Topics

1

Football / Raheem Sterling

« on: October 28, 2012, 10:44:21 AM »

Hard to believe this kid is only 17 years old. I believe there are many more like him in Jamaica, but for lack of proper football facilities and structured system, falls by the wayside. The Daily Mail did a feature on the player. Theodore Whitmore said he looked at the player a year ago before he was a star, and passed up on him!
 




"It is a long way from his beginnings in Maverley, Jamaica - a community with no-go areas controlled by gangs.

It is 'one of the most deprived areas on the whole island', according to a Jamaican journalist. 'It contains marginalised ghetto communities lacking basic facilities and struggling to control gun crime.'

When he was just 14, Sterling was featured on the front page of The Gleaner, held up as a local Maverley boy done good and the newspaper suggested he might choose to play international football for Jamaica rather than England.

Sterling returned to Maverley this summer for the funeral of his grandfather and was trailed by awed youngsters aware of his growing stature for Liverpool and England. He played football with them, yards from the home he once lived in on Reapers Road, where a 15-year-old was shot dead in 2009.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2224063/The-extraordinary-story-Raheem-Sterling.html

2

Football / Anyone here own a ROKU Box

« on: August 07, 2011, 12:53:08 PM »

I am thinking of setting up a Roku channel to showcase videos of Jamaica's football, could easily extend this to create a channel for the Soca Warriors also. I think you could easily find at least 50 videos on youtube today relating to T&T football.

if you own a roku box and would like to help with testing, please ket me know.

3

Football / No one here watching Copa CentroAmericana?

« on: January 22, 2011, 06:33:17 AM »

Surprised no thread here discussing this tournament.

Honduras and Costa Rica will face off in the tournament grand finale on Sunday (Gol-TV 6:PM ET). Honduras beat Guatemala 3-1 to advance, while Costa Rica were lucky to beat Panama on PKs (5-3)...Panama looked lively.

I'm picking Costa Rica to take the title.

4

Football / CONCACAF friendlies on today

« on: August 11, 2010, 10:12:53 AM »

Mexico   v    Spain
Paraguay   v    Costa Rica
Panama   v    Venezuela
T&T v Jamaica
USA v Brazil (played yesterday)

5

Football / MLS Goal of the week contender maybe?

« on: April 19, 2010, 07:50:27 AM »

Good way to open up your MLS account young man!

http://www.mlssoccer.com/content/lovel-palmers-30-yard-goal-puts-houston-2-0

6

Football / Argentina v Jamaica live broadcast

« on: February 10, 2010, 07:32:07 PM »

http://www.teleargentina.com/television.html

Wow, electric atmosphere in the stadium.

7

Football / Reggae Boyz 1 - 0 Canucks

« on: February 01, 2010, 04:49:06 AM »

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz launched their 2014 Brazil World Cup campaign on a winning note when a Luton Shelton 68th minute strike condemned Canada to a 1-0 defeat in front of a partisan crowd inside the National Stadium last night.

The victory was Jamaica's fourth against the North Americans in 17 games and for the third time Shelton was getting on the scoresheet. He was a goalscorer when Jamaican won 2-1 on October 8 in a friendly international here at the same venue and he was also on target when Jamaica whipped the Maple Leaf boys 3-0 in a World Cup qualifying game on November 19, 2008.

The Jamaicans were off to a decent start, throwing numbers in attack and pinning their opponents on the defensive. In the third minute Rodolph Austin burst through from midfield on the left flank and whipped in a low cross, but a charging Demar Phillips just failed to get there ahead of a retreating defender, as Devon Hodges waited to pounce on any scraps.

Shortly after Phillips, who displayed his usual high levels of energy, played through Luton Shelton on the left side, but the speedy striker raced into the box then dallied before squandering the chance, despite having a number of teammates in support.

On 18 minutes Jamaica, who had looked the better team, moved the ball sumptuously from side to side before picking out the roving Phillips, who had switched to the right. He relayed a pass to Hodges inside the penalty area, but after the burly Rivoli United striker turned his marker expertly, he went for glory and blasted the ball high over the frame from an acute angle, instead of feeding any one of a number of teammates better placed in front of the goal.

The North Americans slowly worked themselves back into the game, and at the half way stage Dwayne Miller, who had been a spectator by then, had to dive to his right to parry a fierce low drive from a Massih Wassey free-kick from 30 yards.

And outside of punching away a few clearances from corner kicks, he was generally unwanted in the first half.

But on 36 minutes, Shelton ignited the crowd with an electrifying bit of skill. He collected a pass on the right flank 15 yards inside the Canadians' half, cut delicately, but decisively through the centre of the red-and-white clad Canadians, leaving them in his wake. But upon entering the penalty box and with only goalkeeper David Monslave to beat, he undid all the wonderful work by slotting the ball onto the body of the charging custodian, much to the chagrin of the partisan crowd.

The second half started in much the way of the first with Jamaica having the lion's share of possession and Canada trying to hit on the counter.

Early on de Julian de Guzman blasted a left-footer high over the top when an ineffective Eric Vernan lost possession just outside the penalty area, but the next play of significance belonged to the home team.

The ever-willing Omar Cummings was dispossessed a few metres inside the Canadians' half, but displayed resilience by regaining possession from a startled de Guzman before he embarked on an incisive run at the defence before teeing up Shelton on the left side. And for once, Shelton didn't hesitate as he powered home a firm grounder at Monsalve's near post.

Then on 76 minutes, Monslave did very well to deny Cummings' neat header from Austin's free-kick.

Head coach Theodore Whitmore made five substitutions and on occasions they tore the Canadian defence apart without having the incisiveness to conjure up a goal.

But at game's end Canada's head coach Stephen Hart could have no complaints as his team was clearly second best on the night.

Teams: Jamaica --Dwayne Miller, Tyrone Marshall, Shavar Thomas, Jermaine Taylor, Jason Morrison Ryan Johnson 71st), Rodolph Austin (Richard Edwards 79th), Eric Vernan (Kenardo Forbes 74th), Demar Phillips, Luton Shelton (Navion Boyd 70th), Omar Cummings (Keammar Daley 79th), Devon Hodges.

Subs not used: DuWayne Kerr, Rafe Wolfe, Adrian Reid, Lovel Palmer.

Booked: Phillips (74th), Daley (86th).

Canada -- David Monslave, Ante Jazic, Andre Hainault, Julian de Guzman, Antonio Riberio (Adrian Cann 42nd, Rivas carlo 88th), Dejan Jakovic, Tyler Hemming, Ali Gerba, Massih Wassey, Stephen Ademolu (Nana Attakora 71st), Eddy Sidra (Edwini-Bonsu Randy 77th).

Subs not used: Sirdjan Djekanovic, Garrett Kusch.

Booked: de Guzman (45th), Attakora (80th), Cann (84th).

8

Football / Jamaica to play in South Africa

« on: October 16, 2009, 12:34:59 PM »

Despite suffering successive defeats on the tour of Scandinavia, Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana is optimistic about the future of his squad.

South Africa lost one nil to both Norway and Iceland – the last defeat coming on Tuesday night (13 October) in Reykjavik, Iceland. Viegar Pall Gunnarsson scored the only goal in the 50th minute.
“Obviously I am not happy with the losses, but it was a good outing for the side. It was important for my players to experience the rigours of international football as it will build their character. I am happy that I gave some players a chance away from home, and they did not disappoint,” said Santana.

The Brazilian says he has made some observations on the tour, “The last match was better than the first, the marking and shooting was better, but sometimes we need to use our pace more when attacking, and also we should not give our opponents space,” he said.

Captain Aaron Mokoena believes that despite the losses, the nation should not lose hope.

“We came on this trip with uncapped players who got a run and in the process they did not disappoint. Yes we are still not happy that we are not getting positive results, but on the other hand we have blended in some players and now it's up to the coach to finalise his World Cup squad,” said the skipper.

Bloemfontein Celtic captain Thabo Nthethe as well as Franklin Cale of Ajax Cape Town both made their debut on this tour. Cale was first capped in the match against Norway when he came on for Siphiwe Tshabalala, while Nthethe replaced Siboniso Gaxa in the clash with Iceland.

Bafana Bafana are left with two matches before the end of the year.

Next month they face Japan on the 14th, and then meet Jamaica three days later in Bloemfontein.

“Both matches will be difficult especially Japan which is the stronger of the two, but I need to win, I will go there for a win,” said Santana.
Bafana Bafana return to South Africa on Thursday morning (15 October).

9

Football / This is the difference between the Reggaeboyz and the SocaWarriors

« on: September 08, 2009, 01:09:40 PM »

When Jamaica were down to their last three games in the semi final rounds, they needed to win all three against Mex, Hon and Canada and hope that other results go their way if we were to qualify for the Hex. The fans showed up at the national stadium, each of the 3 games were sold out. The boyz went on to win all three games on the trot. We needed Mexico to beat Honduras on the final day, as it turned out, Honduras won that game, and ended Jamaica's chance of advancing.

So why is it that the general mood surrounding your team is that of failure before the final whistle is blown? Mental weakness is a problem you guys have always had, not just the players, but the fans as well....The Jamaicans will battle to the last end. We needed to beat Canada 7-0 in the last game to guarantee passage...even thogh we didnt manage to score 7 we were able to get 3 past them when we ran out of time.

You guys can take a leaf out of Jamaica's book in that regard. I remeber simoes mentioning this at one point having coached both nations.

10

Football / Hexagonal simulator

« on: September 02, 2009, 02:14:23 PM »

Its in spanish, but you can figure it out

http://www.mediotiempo.com/hexagonal/simulador-hexagonal.php

11

Football / Colombia vs Venezuela, Jamaica vs Ecuador @ Giants Stadium Aug 12th

« on: July 10, 2009, 07:06:54 AM »

International Soccer returns to Giants Stadium with a World Cup preparation doubleheader on August 12.
The South American neighbors, Colombia will meet Venezuela at 6:30 PM, followed by Ecuador vs. Jamaica. These matches on a FIFA date – allowing the countries to bring their top stars – will serve the teams to finalize their preparation ahead of the last two rounds of South America's World Cup 2010 qualifiers scheduled to begin the first week of September.
As a member of Meadowlands All Access you have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public Monday, July 13 at 10 AM.

12

Football / Reggaeboyz book double Dates with Bafana Bafana

« on: July 06, 2009, 12:25:15 PM »

Boyz Africa bound

Set November 17 date with 'Bafana Bafana'

BY SEAN A WILLIAMS, Assistant Sport Editor williamss@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, July 06, 2009

It's a done deal. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz will tackle South Africa's 'Bafana Bafana' in a big friendly international on the continent on November 17, it was disclosed on Saturday.

BURRELL... I have suggested that Jamaican reggae music be merged with the friendly package and also for the World Cup next year

After agreeing to terms last week with his South African counterparts, during the FIFA Confederations Cup, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Captain Horace Burrell said he was a happy man - though he had no doubt that he would have been able to keep his promise of making the match-up a reality.

"We have confirmed this match against South Africa. and this game will be played at one of the designated World Cup venues, most likely the one in the central province of Bloemfontein," Burrell told the Observer from Los Angeles. "All the arrangements have been put in place and a member of the South Africa 2010 LOC, Mr Raymond Hack, has been put in charge to oversee the whole project of the Reggae Boyz's visit.

"As promised, we are delivering this game to the Jamaican and South African fans, and having failed to advance to the CONCACAF finals of the World Cup qualifying campaign, I gave my solemn word that I would get the Reggae Boyz to South Africa, one way or another. I was always determined that we would participate in a big friendly against the hosts leading up to the World Cup and now I am elated that this has come true," said an obviously delighted Burrell.

The CONCACAF Executive Committee member also disclosed that the deal embraces a return game slated for Jamaica's National Stadium next March, three months before South Africa welcomes the world for the greatest single sport event known to man - the FIFA World Cup Finals.

".This game is likely to be Bafana Bafana's final overseas match before going into the World Cup," said Burrell, the senior vice-president of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

Jamaica, who soared 11 places up the FIFA ladder in the latest rankings to 65th, will mark their fourth meeting with the South Africans in the November showdown.

They first played in 1999 in Kingston where that game ended 1-1, then they drew 0-0 in Cape Town in 2003, before playing to an exhilarating 3-3 draw at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Los Angeles in 2005, where South Africa appeared as a guest team.

"Remember that Jamaica participated in the historic launch of the South Africa World Cup bid with a friendly game against that country on the African continent, and we can view going back as a celebration of that successful bid," noted Burrell.

The suave and charismatic businessman who operates the Captain's Bakery and Grill food chain, said Jamaica and South Africa share common bonds that are enduring.

"The bonds between both countries are strong. let us not forget that Jamaica, a small country, was one of the strongest voices in the fight to dismantle Apartheid, and in recognition of our role in that process, Jamaica was one of the first countries that a freed Nelson Mandela visited," Burrell recalled.

In honour of his visit, which underscored the Jamaican people's admiration for Mandela, Half-Way-Tree Park in the nation's capital, Kingston, as well as the main highway linking Kingston with Spanish Town were named for the great South African leader.

The Boyz, on their trip to South Africa, are expected to visit Mandela as well as Soweto, the black township where Mandela once lived and which was the scene of many deadly clashes between black South Africans and their white rulers under Apartheid.

"The slums of Soweto are similar in circumstances and outlay to our own inner-city communities in Jamaica, and we hope a visit by our Reggae Boyz will serve as inspiration to the many young people who languish there," said Burrell, the only FIFA South Africa 2010 World Cup ambassador not living on the vast African continent.

Burrell has also recommended to top government officials and the football hierarchy that Jamaican reggae musicians be a part of the friendly fixture in November, as well as the World Cup Finals in June next year.

"I have suggested that Jamaican reggae music be merged with the friendly package and also for the World Cup next year, and this has been well received by all," said Burrell, the visionary behind Jamaica's only appearance at football's showpiece event in France in 1998. "The people of South Africa will tell you that Jamaica's reggae music helped to comfort them and gave them hope at a very difficult time in their political life."

Burrell said that Jamaica, who are due to arrive in South Africa on November 13, will field a strong team for the game with most, if not all, of the overseas-based professionals available for selection.

"Being a FIFA date, Jamaica will be fielding the best team which will consist of our players in Europe, the USA and back home in Jamaica, and nothing short of a high-quality game is expected," said Burrell, who is on his second stint as president of the JFF.

South Africa, ranked 70th by FIFA, finished a creditable fourth in the recently-concluded Confederations Cup won by South American champions Brazil.

13

Football / FIFA Soccer 09 Wii vs Playstation vs XBox

« on: June 17, 2009, 11:05:45 AM »

I currently play this game on both the Wii and Playstation..the Wii game play is miles ahead of the Playstation....anyone else think so? and how does it compare to the gameplay on the XBox?

Played previous version on the gameCube as well...Wii is by far rghe best for me so far. Havent tried XBox.

By the way, I use Classic controllers to play on the Wii (not the Wiimote)

14

Football / Boyz can win Gold Cup - Miguel Trujillo

« on: May 01, 2009, 08:49:08 AM »

Haitian football agent Miguel Trujillo believes Jamaica's Reggae Boyz could win this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup to be staged in the USA from July 3-26.
Jamaica's head coach John Barnes (left) and assistant, Theodore Whitmore.

Trujillo holds the view that Jamaica's overall talent level and the fact that many of the top teams of the confederation will be engaged in World Cup qualifiers present Jamaica "with a great chance of winning".

"I saw the way Jamaica played in the last set of games in the World Cup qualifiers... they proved that when they are at their best they are the team to beat. They were also very good in the Digicel Champions Cup which they won. This is a team with quality," said Trujillo from Florida yesterday.

He also noted that Jamaica will be a better team under the guidance of head coach John Barnes and assistant Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore.

"He (Barnes) understands the players and knows the system to play to bring out the best in them. It's not like the Brazilian (Rene) Simoes; Barnes has a different approach," he noted.

El Salvador and Jamaica are in Group A of the Gold Cup, along with Canada and Costa Rica; Group B comprises Haiti, USA, Honduras and Grenada, while Group C has Panama, Guadeloupe, Mexico and Nicaragua.

Jamaica, ranked 70th by FIFA, will face Haiti (119th) in a highly-anticipated friendly international match-up at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 23, and Trujillo said Haiti will be fielding a strong team as both bragging rights and an opportunity to continue to fine-tune for the Gold Cup are at stake.

"We'll be coming with the best team for the game... we know Jamaica have very good players, so we're for our best," he said.

"Also, the game is very important as we prepare for the Gold Cup as we aim to make a good impression there," Trujillo added.

The Haitian, who runs the Florida-based sports agency firm Sponssports USA, said most of Haiti's foreign professionals will be available for the match.

He expects players plying their trade in Argentina, Greece and France to jet to Florida in time for the kick off and a weekend of celebration for Caribbean peoples.

And as Haiti step up preparation ahead of the Gold Cup, Trujillo disclosed that the French-speaking country has employed the services of two Colombian coaches - Jairo Rios and Jairo Ossa.

"They (coaches) have been working with the team over the past 15 days and that programme is going well," noted Trujillo.

He said the team has set a date with Panama on June 13 in Port-au-Prince and could visit Azerbaijan for another friendly on June 1.

Meanwhile, the Reggae Boyz will start a camp on May 18 for their three confirmed warm-up games before departing for the Gold Cup.

Apart from the Haiti encounter, the team has also secured games against El Salvador in Washington on May 30 and Panama at 'The Office' on June 7.

Haiti was the second Caribbean nation to go to the FIFA World Cup in 1972, while Jamaica was the first English-speaking country to make it to the big stage back in 1998. Cuba in 1938 was the first from the region to go to the World Cup, while Trinidad & Tobago did likewise in 2006.

Haiti and Jamaica first played each other in 1925 and their last meeting, according to eloratings.net, was back on October 1, 2006, where the Boyz were 2-0 winners at the National Stadium in a Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifier.

15

Football / Live from Ja, Champions Cup Semi FSC Tonight @ 8:00 PM EST

« on: April 08, 2009, 04:32:56 PM »

Tivoli Gdns FC vs Waterhouse FC.

16

Football / Whats the real story behind lack of ceverage for the under-20 tourney?

« on: March 10, 2009, 09:41:45 AM »

Two games play everyday, how hard is it for the local tv stations to have a camera man posted at each game venue. It dont have to be live coverage, just highlights the next day
 
There must be at least one posrt specific tv/radio station in the entire land of T&T...

Its embarassing that you guys have to rely on a spanish feed from Costa Rica to fnd out how you team doing...in a game played right in your back yard.

17

Football / El Salvador vs Honduras here

« on: March 06, 2009, 03:59:34 PM »

http://www.justin.tv/osmin123

Salvadorian station.

18

Football / Under 20: US Coach expects Jamaica to be tough

« on: March 05, 2009, 12:30:53 PM »

The United States is expecting "a battle" against Jamaica when the two CONCACAF rivals clash in the first match of final round FIFA Under-20 World Cup football qualifiers tomorrow in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to US coach Thomas Rongen, the current squad is Jamaica's most talented in recent years. He expects both countries to finish in the top two from Group A, which also includes El Salvador and Honduras, and earn an automatic berth at the World Cup in Egypt later this year.

"This is one of the better youth Jamaican teams I've seen in a long time," Rongen said while attending Sunday's practice game between the young Reggae Boyz and Canada in the US "So we're in for a battle, which we understand.

"Based on what I've seen from Honduras and El Salvador, right now, if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on Jamaica and the US."

Impressed coach

America's coach, who also scouted the Boyz during their last qualifying round in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has been impressed by Jamaica's team speed and organisation. He is also wary of the variety of ways the current Boyz can win games, even on the road.

"They have two or three special players," Rongen explained. "(Dever) Orgill, the front-runner, can score some goals obviously. They've got some speed.

"I'm very impressed with the captain at the back (Andre Darby). He's a very good player, plays with the ball, strong physically ... (Andre Blake) the goalkeeper (in St Vincent) I thought was very, very good."

Strikers Reneil Sappleton of Leicester City in England, who joined the Young Boyz last week, and Orgill, who is with Vancouver Whitecaps in North America, are Jamaica's only overseas-based professionals. Several Americans played in the last World Cup, plus nine of their 20-member squad are pros.

"Yes, being able to go to Europe, being able to play in the MLS (US Major League Soccer) daily in a good environment, you would like to think that that could benefit us," Rongen said.

US squad

The US squad includes two players with Jamaican parents. Collegiate goalkeeper Sean Johnson will be a reserve. But Anthony Wallace, a World Cup veteran who is signed with FC Dallas of the MLS, will play a much larger role. The midfielder/defender is also a team captain.

"We expect a lot from Anthony Wallace," the US coach said.

Rongen was not the only possible opponent in T&T who expects Jamaica to do well. Canada, which is in Group B with Mexico, Costa Rica and the host nation, believe the Boyz have narrowed the gap with their regional rivals.

"Athleticism is definitely a great weapon they (Jamaica) have; they have good speed," said coach Tony Fonseca, whose team lost 1-0 to the Boyz.

"The US is always a top team in CONCACAF. You can expect US will be very competitive, very strong and they will match up in the physicality (with Jamaica) ... (But) the teams are very even now."

19

Football / Under-20 qualifiers TV coverage

« on: March 04, 2009, 09:16:44 AM »

Anyone know if there will be coverage of the tournament? I recall watching on GOLTV 3 years ago when final qualifiers were held in Mexico.

Looking forward to a decent shwoing from the young Reggae Boyz...they are coming off back to back 1-0 victories over both Mexico and Canada in warm up games...as well as 0-0 and 0-1 ties vs Costa Rica.

20

Football / After Ghana Snub, Nigeria Turns to Reggae Boyz

« on: December 31, 2008, 08:58:09 AM »

After Ghana Snub, Nigeria Turns to Reggae Boyz
12.30.2008

Nigeria has turned to old foes Jamaica for an international friendly after West African rivals Ghana opted to play Egypt. “Ghana have decided for reasons of their own to play Egypt instead of us after negotiations had reached advanced stages,” a disappointed Super Eagles head coach Shaibu Amodu said yesterday.

“So now we are looking at Jamaica, but we will only know for sure in the new year."

The Super Eagles coach explained that the choice of Jamaica was a forced hand as attempts to arrange games with other African countries are proving difficult. “Most of these countries already have games lined up, and it seems as if others just don’t want to play us,” he adds.

Amodu added that he was especially disappointed at the Ghana snub because an almost certain game against Namibia was jettisoned to make room for the Black Stars.

“We had a game against Namibia lined up, but we decided to pick Ghana because we felt it is always better for us to play against strong African sides. And now that option is no longer available because the Ghanaians left it so late, and then went on to take Egypt.

“But we will hopefully get Jamaica in London. The important thing is for us to get together as a group, keep ourselves busy and talk to each other as a team before we face our first game.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in its bid to beat time is shopping for other countries after Ghana dramatically shunned a friendly match with the Super Eagles billed for February 11, a FIFA free day.

NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire had told THISDAYSports Monday night that talks were on with Zambia, Sudan and the third country understood to be Mali, to help knock the Eagles in shape for their South Africa 2010 Group B trip to Mozambique, after discussions was stalled with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Now, the Jamaica friendly appears last resort so as not to waste the FIFA free day.

21

Football / Caribbean goal-keepers in the MLS

« on: December 25, 2008, 06:17:08 AM »

Is Rickettes signing with The Galaxy the first? I cant recall any national keeper from the caribbean signing directrly with MLS in the past.

------------------

CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy have signed Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, the club announced Tuesday. An experienced goalkeeper at the international level, Ricketts joins the Galaxy after previous stints with Village United of the Digicel Premier League in Jamaica, Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League and Bradford City of League Two in England. Ricketts, 31, will officially be added to the Galaxy's roster, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Clearance (ITC). Per league and team policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

"I have known Donovan for a number of years as a goalkeeper with the Jamaican National Team and have always been impressed with his physical qualities. After a closer examination of the player, I am absolutely amazed with his abilities both on and off the field," said Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena. "It is also a position that we felt the need to improve and believe that he will be a great addition to our team and has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in MLS."
At 6-foot-4, Rickets is a commanding presence in the box. A member of Jamaica's 1998 World Cup squad as a 21-year-old, Ricketts has made 67 international appearances for his country. He boasts an impressive 11-7-6 record in 24 World Cup qualifying matches, including all eight of Jamaica's games during qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Despite recording three consecutive shutouts at the end of the qualifying campaign, including one in a 1-0 win over Mexico in Kingston, Jamaica on October 10, Ricketts and the Reggae Boyz narrowly missed out on advancing to the final stages of the 2010 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, losing out to Mexico on goal difference. Earlier this month, he helped lead Jamaica to the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Championships where they defeated Grenada 2-0 in the final.

A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Rickets started his professional career playing for his hometown club of F.C. Waddadah before signing with Village United, who plays in Jamaica's top league, in 2002. In January 2004, he moved to England, signing with Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League. Ricketts never played a game for Bolton and in July 2004 was signed on loan by League Two side Bradford City, who then signed him on a permanent basis at the end of that season. He spent four years with the Bantams, appearing in more than 115 games for the club before returning to Jamaica to again sign with Village United this summer.

22

Football / Barnes targets Scotland as Jamaica's first opponent next year

« on: December 16, 2008, 12:32:11 PM »

Head coach John Barnes says the Reggae Boyz are focused on producing good results at next year's Gold Cup in America starting in July.

"Between January and July, we have 4, 5 matches that we have to organize in preparation for the Gold Cup which I would to be against the strongest opposition as possible," he said.

Jamaica are now ranked 83rd in the world which makes it a bit difficult to attract top class oppositions but according to Barnes, Scotland, who are ranked 50 places above the Reggae Boyz, is among the countries they would want to play.

23

Football / DCC semis, final on FSC Thursday and sunday

« on: December 11, 2008, 11:42:49 AM »

Thursday:
Grenada vs Cuba tape delayed from 8:00 PM EST
Guadeloupe vs Jamaica delayed from 11:00 PM EST


Sunday the finals will be aired live at 5:00 PM EST. Not sure f hey will be carrying the third place game.

24

Football / So I hear a Trini ref will officiate Jamaca vs Honduras

« on: October 14, 2008, 08:55:02 AM »

and the Hondurans are hopping mad.

I am sure uncle Jack will agree with me that it would be great to have two caribbean teams in the final Hex...2 caribbean teams in SA would be even better.

 

Is it a Jakan ref calling the T&T vs USA game?

25

Football / Barnes named new Jamaica coach

« on: September 16, 2008, 05:07:27 PM »

Barnes named new coach of Jamaica


By Jonathan Stevenson


Barnes has been keen to get back into management since leaving Celtic


England and Liverpool great John Barnes has been named as the new national coach of Jamaica.
The 44-year-old Jamaican-born former England winger has been chosen to replace Brazilian Rene Simoes, who was sacked as technical director last week.
"The Jamaica Football Federation announces the appointment of Mr Barnes and he will take up official duties on 1 November," said a statement.
Barnes' last post in management ended with the sack at Celtic in 2000.
The JFF statement continued: "Mr Barnes will be in charge of the preparation of the national team for the Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) between 1 and 15 December and the Concacaf Gold Cup scheduled for June 2009.
"He will also be in charge of the final round of World Cup Qualifiers in 2009, should Jamaica advance to this stage of the competition.
"Mr Barnes' contract will be reviewed following the aforementioned events."
Jamaica are currently last in their four-team World Cup qualifying group on one point from three games, with three games remaining. To have a chance of advancing to the final stage of the Concacaf qualifying round, they must beat Mexico, Honduras and Canada and hope other results go their way. Former Hull and Tranmere midfielder Theodore Whitmore will take charge of those World Cup games, staying on as Barnes' assistant after.

26

Football / Simoes on his way to Canada? Dale Mitchell resign as Canada head coach

« on: September 16, 2008, 12:52:53 PM »

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association today announced it has received and accepted the resignation of Canadian Men’s World Team Head Coach Dale Mitchell, effective immediately.

The CSA will immediately begin the search for a replacement. Women’s World Cup and Olympic Team Coach Evan Pellerud will handle the head coaching responsibilities for Canada’s remaining matches in its group in CONCACAF Stage III of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Qualifiers. A new head coach is expected to be chosen and in place by December, 2008.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dale publicly for his commitment and accomplishments with the Men’s World Cup Team,” said CSA President Dominic Maestracci. “Both sides agreed that it was time for us to move in a new direction.”

Mitchell was hired by the CSA on May 17, 2007 and in one year posted a record of 3-5-4 in 12 games in charge of the Men’s World Cup Team.

“There comes a moment in every coach’s career when it is time to move on and that moment has come for me,” said Mitchell. “I have truly enjoyed my experiences with the Canadian squad and will look back on many fond memories. I wish the team well in the future.”