Jamaica U-20 games move to MoBay
CATHERINE HALL, St James — Jamaica’s Under-20 men’s team that has been struggling in the CONCACAF Championships with one point after two games will hope a change in scene will result in a change of fortunes when they play their final two Group A games at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.
Jamaica will play the United States in the third game of a triple header Sunday, starting at 8:00 pm before closing their groups schedule against first-time qualifiers Aruba next Wednesday. Jamaica were scheduled to play leaders Panama in a late game last night at the National Stadium.
The going has been rough for hosts Jamaica who, after two games, were tied with the USA on one point. Panama leads with six points ahead of Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala on four points each while Aruba are yet to earn a point.
Under the new rules of the tournament the winners of each of the two six team groups will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup to be held in New Zealand later this year.
The second and third place teams in each group will be reseeded and will advance to the January 24 finals in Montego Bay for the other two places to represent CONCACAF in New Zealand. Jamaica who are in their 19th CONCACAF Championships appearance has qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup just once and finishing third in 1970.
The Theodore Whitmorecoached team came back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in their opening game last week then lost 1-0 to Guatemala on Sunday.
To add to their woes the team has lost the services of top striker Michael Seaton who is out with a knee injury after playing just 45 minutes of the first game.
A loss to Panama might be the death knell for Jamaica’s hopes but other results could also help to keep their hopes alive after the end of the first round.
Donja Smith and Junior Flemmings who scored in the game against Trinidad will look for help in attack from Cardel Benbow and Daniel Roberts. Goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson anchors the defensive unit and his penalty save against Guatemala kept the hosts in the game.
