CATHERINE HALL, St James — It’s not easy for Owayne Gordon to sit and watch his team, Montego Bay United (MBU), struggle in the lower half of the points table in the Red Stripe Premier League.

Gordon returned to the island after helping the new San Antonio FC franchise to the semi-finals of the United States Soccer League Western Conference in their first season, with two goals and eight assists. But he won’t be eligible to play for MBU until the January transfer period starts.

“I am very eager to start playing,” he told the Jamaica Observer following a recent RSPL game at Montego Bay Sports Complex in St James.“I have been watching the team over the past four weeks and they are in need of a number nine, and I am ready to go out there.”

He said the form of the team has made him hungry.

“Watching them play games has motivated me to work hard and to practise as much as I can. I am so eager and anxious to go out there.”

MBU has scored just 11 goals— joint ninth overall in the league — and Gordon, who led the scoring with 20 goals two years ago when they won their second title in three seasons, said his physical condition is good.

“I have never been unfit,” he stated. “I have been training with the team and by myself and trying to stay focused for when my time comes. I see where the team is and I know I have to get in there fully conditioned and ready to start helping right away. I can’t wait to get into the team and see where I can help.”

He described his stint with San Antonio as “amazing”.

He added: “The team went far, we lost at the semis stage but it was a great experience after a big CONCACAF Gold Cup. I went into the club with great expectations and we pulled it off.”

—Paul Reid