WASHINGTON DC, USA — Peter-Lee Vassell seems to be growing up real fast in the world of international and professional club football.

On both fronts, he appears to be in tune.

Vassell, 21, made a speedy transition from the youth ranks of Jamaica’s football to the senior rung, and he seemed determined to hold on to his starting spot in coach Theodore “Tappa” Whitmore’s midfield.

The Montego Bay native, who has five goals in nine senior appearances, knows he will have to stay on top of his game if he hopes to keep his Boyz shirt on his back.

“I just intend to go out there and continue the hard work and do what the coaches ask of me, and also to play my part in making the team successful at the Gold Cup,” he told the Jamaica Observer at Westin Hotel, the team’s base for today’s Gold Cup preparation fixture against the hosts at Audi Field. Match time is 7:00 pm (6:00 pm Jamaica time).

“I think it is a great match (against the USA) for us that could test where we are and how we go forward in the Gold Cup, as there are new players in this squad. So, this is to open the coach’s eyes and mind,” said the former Harbour View man.

With Jamaica coming up short on their title quest in the past two editions of the Gold Cup where they were losing finalists, Vassell says the aim is to lift the trophy this year.

“All of the guys have the same mindset and that is to win the Gold Cup, knowing that we went to two finals and didn’t win. So, we are very motivated to come out of this one as champions and I think the players have been putting in the work,” Vassell asserted.

At his new club Los Angeles, which he joined earlier in the year, the ex-Montego Bay United midfield schemer feels at home.

“It is very nice at LA FC, and the players and coaches at the club have made me feel welcome…they have been motivating me and helping me to improve my game.

“I have played some games this season but even when I am not on the field physically, I am there mentally,” noted Vassell.

Since joining Los Angeles FC, Vassell says he continues to work on, if not, improve the recognised biggest weakness in his play.

“I think I have the same weakness but I see it improving day by day — and that’s the defensive aspect of my game,” he concluded.

Vassell’s club currently leads the Western Conference and the overall table of the MLS with 37 points after 16 matches.

— Sean Williams