Jamaican ‘Romario’ delighted with first senior goal
SAN DIEGO, California — Romario Williams is as happy as a lark.
And for good reason too.
The soon-to-be 23-year-old registered his first strike for Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz in the team’s 2-0 victory over Curacao, in their opening Group C fixture at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Qualcomm Stadium here on Sunday evening.
Williams, who currently plies his trade with Charleston Battery on loan from Atlanta United FC, struck powerfully past Eloy Room at his near post in the 58th minute from an acute angle.
CONCACAF has voted the strike as the goal of the game.
“The first goal at the senior level, and it was a special one to get it on such a prestigious occasion and against a quality team like Curacao,” beamed Williams, who was named after the 1994 Brazilian World Cup hero, Romario.
“Obviously they defeated us in the Caribbean Cup a few weeks ago, so it was good to get one back,” he reminded.
The Boyz’ start was sprightly, but gradually faded after 20 minutes. Williams attributed the drop in energy to the heat and humidity on the pitch.
“The heat played a factor in the game, though we were able to come out and move the ball around in the early exchanges. But we weren’t threatening going forward, and we didn’t really put their defence under a lot of pressure.
“But in the second half it got a bit cooler and we were able to capitalise on some of their mistakes and get in behind their defence more, and eventually that propelled us to the win with two well-taken goals which made the difference,” he explained.
Substitute Darren Mattocks made the game safe for the Boyz in the 73rd minute in what CONCACAF viewed as the play of the day when defender Jermaine Taylor looped a long ball over the top from the half line on to Kemar Lawrence on the left flank. The Red Bull wingman cushioned a header inside to left flank player Oniel Fisher, who relayed a one-two pass for Lawrence to pick out Mattocks inside the penalty area, and with the right boot to control, Mattocks, the Portland Timbers striker, volleyed home left-footed.
For Williams it was a prescription that the doctor ordered.
“It is big for us, definitely. You always want to start off any tournament on the right foot, and starting with three points is a big momentum, and hopefully we can carry that into the game against a strong Mexican team. And now we have all the confidence in the world that we can go out there and get the job done,” he said.
— Ian Burnett
