross Doyley, Damaine Thompson, Kabari Palmer, Shamari Brown.
Subs not used: P Kafach, A Blake, S Brown, N Mais
Booked: Brown (88th)

Canada - Greg Smith, Daniel Tannous, Olivier Lacoste Lebuis, Adam Straith, Devin Gunenc, Jarek Whiteman (Marcus Jonstone 83rd, Randy Edwini-Bonsu (Oleksandr Semenets 62nd), Kyle Porter, William Hyde, Mohammed Sylla, Julien Latendresse-Levesque.
Subs not used: A Street, P Davies, G Dosanjh, C Parenteam-Michon, C Carrie, E Leal
Booked: None
Referee: Luiz Rodriguez (Panama)
Assistants: Dion Innis, Juan Zumba (El Salvador)
Fourth Official: Elmar Bonilla
Match Commissary: Hector Canchola
Referee Inspector: Lisle Austin
More in the Forum

CONCACAF U-17 FINAL ROUND GROUP B SET FOR JAMAICA
April 27, 2007
Jamaica will host the 2007 CONCACAF Under-17 Final Round Qualification Group B from 28 April
– 6 May at the National Stadium in Kingston. Jamaica, which is staging its second CONCACAF U-17 Final Round event, will greet Canada, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and USA in Group B, from which three teams will progress to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea Republic 2007 from 18 August – 9 September.

Haiti and the hosts, Honduras were the first two CONCACAF representatives to qualify to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after finishing first and second, respectively, in Group A Qualification heldat the Tiburcio Carias Andino Stadium in Tegucigalpa from 4-8 April

SCHEDULE – Kingston, JAMAICA; National Stadium
28.04.2007: COSTA RICA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (17:00); JAMAICA – CANADA (19:00)
30.04.2007: CANADA – COSTA RICA (17:00); TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – USA (19:00)
02.05.2007: USA – CANADA (17:00); JAMAICA – COSTA RICA (19:00)
04.05.2007: CANADA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (17:00); JAMAICA – USA (19:00)
06.05.2007: USA – COSTA RICA (17:00); JAMAICA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (19:00)

ABOUT JAMAICA’S UNDER-17 TEAM…
With David Hunt at the helm, Jamaica are hosting their second CONCACAF U-17 Final Round Group … The reggae boyz still competed in the CFU Youth Cup last year in Trinidad & Tobago finishing fourth … Jamaica has played in nine previous CONCACAF Qualification Tournaments and progressed to their only FIFA U-17 World Cup in New Zealand 1999 … Jamaica was the second Caribbean nation to qualify to a FIFA U-17 World Cup.

ABOUT CANADA’S UNDER-17 TEAM …
Canada is one of the three North Zone teams that earned a bye into CONCACAF Final Round … Canada was the first CONCACAF nation to host a FIFA Under-16 World Championship in 1987 … The maple leafs would later progress to three more FIFA Tournaments (1989, 1993, 1995) but they have not qualified to an U-17 World Cup in more than a decade … Stephen Hart is in charge of the maple leafs.

ABOUT COSTA RICA’S UNDER-17 TEAM…
Costa Rica claimed one of the two Central American berths to the CONCACAF Final Round after winning the Union Centroamericana de Fútbol (UNCAF) Tournament held in El Salvador … Despite a loss to Panama, Costa Rica defeated Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador during the UNCAF event … The ticos became the first Central American team to compete at the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship in China … Since then Costa Rica has qualified to five more FIFA U-17 World Cups, which is the most by any Central American nation … Manuel Gerardo Ureña is at the helm of the ticos.

ABOUT TRINIDAD & TOBAGO’S UNDER-17 TEAM…
Coached by Anton Corneal, Trinidad & Tobago are making their first appearance at the CONCACAF Final Round since 1999 … The soca warriors are competing in their 11th CONCACAF Qualification, which is the most by any Caribbean team, after hosting and finishing third at the CFU Youth Cup last year … Trinidad & Tobago defeated Aruba, Grenada and Guyana in the first round … After tying Barbados and defeating Surinam, the soca warriors lost to the eventual tournament champions Haiti to end the second round … Trinidad & Tobago captured the third-place honour with a victory over Jamaica.

ABOUT USA’S UNDER-17 TEAM…
The USA is one of the three North Zone teams that earned a bye into CONCACAF Final Round … Is the only CONCACAF team (and globally) to have qualified to all the FIFA U-16/U-17 World Cups (1985-2005) and will be looking to make it 12th consecutive berths in 2007 … The stars & stripes won the inaugural CONCACAF tournament in Trinidad & Tobago 1983 and nine years later, they claimed its second Confederation crown in Cuba … The USA currently have a 16-game unbeaten streak in CONCACAF U-17 Qualification … The stars & stripes have John Hackworth at the helm. More in the Forum

Harbour View are champions of the 2006-07 Premier League after 1-1 draw with Naggo Head

Captain of Harbour View Lovel Palmer (right) controls the ball under pressure from Andrew Bravos of Naggo's Head  (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

April 22, HVFC.net
An afternoon that promised a new Champion belatedly crown the “Stars of the East” not in their clash with relegated bound Naggo Head but in a strange twist of faith, when dethroned Champions Waterhouse scored against second placed Portmore United, with only nine minutes left in the late game at Drewsland.

Eleven points separates the leaders but with Portmore United faltering in their fourth consecutive drawn game (0-0,2-2,2-2-1-1) effectively put themselves out of the running for the title (on 55 points) and have to be more productive in securing a few victories in the last three games less they are also bypassed by the lurking Reno FC who are on 53 points and challenging for a place in the CFU Caribbean Club Championship.

Harbour View by virtue of the results have assumed an unassailable lead of 10 points with only a best possible 9 points on claim, this sparked a spontaneous celebration by the players glued to the Live Radio Broadcast at the Club.

Horns started tooting, banging on signboards, shouts, cries and screams were bellowed from the greatest heights as relief was achieved and finally, finally we exhaled after the trauma of last years poor finish.

The Xzibit crew cranked up the disco as wild dancing erupted on the dance-floor, players, coaches, managers and executives were severely doused with water as liquor flowed sweetly, smiles adorned the faces of the many long suffering fans, media personalities and supporters as TVJ filmed every active moment of it inclusive of interviews.

At midnight the crowd slowly started treking home as the party is to be continued in earnest on Sunday as the Live TV home game against Trelawny’s Village United where an official presentation of the Premier League Trophy, Medals and the necessary pomp and pageantry that accompanies it. Read more in the forum

JFF to assist the Parish Associations and the Confederations.
April 16, 2007
The Board of Directors of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) have accepted the recommendation of the General Secretary, Burchell Gibson, that all Parish Associations and National Confederations be given special attention to improve the efficiency of their respective administrative processes. Effective September 1, 2007 the Federation’s thirteen (13) Parish Associations and the four (4) Confederations will each receive a monthly subvention of J$20,000.00 to assist with local administrative activities.

The General Scretary will also conduct a survey within all local football secretariats to ascertain the various technological needs that exist as the Federation seeks to improve the technological capabilities of the Parish Associations and Confederations. In addition the Jamaica Football Federation will organise training sessions for Parish Associations and Confederations to improve the skills of local football secretariat personnel in electronic communication of information and management of data. More in the forum

CONCACAF to inspect tournament grounds
April 16
The 2007 CONCACAF U-17 Tournament kicks off on Saturday, April 28 and Jill Fracisco, Director of Competitions & Events – CONCACAF, will inspect the training grounds and the National Stadium on Wednesday, April 18. The training grounds include the Harbour View Mini Stadium, the Edward Seaga Sports Complex and the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
 
The tournament features hosts, Jamaica, playing against Canada, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA for 1 of 3 qualification spots to the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in August in South Korea.
Check out the Harbour View Mini Stadium or read more in the forum

Jamaica 1, Panama 1 in Friendly
March 27, 2007
Jamaica played to a 1-1 tie against Panama in an exhibition game on Monday night at the National Stadium in Jamaica.  It was the first home game for new technical director Bora Milutinovic's and his young Reggae Boyz squad.

Panama struck early with a goal three minutes into the game. A superb pass split the Jamaican defenders giving Luis Garces a blistering close-range strike pass Whittaker in goal. The Boyz, boosted by the inclusion of Ricardo Gardener in midfield and Luton Shelton in a striker’s role, quickly recovered and went into action creating some good opportunities for Jamaica. 

Missing at least two clear chances to equalize, the Boyz kept the momentum going with good movements off the ball and winning the midfield battles.  Jamaica finally pulled level in the 45th when a Ricardo Gardener corner was headed on by Lovel Palmer to Lunton Shelton who scored a brilliant goal to end the half.

In the second half, Jamaica continued their domination of Panama, showing good chemistry and skill along with some purposeful attacks. At the final whistle the score remained unchanged with  Jamaica getting 13 shots on goal to Panama’s Panama 9. Jamaica had 5 corners to Panama’s 1 and committed 18 fouls to Panama’s 25.

Jamaica: Richard McCallum, Allien Whittaker, Ricardo Gardener, Xavian Virgo, Oneil Smith, Jermaine Taylor, Christopher Harvey, Mario Harrison, Adrian Reid, Nicholy Finlayson, Demar Phillips, Mario Swaby, Fabian Davis, Donald Stewart, Lovel Palmer, Keneil Moodie, Donavan Davis, Fabian Taylor, Luton Shelton, Horace Howell, Andre Redwood, Kavin Bryan. Read more in the forum

Jamaica takes on Panama in Football Fiesta
March 26, 2007
Technical director, Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic, will be making his “Office” debut as the Jamaica National Senior Men’s team, the Reggae Boyz, faces Panama at the national Stadium. Panama was a successful in their last appearance in Jamaica as they defeated their host  2 – 1 in the qualifiers to the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The Reggae Boyz squad that faced Switzerland in Fort Lauderdale four days ago will be strengthened by the inclusion of English-based Ricardo Gardner and Luton Shelton. Ricardo Gardner who plays for the Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League, will make his grand return to the National Stadium after a three year absence; his last game at the “Office” was in a 0 – 0 against El Salvador on October 13 2004.

The very fast and fearless Luton Shelton who recently transferred to England’s Sheffield United from Helsingborg in Sweden, has excellent goal scoring abilities will reinforce the midfield and provide extra striking power. Shelton, like Gardner has represented Jamaica at the Under 17, Under 20, Under 23 levels and now the senior level. Other players that are expected to take the field includes the likes of Fabian Taylor, Donald Stewart, Fabian Davis, Kavin Bryan, Christopher Harvey, Mario Swaby, Lovel Palmer, Jermaine Taylor and Xavean Virgo.

Panama has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup and was considered one of the weakest teams in the CONCACAF for many years. Panama, however, has emerged as a force worthy of recognition and respect. Their recent achievements include a trip to the final round of regional qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and also reaching the final game of the 2005 Gold Cup. Additionally, Panama were finalists in the 2007 Digicel Copa Naciones losing only on penalties to Costa Rica

Panama is coached by Brazilian born Alexandre Borges Guimarães.  He has also coached several teams internationally, such as CSD Comunicaciones of Guatemala, Real Irapuato and Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico. He is best known for his achievements as Costa Rica's national squad head coach, leading them to almost perfect qualifiers to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He again led Costa Rica to the 2006 World Cup, but resigned after the team's poor performance in the tournament. Since becoming head coach, Panama has won three (3) games drawn four (4) and lost one (1).

The National U-17 Team will open the afternoon at 4:00pm as they play a Jamaica Select High School Team. This game is a part of the continuous preparation of the National U-17 team for their participation in Group B of the 2007 CONCACAF U-17 Tournament to be hosted in Jamaica April 28 – May 6. This tournament is the final stage of qualification to the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea in August and Jamaica will compete against Canada, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA for 1 of 3 qualification spots.

At 6:30pm some of Jamaica’s Celebrities, Entertainers and Masters League footballers will face off against each other. The Masters vs. Celebrities exhibition games have always been quite entertaining and next Monday’s match up will be no different. The teams will be chosen from a list of personalities such as Courtney Walsh, Oral Tracey, Peter Moses, Zachary Harding, Wayne Marshall, Spragga Benz, Andrew Price, Carlo Redwood and Kingsley “Ragashanti” Stewart among many others. Read more in the forum

Jamaica takes on Panama in Football Fiesta in the National Stadium
March 26, 2007
Technical director, Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic, will be making his “Office” debut as the Jamaica National Senior Men’s team, the Reggae Boyz, faces Panama at the national Stadium. Panama was a successful in their last appearance in Jamaica as they defeated their host  2 – 1 in the qualifiers to the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The Reggae Boyz squad that faced Switzerland in Fort Lauderdale four days ago will be strengthened by the inclusion of English-based Ricardo Gardner and Luton Shelton. Ricardo Gardner who plays for the Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League, will make his grand return to the National Stadium after a three year absence; his last game at the “Office” was in a 0 – 0 against El Salvador on October 13 2004.

The very fast and fearless Luton Shelton who recently transferred to England’s Sheffield United from Helsingborg in Sweden, has excellent goal scoring abilities will reinforce the midfield and provide extra striking power. Shelton, like Gardner has represented Jamaica at the Under 17, Under 20, Under 23 levels and now the senior level. Other players that are expected to take the field includes the likes of Fabian Taylor, Donald Stewart, Fabian Davis, Kavin Bryan, Christopher Harvey, Mario Swaby, Lovel Palmer, Jermaine Taylor and Xavean Virgo.

Panama has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup and was considered one of the weakest teams in the CONCACAF for many years. Panama, however, has emerged as a force worthy of recognition and respect. Their recent achievements include a trip to the final round of regional qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and also reaching the final game of the 2005 Gold Cup. Additionally, Panama were finalists in the 2007 Digicel Copa Naciones losing only on penalties to Costa Rica

Panama is coached by Brazilian born Alexandre Borges Guimarães.  He has also coached several teams internationally, such as CSD Comunicaciones of Guatemala, Real Irapuato and Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico. He is best known for his achievements as Costa Rica's national squad head coach, leading them to almost perfect qualifiers to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He again led Costa Rica to the 2006 World Cup, but resigned after the team's poor performance in the tournament. Since becoming head coach, Panama has won three (3) games drawn four (4) and lost one (1).

The National U-17 Team will open the afternoon at 4:00pm as they play a Jamaica Select High School Team. This game is a part of the continuous preparation of the National U-17 team for their participation in Group B of the 2007 CONCACAF U-17 Tournament to be hosted in Jamaica April 28 – May 6. This tournament is the final stage of qualification to the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea in August and Jamaica will compete against Canada, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA for 1 of 3 qualification spots.

At 6:30pm some of Jamaica’s Celebrities, Entertainers and Masters League footballers will face off against each other. The Masters vs. Celebrities exhibition games have always been quite entertaining and next Monday’s match up will be no different. The teams will be chosen from a list of personalities such as Courtney Walsh, Oral Tracey, Peter Moses, Zachary Harding, Wayne Marshall, Spragga Benz, Andrew Price, Carlo Redwood and Kingsley “Ragashanti” Stewart among many others. Read more in the forum

Reggae Boyz lose to Switzerland
March 23, 2007
Bora Milutinovic and his young Reggae Boyz team, fell to early goals from Marco Streller and Gokhan Inler giving Switzerland a 2-0 victory over Jamaica in an international exhibition Thursday at the Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Switzerland immediately took charge from the opening whistle and scored their 2 goals within a four-minute span. In the 7th minute Marco Streller scored from inside the six yard area with a low shot that beat Jamaica’s goalkeeper Richard McCallum. The Swiss were again rewarded in the 11th minute as Inler converted a 15-yard shot after receiving Tranquillo Barnetta's corner kick that proved difficult for the Reggae Boyz defenders.

As the game progressed, the young Jamaican team showed a lot of heart and determination in their play but posed very little threat to their opponents. The Reggae Boyz custodian was kept very busy all night and made some outstanding saves to keep the score to only two goals.

For Bora and his Boyz, there is much room for improvement as they lost the ball a lot in midfield going forward; had their passes intercepted, were not quick enough to a ball, got knocked off the ball and demonstrated poor first touch and passing.

Jamaica will next meet Panama on March 26 at 8:00pm at the National Stadium in Jamaica and the team’s defensive line and midfield will be strengthened by the addition of overseas based Reggae Boyz Ricardo ‘Bibbi’ Gardener and Luton Shelton.

Jamaica - Richard McCallum, Oneil Smith (Adrian Reid 45th), Jermaine Taylor, Christopher Harvey, Nicholy Finlayson (Keneil Moodie 45th), Demar Phillips, Mario Swaby, Donald Stewart (Fabian Davis 45th), Lovel Palmer (Mario Harrison 77th), Fabian Taylor, Kavin Bryan (Donovan Davis 68th).
Subs not used: A Whittaker, X Virgo, H Howell, A Redwood
Booked: McCallum (18th), Phillips (54th), Moodie (62nd)

Switzerland - Fabio Coltori, Ludovic Magnin (Christoph Spycer 45th), Philipp Senderos, Xavier Margairaz, Alexander Frei, Marco Streller (Johan Vonlanthen 45th), Blerim Dzemaili, Tranquillo Barnetta (Valon Behrami 45th), Patrick Muller (Johan Djourou 45th), Philipp Degen (Stepehen, Lichtsteiner 80th), Gokhan Inler.

Subs not used: D Benaglio, F Coltori, P Zuberbuhler, S Grichting, R Cabanas, R Yakin, D Degen, B Huggel, A Regazzoni, B Smiljanic, R Wicky.
Booked: Frei (89th)
Referee: Alex Prus
Assistants: Kermit Quisenberry, Carlos Sandoval
Fourth Official: Ferbando Iturri
Read more from forum member Hamilton Israel

Jamaica Faces Switzerland
March 22, 2007
JAMAICA’s new technical director,  Bora Milutinovic's will look to build on The Reggae Boyz victorious Lunar New Year Cup tournament in Hong Kong when they tackle Switzerland today at the Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The youthful Jamaica's squad is comprised of local-based players including eight under 23 players. In their Wednesday morning practice session, the players went through some light drills on a half field with two full sized goals. A lot of emphasis was on positional play with Bora stopping the session constantly to stress what he was trying to convey. The players seemed pretty relaxed and remained focused as they worked on some set plays and corners. The afternoon practice session was cancelled.

Bora said he was happy with the team so far, happy with the spirit they are showing and that they have more than lived up to his expectations. He likes the progress and is expecting much more improvements from them. Howie Bell, team manager for the Reggae Boyz also indicated that the team chemistry has been good and that all the players are working hard. Bell said he noticed an overall spirit of optimism with the team.
Jamaica is expected  to use a  4-4-2 formation which was successful in Hong Kong. The likely starting team is Allien Whittaker in goal; fullbacks Oneil Smith and Mario Swaby; central defenders Jermaine Taylor and Christopher Harvey or Adrian Reid; midfielders Donald Stewart, Nicholy Finlayson, Demar Phillips and Lovel Palmer; and strikers Kavin Bryan and Fabian Taylor.

Switzerland has made eight appearances in the World Cup finals, and is currently ranked 17th in the world by FIFA while Jamaica is ranked at 61. Switzerland will be led by Arsenal's Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos. Switzerland will play Colombia in Miami on Sunday, while Jamaica face Panama at the National Stadium on Monday March 26.

Jamaica's squad: Richard McCallum, Allien Whittaker, Xavian Virgo, Oneil Smith, Jermaine Taylor, Christopher Harvey, Mario Harrison, Adrian Reid, Nicholy Finlayson, Demar Phillips, Mario Swaby, Fabian Davis, Donald Stewart, Lovel Palmer, Keneil Moodie, Donavan Davis, Fabian Taylor, Horace Howell, Andre Redwood and Kavin Bryan.

Switzerland's squad: Diego Benaglio, Fabio Coltorti, Pascal Zuberbuhler, Valon Behrami, Philipp Degen, Johan Djourou, Stephane Grichting, Ludovic Magnin, Patrick Muller, Philippe Senderos, Christoph Spycher, Tranquillo Barnetta, Ricardo Cabanas, Blerim Dzemaili, Alexander Frei, Gokhan Inler, Xavier Margairaz, Marco Streller, Johan Vonlanthen, Hakan Yakin, David Degen, Benjamin Huggel, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Alberto Regazzoni, Boris Smiljanic and Raphael Wicky. More in the forum

Ricardo Gardener returns to the “Office” for the Reggae Boyz
March 17, 2007
As the National Senior Men’s Team, the Reggae Boyz, prepares for the Digicel International Match against Panama on March 26 at 8:00pm at the National Stadium the team’s defensive line and midfield will be strengthened by the addition of overseas based Reggae Boyz Ricardo ‘Bibbi’ Gardener and Luton Shelton.

Ricardo Gardner who plays for the Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League, will make his grand return to the National Stadium after a three year absence; his last game at the “Office” was in a 0 – 0 against El Salvador on October 13 2004.

The very fast and fearless Luton Shelton who recently transferred to England’s Sheffield United from Helsingborg in Sweden, has excellent goal scoring abilities will also reinforce the midfield and provide extra striking power. Shelton, like Gardner has
represented Jamaica at the Under 17, Under 20, Under 23 levels and now the senior level.

The Boyz will play seven-time World Cup finalist Switzerland at the Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdalemon March 22 and then will go up against Panama four days later at the National Stadium in Jamaica. Read more in the forum

Jamaica to face Switzerland and Panama
March 14, 2007
The Reggae Boyz will step up their preparations ahead of next February's start of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa by playing international friendlies against Switzerland and Panama later this month.

The Boyz will play seven-time World Cup finalist Switzerland at the Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on March 22 and then will go up against Panama four days later at the National Stadium in Jamaica. The game against Switzerland will be the second game for
newly appointed technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic who guided Jamaica to win the Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong last month.

According to the president of the JFF, Creston Boxhill, efforts are being made to have some of the foreign-based Reggae Boyz available for the March 26 game, which is a FIFA- sanctioned date. Ticket prices for the Jamaica/Swiss encounter are Children Under 12: $10, Adult General Admission (pre-sale): $20, Adult General Admission (Game Day): $25, Preferred Seating: $35. In the curtain raiser for the Panama game, the national Under-17s will face a yet to be named team.

Grace commits to the Reggae Boyz Road to Africa 2010 campaign
March, 8, 2007
The Reggae Boyz's Road to Africa 2010 campaign was bolstered with the announcement from Michael Ranglin, senior general manager of GraceKennedy Foods, of its $15 million, four-year deal commitment to the program. GRACEKENNEDY Foods under the direction of Grace Kitchens and Dr. Heather Little-White will provide the Jamaican team with food supplies, nutrition training and lecture demonstrations to the cooking staff that is assigned to prepare meals for the team.

GraceKennedy Foods has been committed to the nutritional health of Jamaican football players and was also responsive to the team in 1997 to provide proper nutrition for their historic World Cup '98' qualification. They have demonstrated that good nutrition has a positive effect on footballers and others in the sporting fraternity as it is important to players suffering from low energy levels, low body weight, decreased ability to repair injury and build muscle. Crenston Boxhill, president of the JFF, said "this announcement is special because the nutritional foundation of our players is critical to the success of the program".

Perfect penalties give Reggae Boyz 5-3 win in Lunar New Year Cup
Feb. 19, 2007
Jamaica defeated Hong Kong League XI in a penalty shoot-out 5-3 in the opening game of the four-team Lunar New Year Cup knockout tournament yesterday at the Hong Kong Stadium

The victory gave Jamaica’s technical director Bora Milutinovic a winning debut thanks to Fabian Taylor's opening goal in regulation time along with perfect penalty kicks from Nicholy Finlayson, Adrian Reid, Jermaine Taylor, Demar Phillips and Lovel Palmer.

The Boyz played a fairly decent game and took the lead just before half-time when Kevin Bryan sent in an excellent cross which the speedy Taylor headed pass goalkeeper Chunhui Zhang. Keith Gumbs forced a late equalizer for Hong Kong League XI scoring a header for to send the game into penalty kicks.

Bora Milutinovic complimented his players for their big effort and good attitude. Jamaica will play China, who defeated Australia 2-0, in the final for the Lunar New Year Cup on Wednesday.

Jamaica - Richard McCallum, Oneil Smith Xavian Virgo 84th), Jermaine Taylor, Mario Swaby (Mario Harrison 85th), Kavin Bryan, Demar Phillips, Donald Stewart, Adrian Reid, Fabian Taylor, Nicholy Finlayson, Lovel Palmer.Subs not used: A Whittaker, J Pearce, D Williams, N Plummer, D Davis, H Howell, S Morrissey. More in the forum

Jamaica U-17s to kick off against Canada
Feb. 12, 2007
The fixtures for the upcoming Under-17 Final Round groups featuring Caribbean teams Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti has been confirmed by CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North, Central America and the Caribbean.

Group A will feature El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Haiti while Group B will showcase Jamaica, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada and the USA. Jamaica will stage Group B at the National Stadium in Kingston with Costa Rica meeting Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica against Canada beginning on April 28. The United States begin their campaign on April 30 against Costa Rica. The top-two teams from CONCACAF Final Round Group A along with the best three Group B sides will progress to the 2007 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Korea

FIXTURES:
Group B
April 28: Costa Rica vs Trinidad & Tobago
Jamaica vs Canada
April 30: USA vs Costa Rica
Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago
May 2: Costa Rica vs Canada
Trinidad & Tobago vs USA
May 4: USA vs Canada
Jamaica vs Costa Rica
May 6: Canada vs Trinidad & Tobago
Jamaica vs USA
Group A
April 4: El Salvador vs Mexico
Honduras vs Haiti
April 6: Mexico vs Haiti
Honduras vs El Salvador
April 8: Haiti vs El Salvador
Honduras vs Mexico

HARBOUR VIEW LAUNCHES ASSAULT ON CHAMPIONS WATERHOUSE TO INFLICTING A CONVINCING 3-1 DEFEAT
Jan 25, 2007
The highly charged tension permiated the atmosphere as massive crowd kept the turnstiles swinging throughout the night, long after the 7pm start time.

Hustling for a seat in their favourite areas around the stadium, the varying shades of yellows and blues were troublesome to distinguish only at first glance but quickly the brighter yellow and richer Blue tones of the homesters marked their territories assigned to
the “Stars of the East” who came to shine in the
evening sky both on the field and in the stands.

Referee Howard Stennett blasted his whistle to
initiate play.

Immediately Fabian Taylor, Kavin Bryan and Lovel
Palmer roared forward in attack at a most ferocious pace threatening the visitor bastion but were delayed until the 17th minutes before they breached the defensive network of the Champions. 22 year old Bryan in one of his now familiar deft body swerves collect a pass from Taylor at the top of the box on the left and
darted skilfully into the penalty area pass the
defender only to be crudely hacked to the ground by Demar Philips retreating to cover his team-mate.

The resultant penalty was calmly converted by Robert Scarlett before he jogged away in ecstacy. 1-0.

The second strike came 4 minutes later when Scarlett streaked down his favoured left flank to cross as Palmer rose best at the back post to nod to Taylor about the penalty spot with his back to goal and Marco McDonald closely marking. In a jiffy he swerved left then right dismissing McDonald in the process before releasing a thunderbolt into the roof of the net, then
celebrated his third in the last three games.

The bit-between-their-teeth the “Stars of the East” momentarily threatened to go on a rout but Oniel Smith’s header soared high from six yards as the pace quicken to lightening speed. Game on!

The Champions that they are Waterhouse sort and found a way back into the game, when in the 40th minute the veteran Irvino English curled a free-kick into the goal area for McDonald the snare a neat header inside the back post off the fingertips of a flying 20 year old custodian Dwayne Miller, who touched but could not stop the ball entering his goal.

The half ends 2-1.

Pride damaged, the rough and ready charge was bellowed out of the stout-hearted men from Drewsland as the gorged ahead manfully placing there attacking cards on the table upto the hour mark but without reaping further success, the patient Harbour View started coupling passes regularly across the park before accentuating possession with a torrid shot Kemeel Wolfe that went hide.

Slowly the pace increased as the substitutions were introduced with Kevin King, Kemar Petrekin and finally Loxely Thomas taking away the game from the tiring visitors who looked a beaten bunch only very late in the game, after Wolfe in minute 86, was on hand once again to latch on to a Richard McCallum spilt ball when Smith’s fierce free-kick came across the face of the goal.

Curtain were drawn, as the highly entertaining
top-of-the-table clash came to a quiet end as the
large support group from Waterhouse streamed out of the stadium disappointed with the result but knowing fully well they were defeated by the better team on the night.

A mouth-watering fourth meeting in this season beckons as the saga continues with great anticipation, maybe as early as the replay of the End of First Round Finals between both teams.

Harbour View on 43 points leads the League and now also qualifies while Waterhouse and Reno , who won again today battles for the second place in the Round Two.

OTHER SCORES:
Village United 1 Tivoli Gardens 1
Arnett Gardens 4 August Town 1
Reno 2 Seba 1

Thursday: Wadadah versus Boys Town at Elliston
Wakeland Centre at 3:30pm.
Sunday: Portmore United versus Naggo Head at Ferdie Nieta Complex at 3:30pm.
Report provided by Harbour View FC
Read more in the forum

Players On The Move
Jan. 16, 2007
Jamaican striker Luton Shelton will join English Premier League club Sheffield United from his Swedish first division club Helsingborg for a fee reported to be in the region of £2 million. The 21-year-old Shelton played an important part last season to help Helsingborg finished fourth in the Swedish league. He scored a total of 17 goals in 28 competitive matches including nine goals in 19 first-division matches. Shelton who started his career with Wray & Nephew National Premier League campaigners Harbor View FC is set to join his new club immediately. Read more on Shelton in the forum

Reggae Boys midfielder Omar Daley is reported to have signed a deal with Bradford City and is set to arrive in the UK once all the formalities have been completed. The 25-year-old Daley was granted a work permit and will join fellow Reggae Boys Donovan Ricketts and Jermaine Johnson at Bradford on an 18-month deal. Daley previously had stints at Reading and Preston in England and more recently the Charleston Battery in America's USL. Read more on Daley in the forum

Another Reggae Boy, Kari Stephenson, has joined Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a four-year deal. The 26 year old Stephenson played Manning Cup at Wilmer's and then Collegiate football at Williams College in the US, before being drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the US Major League Soccer, and then Gutenberg's Aglet & Idrottssalskap (GAIS) in Sweden. Stephenson will begin pre-season training with his new Swedish club after passing his medical. Read more on Stephenson in the forum

Jamaican international Dane Richards was on Friday selected by Red Bull New York while while Omar Cummings was selected by Colorado Rapids in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft in Indianapolis. Read more in the forum

Read Jamaica Football News Reports from 2006