Johnson's goal a bright spark

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Ryan Johnson provided the lone spark in what was a fairly dull contest between Jamaica's Reggae Boyz and Costa Rica, inside the National Stadium last night.

Johnson, playing in his fifth game for the country, found his second goal in Jamaican colours as the Boyz netted their fourth win in 20 encounters against the Central Americans. It was only Jamaica's 14th goal against Costa Rica.

Even though the players never really delivered, the game promised much in the early stages of the contest, with both teams showing attacking intent.

In-form US-based striker, Dane Richards, was in an inspired mood and used his speed to great effect from the very first minute of play, when he stormed down the Costa Rican left channel and pulled back a cross into the path of Richard Edwards.

The Harbour View hardman's shot was, however, charged down by the Costa Rican defence.

Clear-cut opportunities

The locals continued to enjoy the better of play for the first 10 minutes, but were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities, with Demar Phillips' long-range pile driver being the only real bit of excitement for the meagre crowd.

Costa Rica should have taken the lead in minute 18th, but Manfred Russell's shot from six yards out miraculously cleared the crossbar, and by some distance at that. The Jamaicans were let off the hook.

Despite the scare, Jamaica still looked the more comfortable of the teams with Richards tormenting the opposing defenders with not only his pace, but skill.

The visitors slowly clawed their way into the game and successfully wrestled the momentum from their hosts, causing major discomfort with their diagonal plays to attackers Bryan Ruiz and Michael Barrantes, as the first half trickled to an end.

Johnson blasted over the bar from the top of the penalty box three minutes after the break but was back for more in the 65th. This time he was not to be denied.

The San Jose Earthquakes striker latched on to a delightful pass from midfielder Jason Morrison, outmuscled his marker, Jose Miguel Cubero, and cooly placed his shot beyond goalkeeper Adrian Delemus, to give the Jamaicans the advantage.

Jamaica went close to scoring soon after, as Phillips tested Delemus from 30 yards. His fierce free kick stung the left palm of the custodian, who had to hurry to his left to push the ball out of harm's way.

Omar Daley's introduction into the game brought additional pace to Jamaica's game.

It almost paid dividends after an incisive run carried him beyond four Costa Ricans, and would have been clean through on goal had it not been for a timely intervention by Jose Mena, who made a lunging tackle and deflected the ball behind for a corner.

Overall, the Reggae Boyz had three shots on goal - with two on target; while Costa Rica had four - with two on target.

Both teams committed 15 fouls, while the hosts forced four corners, one more than the Costa Ricans.