On Friday June 7, 2013 the Reggae Boyz
On Friday June 7, 2013 the Reggae Boyz
of Jamaica will tackle “Uncle Sam’s Army” of the United States in a very crucial World Cup Qualifier at “The Office”. It is game which holds a greater significance for Jamaica as they only have 3 home games left to capitalize on points, the United States sits 4th in the table with 4 points from 3 games and Jamaica sits at the foot of the table with 2 points from 4 games.
Despite the United States having a much better head to head record, Jamaica can take heart that just under 9 months ago, they got the better of the Americans and secured a historic 2-1 victory. However the situation this time around is much different. Having secured only 2 points thus far, the Reggae Boyz need a positive result come Friday if they are to keep their World Cup aspirations alive for Brazil 2014. For Jamaica to get the precious 3 points, goals will have to be the 1st priority and they will have to keep things much tighter at the back.
The Americans will be exposing a number of new faces to their World Cup Qualifiers. One in particular, who is yet to face the Jamaicans is 6 foot 5 inch central defender Omar Gonzales. The MLS Rookie of the Year for 2009, MLS Defender of the Year for 2011 and MLS Cup MVP for 2012 is robust, aggressive and provides a stern threat from set pieces. He is also a former teammate of Reggae Boyz goalkeeper and captain Donovan Ricketts. Gonzales is expected to be the man to clean up at the back for the Americans and keep the Jamaicans quiet in front of goal.
Upfront for the US, they will be hoping that Jozy Altidore’s purple patch of form continues into the World Cup Qualifiers. The striker who is of Haitian decent scored 31 goals in 41 games for AZ Alkmaar in the Eridivisie this season and has been in fine goal scoring form all campaign.
Conversely, Jamaica does provide a threat of their own through 26 year old Reading Winger Garath McCleary. McCleary ended his season well with Reading scoring a brace late in the season and providing key assists. McCleary is also known for his innovative movement where he cuts in from the flanks to the middle and creates pressure on the opposition.
Another player the Americans will have to be weary of is the young sensation Darren Mattocks. The 22 year old striker, who plies his trade at the Vancouver Whitecaps is a fine dribbler of the football and is the type of player that strikes the ball well with both feet. Off the bench he does bring another dimension to Jamaica’s attacking thrust and he is a player than can make magic in a matter of seconds. Without a doubt he is one to watch.
With the Americans sitting 4th in the table, they will be looking to get back into that valuable top 3 spot and the Jamaicans will be looking for their 1st win of the Final Round of World Cup Qualifiers. The last time both teams met at The Office, Jamaica frustrated the Americans with their size and pace, also as a result of this, the Americans lost the ball far too cheaply in the middle of the field. If Jamaica is able to replicate this strategy, lightning could strike twice at the Office on Friday night. Three points has to be on the obvious target for the Boyz.
Story by Owen Hill
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