CHICAGO, USA – There were a few security officers as well as officials from the organizing committee to greet them immediately upon disembarking their flight at O’Hare International Airport from Miami today.

That’s how Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz officially entered the Copa America Centenario.

With more than enough vehicles and man power at the ready the Jamaican contingent collected its luggage before making the journey to luxurious The Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

However, the contingent was without head coach Winfried Schaefer, Jamaica Football Federation general secretary Raymond Grant and player Chevone Marsh, who were booked on a flight to arrive later.

Also missing was Leicester City’s captain Wes Morgan, as well as late substitute, Joel Grant, who are both scheduled to join the team Friday.

A training session was scheduled at the nearby Polo Ground, under the guidance of assistant head coach Miguel Coley.

Another session is set for the same venue Friday evening following a number of mandatory technical meetings earlier in the day.

The competition is scheduled to kick off Friday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, between hosts the USA and South America’s Colombia in Group A. Match time is 8:30 pm (Jamaica time).

However, Jamaica begin their quest for honours at Soldier Field on Sunday at 4:00 pm against Group C rivals Venezuela, who also arrived in Chicago just ahead of the Boyz.

On Wednesday night Venezuela played out a 1-1 result with Guatemala at the Lockhart Stadium.

Ian Burnett