CHATTANOOGA, United States — A number of US-based Reggae Boyz, by all indications, seemed pumped up and ready to face their American counterparts in a friendly game here at Finley Stadium.

Match time is 7:00 pm, the same as Jamaica.

Meetings between the CONCACAF teams have always been electrifying, even though history benefits the USA, who have had the better of Jamaica teams down the years.

Since the Reggae Boyz have broken their winless streak against the North Americans in a 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier in Kingston in 2012, and with 2015 by the identical scoreline in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup, anything seems possible from a Jamaican perspective.

“It is going to be a competitive game, especially with the MLS players as we know the US players, so I know there is going to be a level of competitiveness as they have something to prove, as we beat them the last time out and that was a crucial win and we want to just continue that trend,” says Tampa Bay Rowdies defender Damion Lowe.

The son of former Reggae Boy and France 1998 World Cup star, Onandi, the younger Lowe noted that a game against the USA on their home turf could open all kinds of doors for young Jamaica professionals looking to move up the ladder.

“And of course the game will provide an opportunity for our players to showcase their skills for scouts and teams who will be watching,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The 23-year-old, who played at the Under-20 and Under-23 levels, said he is anxious to help win back the hearts of the fans, especially after the Russia 2018 World Cup campaign crashed.

“I am just working hard every day and just taking it one step at a time and just hoping to do my best to help the team to get wins because that’s what we need to win the fans back,” Lowe noted.

Atlanta United FC striker Romario Williams said if he gets a chance to play he will certainly take the opportunity with both hands.

“I would definitely go out there and give it my best shot against the US, one of the powerhouses of the region. It is always good for players like us to go out there and showcase what we can do, but it will definitely be a good game and a good experience for a lot of us, especially with the game being played in the US,” he expressed.

Williams, 22, said he thinks the blend of US-based and local-based players is the way to go.

“You can see he (coach Whitmore) is trying to introduce a lot of the local players and a lot of American-based players, and it has been going well so far. Last year he did that for the Caribbean Cup and coming into this year, hopefully, we can keep building and keep it going,” said the former Harbour View man.

Meanwhile, another former Harbour View man, Oneil Fisher, says whether he plays today or not, he will give 100 per cent to the team.

“If the coach puts me out there, I will definitely play my role, and even if I don’t play, I will be supporting the team as we know what we want to achieve.

“But this game will definitely be a tough one as these guys (the USA) want to go to the World Cup, so they have something to lose and they are going to come and try to win every friendly, or any other game. For us, we have to take this one seriously, as we have our reputation as well and we have to show that we are fighting for our country,” said the Seattle Sounders’ wide defender.

— Sean Williams