Jamaican numbers dwindle drastically in MLS play-offs... But several Boyz still in hunt for crown

The number of Reggae Boyz still in the hunt for North America's top professional football prize was sliced drastically following Major League Soccer's (MLS) conference semi-final round in the United States, with big names booted out of the play-offs.

And while several Jamaicans, including two rookies and three veterans, remain with a glorious chance to win MLS Cup 2011, the upcoming conference finals will further cut the Boyz's influence in the title chase.

Following semi-final return legs, Omar Cummings, Tyrone Marshall and Dane Richards were sent to an early MLS off season. But Andy Williams, Donovan Ricketts, Shavar Thomas, Je-Vaughn Watson and Jermaine Taylor advanced to the final four with their team.

On Wednesday, defending champions Colorado Rapids, with Cummings and Marshall on their roster, were beaten by the identical 2-0 scoreline by Sporting Kansas City (SKC) in the second leg as the first, for an overall 4-0 aggregate loss.

Both Boyz ended their season on a disappointing personal note. Striker Cummings, troubled by injuries in 2011, started the second leg against SKC, but was substituted at half-time after managing one shot. Marshall didn't play his club's MLS season finale. The defender was suspended after being sent off in the first leg.

Thomas, who rarely showed for SKC this season - three substitute appearances totaling 35 minutes - was absent from the team's match-day squad for both legs against the Rapids. Barring injuries at SKC, it's unlikely the national captain will play a significant on-field role the rest of the club's play-off run.

tense return leg

Williams, meanwhile, endured a tense, physical return leg for Real Salt Lake against Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, losing 2-0. But RSL advanced on a 3-2 aggregate.

The 34-year-old 'Bomber', who began his MLS career in 1998 and has played for six teams, including 2009 champions RSL, survived a stunning first-minute collision which forced him to his knees for several seconds. The midfielder rebounded to help RSL hold on, but was substituted before the hour-mark after failing to take a shot at goal.

The following night, Richards' MLS play-off run with the New York Red Bulls came to a screeching halt, courtesy of the Los Angeles Galaxy. New York entered the return fixture trailing 1-0, but lost 2-1 in California. The speedy midfielder/forward played the entire game, but failed to take a shot.

Richards was also beaten to David Beckham's 42nd minute corner by Mike Magee, who headed the Galaxy's equaliser after the Red Bulls had taken an early lead, to tie the aggregate scores. National goalkeeper Ricketts was again second string for the Galaxy and saw no action.

Earlier Thursday, Watson made a lively appearance as a second-half substitute in the Houston Dynamo's return-leg game against the Philadelphia Union. The Dynamo scored a 1-0 home victory for an overall 3-1 aggregate win. National teammate Taylor, like Watson a rookie at Houston, was among the unused subs.

The conference semi-final results ensured at least one Reggae Boy will be attached to a team contesting the November 20 MLS Cup final.

Those two clubs will be decided November 6 when SKC face Houston in the Eastern Conference final and the Galaxy tackle RSL for the Western Conference crown.