The Observer continues to feature some of the leading Jamaican players ahead of the friendly international match between the Reggae Boyz and Costa Rica at the National Stadium on Sunday, September 5. Today we take a look at flank player Dane Richards.

Dane Richards (born December 14, 1983 in Montego Bay) plays for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Richards was a member of the youth system of the National Premier League side Seba United, and while attending Cornwall College in Montego Bay, his team won the daCosta Cup and Olivier Shield. He moved to the United States to play college soccer in 2003.

Richards played two years at San Jacinto College in Houston, where he scored a record 45 goals in two years, including a school-record 25 as a sophomore. Richards was drafted in the second round of the 2007 MLS Super Draft by New York Red Bulls. He had a terrific start to his MLS career, establishing himself as the first team right winger for the club. He demonstrated blazing speed and consistently was one of the most dangerous players on the field. Richards debuted with the Jamaican national team in 2002 at the age of 18, and while he was still at Clemson returned to the Jamaican national team, playing in a 1-1 friendly tie against the United States in 2006.

His play during the 2007 season did not go unnoticed by the Jamaica Football Federation as he was rewarded by being called up to the national team for friendlies against El Salvador and Guatemala in Kingston. He played in both matches which ended in victory for Jamaica.

Richards has also participated in 2010 World Cup qualifying matches and was selected for the 2008 Caribbean Championships. He appeared in all five matches for Jamaica, in helping the nation to capture the 2008 Caribbean Cup. Richards also featured in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored his first goal for Jamaica on August 11, 2010 vs Trinidad in a 3-1 win. He is becoming a fan favourite for his club after a spectacular performance vs Manchester City, by scoring a goal from 40 yards and tearing the Man City defence apart with the likes of Wayne Bridge, Kolo Toure and Micah Richards.