Young Boyz hold US U-17s

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

In a game in which they gave as much as they got, Jamaica's Under-17 team yesterday played to an interesting, if not entertaining 0-0 draw with their top-ranked CONCACAF neighbours the United States, in the first game of their two-game friendly series at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay.

While no goals were scored, both teams created a number of scoring opportunities but a combination of good goalkeeper and faulty finishing at times kept them off the scoresheet. The teams will meet again on Sunday after-noon at the same venue.

"From a defensive standpoint, I believe we did very well - probably this is the first time the United States has not scored in the practice games they have played," said Wendell Downswell, Jamaica's head coach.

"Offensively, there are a few things we need to work on and those will be addressed."

Tactical discipline

For the United States, who are arguably the most successful team at this age level in the CONCACAF region, the result was accepted gracefully by coach Wilmer Cabrera, who praised the toughness and tactical discipline of the Jamaican team.

"It was a tough game and I saw a number of areas in which we need to improve," said Cabrera. "The Jamaicans played a very good game and I can understand why they are one of the favourites going into the upcoming CONCACAF championship."

After a tentative start, Jamaica created the first chance in the fifth minute when Romario Williams dribbled smartly to the edge of the penalty area, but under pressure he fired tamely at the well-positioned United States goalkeeper.

The United States created their first opening in the 10th minute when Alfred Koroma capitalised on a defensive error but his hastily taken shot went straight at Jamaica's goalkeeper Odean Clarke, who collected cleanly.

Midway the half, Jamaica enjoyed long periods of dominance but the openings they created were not exploited by their forwards, especially Jason Wright, who got two good breaks but failed to get off telling shots.

Towards the end of the half, the United States outfit wasted two good chances in the 35th and 42nd minutes. First, Christian Duarte fired straight at the goalkeeper from six yards, and second, several players kicked and missed in a scramble before the Jamaica goal.

Positive start

Jamaica started the second half quite positively and should have scored in the 62nd minute. Substitute Patrick Hadden found himself alone with the goalkeeper but, after initially fumbling, he dragged his shot wide of the goal.

The United States countered in the 63rd minute but they, too, squandered the chance they created. Paul Arriola got away inside the penalty area but lost his balance and was dispossessed by an alert defender.

Midway the half, the United States looked like taking over the game with their pinpoint passing and bustling runs down the flank. However, Jamaica stayed quite composed, tackling with great assurance and keeping the pressure away from their goalkeeper.

In the 78th minute, Jamaica should have scored when Hadden got another clear chance following a defensive error. However, he miskicked badly as the United States defenders came back in numbers to clear the danger.

The last chance of the game fell to the United States in the 84th minute. Esteban Rodriques latched on to a rebound and cracked a savage shot, which flew inches over the crossbar.