Photo Credit: David I. Muir
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Boyz fall 2-1 to Peru
September 8, 2010

Under a dreary night sky and rainy conditions, Jamaica fell to a 2-1 defeat by Peru in their friendly international at the Lockhart stadium in Ft. Lauderdale Florida.

The game started well after its scheduled 8 p.m. kick-off due to a pay dispute with the promoters. The Reggae Boyz were ordered by JFF president, Captain Horace Burrell, not to take the field until the appearance fee promised by the game's promoters had been paid.

When the game finally got underway, Jamaica kicked off, but within minutes found themselves behind. Demar Phillips came back to help defend against a ball floated into the area but he inadvertently headed the ball past his own goalkeeper to give Peru an early lead.

As the game settled, The Reggae Boyz got their composure back, took control of ball possession and kept Peru back in their half. The Boyz continued to move the ball nicely and were dominant in long spells.

Jamaica rallied in the 20th minute when Jason Morrison played the ball wide right to a fast running Eric Vernan who immediately laid it off to an on running Omar Cummings. The in-form Colorado Rapids striker sent the Jamaican supporters cheering as he hit a vicious 25-yard shot past goalkeeper Salomon Libman for the equalizer.

Motivated by the goal, the Reggae Boyz looked the better team with their passing game keeping Peru on the defensive for the remainder of the first half and rainy conditions.

On the resumption, it was Jamaica that found themselves defending as Peru split the back line with a pass to Juan Manuel Vargas, who shook off the challenge of the Eric Vernan before shooting just wide of goal

The Reggae Boyz continued to soak up pressure with Peru pressing for the winning goal. In the 60th minute, Rencifo’s header from six yards out just missed the frame. They threatened again in the 74th with a breakaway move by danger man Farfan that was booted away by defender Shavar Thomas.

The constant pressure by the South Americans finally paid off late in the game when a quick left sided pass into the area found substitute Fernandez who gave the ball a gentle touch into the Jamaican goal. Join the after game discussion

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