Palmer, Francis aim to boot 'jinx'

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

GEORGIA, United States:

National footballers Lovel Palmer and Shaun Francis are confident they will avoid what Americans call the 'Sophomore Jinx' - a dramatic drop in form that affects athletes following their rookie year - as the two begin a second season in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Palmer and Francis had a solid start to their MLS career in 2010. But there is a real challenge to prove themselves again as their strengths and weaknesses are no longer a secret from opposing coaches and players in North America's top professional football competition.

"I don't really worry about that," Francis, who plays for the Columbus Crew, said about the 'jinx'.

"People might know who you are and what you can do, but no matter how they want to come against me, I have to come out on top. That's my mentality."

But the 24-year-old defender from Manchester has already experienced bad luck in MLS Year II. Francis missed the Crew's MLS opener on March 19 with a strained hamstring. He was also out for part of last season after hurting his ankle. But Francis became a starter by year end, helped the Crew to a play-off berth and secured a spot on Jamaica's victorious Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) squad.

STEPPING UP

Fellow Manchester native Palmer, formerly of Harbour View F.C, stepped up early during his rookie season at Houston Dynamo. He started 24 of the 26 games he was available, earning a reputation as a tough-tackling midfielder capable of scoring spectacular goals. He is unconcerned about stalling in his second MLS drive.

"I am a professional and I just have to carry out my job wherever," said Palmer.

But with the spotlight of opposing teams - and even officials - on the two Jamaicans, it may not be that simple.

Palmer, who received two red cards in 2010, admitted he could be a marked man.

"The players, oh, as I touch them, they're probably gonna go down," he said. "They know the referees are probably (looking at) me."

However, Palmer now has a bigger role for a team that struggled last season and missed the play-off. Houston believes Palmer's rookie year armed him well for 2011.

"He knows the league, he knows the players," said coach Dominic Kinnear. "He knows everything about MLS now. So nothing surprises him. We're asking him to expand his game and have a very solid year for us."

Teammates, too, look to the 26-year-old for leadership.

"I think Lovel has earned that respect from all the players on our team," said Eddie Robinson.

Palmer relishes the added responsibility.

"They're also looking at me like a senior player," he said. "So I definitely have to step up to the plate."

NO GUARANTEE

But while Palmer appears cemented in his role, for the injured Francis the only guarantee is stiff competition to retain his starting place.

"Right now, the spot is open because we are trying another guy," Crew assistant coach Ricardo Iribarren said days before MLS 2011 kicked off. "So hopefully after the injury (Francis) recovers and he can step up and get his position."

Both Palmer and Francis are no longer bothered by rookie year distractions, such as adjustments to life as a pro, worry over playing time and expectations. In MLS Year II, they are focusing on the job.

"Your first year, you're under a lot of pressure to come into a team and especially if you're a person that comes in and eventually gets a starting role," explained Francis, who played 14 games for the Crew in 2010, starting 12.

"People are always gonna expect you to be perfect. You're the one that most people look at and say if you make a mistake they are down on you or whatever. So this is my second season. I'm seasoned in the league already."

Francis said his confidence rose after playing in the DCC.

Palmer, who also appeared in the DCC, is feeling more comfortable too, especially with the addition of fellow Jamaica international and former HVFC teammate Jermaine Taylor to the Dynamo.

With those ingredients in place, Palmer and Francis are eager to prove the 'jinx' is merely myth. If not, the clubs they represent wish it doesn't affect them.

"I certainly hope not," said Kinnear.