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Caribbean Football in Toronto |
Canada
defeat Jamaica
Canada
defeated Jamaica 1-0 at the Claude-Robillard
Stadium in Montreal, on a goal scored by
striker Rob Friend in the 41 minute of
play. The large crowd (estimated at
6,500) was treated to a well played game
as Canada controlled the first half
while Jamaica controlled the second. The
game was a typical meeting of the two
countries whose results were dead even
in their 11 encounters with each team
with 5 wins and one tie. In the early
stages of the game Jamaica was on the
defensive while Canada systematically
moved the ball around to create scoring
chances. Canada’s best scoring
opportunity was from a volley shot by
#10 Rob Friend at the 10 minute of the
first half. He received a Julian De
Guzman cross ball just behind the
Jamaican defense but hurried his shot
which cause the ball to raise high over
the crossbar
Friend
persistence was rewarded just before the
half when he capitalized on a blunder by
Jamaican goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers when
the keeper miss judged a cross ball to
allow Friend to score a neat header that
give Canada a 1-0 halftime lead
The second half started with the teams
more patient and deliberate in
constructing and executing their plays.
The Reggae Boyz seemed more determined
to explore Canada weaknesses by using
their elusiveness players in isolated
situations. Reggae Boyz #7 Jamal
Campbell seemed to be the target to be
the designated destroyer with his crafty
moves. As a result of Campbell success
he created excitement for the crowd and
attracted two Canadian defenders every
time he had possession of the ball. This
situation created extra space for his
teammate # 5 O’Neil Thompson which
allowed him to take controlled of the
game. The last 15 minutes of the game
was a good test for the Canadian team
defensively, which was bailed out on
several occasion by brilliant saves from
their goalkeeper Greg Sutton to secure
the 1-0 victory
The game was the first for Canadian
interim Head Coach Stephen Hart, a
native of Trinidad and Tobago and the
rematch is scheduled for October 8 in
Kingston, Jamaica. Judging by the
intensity of this game it is safe to say
that the rematch in Kingston should
produce more than one goal
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