STEPHENSON ... was a breath of fresh air for Jamaica

It is the view of this reporter, and others, that Khari Stephenson was the most outstanding player for the Reggae Boyz in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament currently going on in the United States of America.

His steadying demeanor at the centre of midfield, immaculate passing and his confidence were his hallmark. He sprouted new blooms with every game. Apart from Stephenson's consistent good all-round play and high mark, the team, too, played a good overall tournament and each player deserves his kudos in his roles of challenging the odds and booking a respectable quarter-final berth. It would seem that Wendell Downswell's so-called new-look Reggae Boyz have begun to mellow, and like good wine, it will be a matter of time still before we can truly say whether or not they have come of age. This is how this reporter rates each player's performance from a mark of 0-10 in all four matches played in Los Angeles, Houston and Boston.

In their opener in Group C, the Boyz beat Guatemala 4-3, drew 3-3 with South Africa, lost 0-1 to Mexico and 1-3 to USA.

Donovan Ricketts, goalkeeper: His experience and capability could not prevent him from conceding many goals, as often times it was his guards who allowed the opponents to get in and score. Against Guatemala, he was beaten by a hat trick from Carlos Ruiz. In three outings, nine goals were scored against him, and although that is a bad record to have, no one can truly fault the bulking Bradford City custodian, as his shilly-shally defence did a poor job in protecting him - 6.

Shawn Sawyers, goalkeeper: One game and that was enough. After early jitters against Mexico, the Portmore United and the National Premier League's number one goalie collected himself and pulled off a number of brilliant saves to keep Mexican striker Jared Borgetti off the scoresheet and the score to a respectable 1-0, following floodings in the previous games - 5 1/2.

Damion Stewart, defender: Well, he did not get sent off in this tournament and that was a good thing for the Bradford City-bound defender. He gave away a penalty though by chopping down Ruiz in the Guatemala encounter in Los Angeles. But in the next game against South Africa, he appeared from nowhere to head in one of Jamaica's three goals that day. There is scope for improvement for the aggressive defender whose 'take no prisoner' attitude has gotten him in trouble with referees. But overall, not noting the rough edges, his defensive game was fair - 5 1/2.

Claude Davis, defender: He missed two matches. The first against South Africa after being red-carded against Guatemala. Then he was ruled out of the USA game by team doctor Charlie Roberts after falling on the back of his head in the Mexico game when he was knocked over by a powerfully-struck ball. After being treated on the sidelines, he bravely returned to the action even though he was in obvious pain. The Preston North End toughman's tournament can be described as bitter-sweet - 5.

Jermaine Taylor, defender: Had a red card to his name for a two-footed sliding tackle on USA dangerman DaMarcus Beasley, who scored a double against Jamaica in the quarter-final. The tackle was unnecessary, as Beasley was miles away from the Jamaican goal, so there was no imminent danger. That was just a bit of youthful exuberance from the 20 year-old. But take that away, he came into his own in the South Africa game after sitting out the first. He was particularly efficient in the Mexico contest. Certainly one for the future - 5 1/2.

Tyrone Marshall, defender: The Los Angeles Galaxy man was reliable as usual. He was a picture of experience, composure and grit in his three matches. Against Guatemala, he had a couple of run-ins with Ruiz who he knows so well as they both play in the US MLS. Although the Guatemalan scored three goals, including a penalty, he never got any of those opportunities getting the better of Marshall. Marshall missed the Mexico contest due to a quadriceps strain sustained in the South Africa contest. Good overall tournament - 6.

WILLIAMS ... outstanding tournament that was only blemished by his missed penalty against the USA

Robert Scarlett, defender: Appeared very positive down that left side and was involved in a number of combinations with striker Ricardo Fuller. He was side-lined in the Mexico game as the coach went for Rivoli United's Garfield Reid instead. 'Little Bibi', as Scarlett is known, is an exciting player going down that left flank and he did not disappoint in his three matches - 5 1/2.

Tyrone Sawyers, defender: Still to impress. Was obviously nervous in the first game, overwhelmed by the charged atmosphere at the Home Depot Center. Looked better against South Africa and the USA. Still weak as an attacker, but competent as a defender - 5.

Garfield Reid, defender: Against Mexico, the sparks did not come. But the coach had faith in him and he played his first and only 90 minutes in the tournament. Though it may be argued that he was not at his best, those who know this player are quite aware of his capability - 4 1/2.

Omar Daley, midfielder: Missed USA match due to a red card collected in the Mexico contest. He played in an uncustomary right back position, and although he looked good there, he cheated the coach of the chance to get a good look at him in the position when he was sent off for a harsh tackle on an opponent. You can't help liking Omar Daley for the fire in his belly, but sometimes he gets too hot. He was also a 65th minute substitute in the Guatemala encounter and added to the team effort in both attack and defence as Jamaica held on for a win - 5.

Jermaine Hue, midfielder: Took part in every game and scored possibly the best goal of the tournament when he rammed a trademark left-footed shot past the South African keeper to level the score 1-1 seconds after the other team had gone ahead. He also had another well-taken goal against Guatemala, scoring the winner in a 4-3 thriller. His confidence is high at the moment and may be Jermaine Hue has arrived on the international scene - 6.

Khari Stephenson, midfielder: The Kansas City Wizard midfielder was a breath of fresh air for Jamaica, masterminding the team's build-up from the back. He was the key link, spraying passes in all parts of the field. He never appeared ruffled by any of the activity in the centre of the park - cool, calm and composed. He was able to reproduce that in each game. Khari is the man - 7 1/2.

Andy Williams, midfielder: An outstanding tournament for the team captain and World Cup vet that was only blemished by his missed penalty against the USA at a point in the game, had he scored, Jamaica would have drawn level at 1-1. He scored from the penalty spot against Guatemala, but somehow couldn't repeat against the USA. But such is the game - 7.

Jermaine Johnson, midfielder: Had a start as a forward in the South Africa game, but although the pacy midfielder was able to get into a number of good goal-scoring positions, he just could not find the required edge. And as a sub in the other matches, he repeatedly got goalside but failed to finish - 5.

Ricardo Fuller, forward: Another outstanding tournament performer. His goal drought ended as he tied with Hue as the topscorer for Jamaica with two strikes - one against Guatemala and the other against the USA. He was a handful for the opposing defenders and the Portsmouth player was a hard man to mark. He was unfortunate not to have scored a few other goals - 7.

Luton Shelton, forward: Unfortunate for him, a troublesome hamstring kept him out of the South Africa and Mexico games after scoring Jamaica's first goal of the championship against Guatemala. Obviously not healed, he returned against the USA and his performance was appalling. He was a shadow of the Luton Shelton known to everyone - 5.

Damani Ralph, forward: As a starter, he was having a good day on the pitch against Mexico, but could not finish after making a number of runs into the opposing box. He was a useful sub in all the other games - 5 1/2.

Teofore Bennett, forward: The Virginia Beach Mariners striker impressed coach Downswell after coming on as a 65th minute substitute to give Jamaica their third equalising goal against South Africa in a 3-3 tie. But as a starter in the Mexico contest, he faded and was himself substituted - 5.

Did not play: Roland Dean, Nicholi Findlayson, Lovel Palmer, Leighton Murray.

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