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Passing grade for Ja in USA friendly

BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Observer staff reporter
Sunday, April 16, 2006

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz produced a surprise display against the USA in a
friendly international in North Carolina on Tuesday. In their desire to
defeat the North Americans for the first time, the Boyz rushed into lead in
only the fourth minute courtesy of a Teofore Bennett strike, but the home-
side rallied in the 25th through Ben Olsen, making the final result 1-1.

Overall, the performance was creditable and it would be fair to give the
team at least a B for effort. This is how this reporter rates each player's
performance from a mark of 0-10.

Donovan Ricketts, goalkeeper: The Bradford City custodian appeared
somewhat out of character and it is believed that he could have done
better in preventing the Americans' goal. He looked a tad over flippant,
smiling a great deal even when he or his team-mates erred.

But he made two outstanding saves - turning a threatening ball around
the post and putting the other over the horizontal for a corner - 6.

Claude Davis, defender: A first minute foul-up almost cost the team a
goal when he attempted a poor back pass. However, the Preston North
End defender came into his own, but had to be substituted in the 30th
minute after a clash of heads with an opposing player - 6.

Damion Stewart, defender: The Bradford City man had a fair run in the
back and it was his display of guts and leadership in the back that kept
the Americans from tearing down the defence line. He seemed a more
mature player than his days at Harbour View - 6.

Omar Daley, defender: It is clear that this midfielder was having a
difficult time adjusting to his new role as a rightback. Oftentimes he is
caught out and had to be chasing. Every time the USA made way into the
Jamaica defensive area it is down Daley's side. It is time the national
senior team find a player for that position - 5.5.

Garfield Reid, defender: Gave a fair rendition, helping in attack and
defence - 6.

Khari Stephenson, midfielder: As usual, the calming influence in the
middle of the park. The Swedish-based midfielder won crucial balls in
midfield, breaking up a number of the Americans' attacking moves - 6.5.

Jermaine Hue, midfielder: Still the genius of yesterday with his smooth
moves and delightful passing. And it was from one of these passes that
Jamaica scored when he sent Teofore Bennett clear - 6.5.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce, midfielder: In his apparent effort to impress, the
England-based winger overdid at times by holding on to the ball too long.
But there is no doubting his ball handling skills as he displayed it on a
couple of occasion warming the hearts of the Jamaican fans - 6.

Jason Morrison, midfielder: Faded in and out of the action, but the
Portmore player gave glimpses of his true ability with a couple of eye-
catching touches - 5.5.

Ryan Johnson, forward: For his first appearance, the Real Salt Lake
striker looked high on confidence - there was no hint of blushes. Strong in
the air and got into good goal-scoring positions, but it was just not his
day. Certainly one for the future - 6.

Teofore Bennett, forward: Outstanding goal for the Village United and
Virginia Beach Mariners' frontman - 6.

Substitutes:

Demar Stewart, defender: Applied himself well after replacing Claude
Davis in the 30th minute. Made a number of good tackles. A fair debut at
the senior level - 5.5.

Fabian Dawkins, forward: The Atlanta Silverbacks' attacker slotted into
the frame effortlessly and had well-struck grounder just missing the
frame, although the team's chances of scoring would have better if he
had passed the ball to Jermaine Johnson who was free on the right-side -
5.5.

Jermaine Johnson, midfielder: Did not have enough time on the pitch to
make an impact, but occasionally he bloomed with his deft ball skills - 5.5.
Dane Richards, forward: Like Campbell-Ryce, the diminutive player was
making his first appearance following a spell of absence, but seemed
comfortable on the park - 5.5.

Oneil Thompson, midfielder: The Boys' Town man must be given credit
for his positive attitude, helping the team to keep the marauding USA
attackers at bay - 5.5.

Newton Sterling, forward: More than anything else his towering frame
presented an intimidating prospect in the opposing penalty area - 5.5.