El Salvador Test For Reggae Boyz

Ryon Jones, Staff Reporter

Jamaica's senior men's football team, the Reggae Boyz, will look to sharpen their skills and build cohesion ahead of their top-of-the-table Group A CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) semi-final clashes against the United States when they tackle El Salvador on August 15 at the RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.

The Reggae Boyz have amassed four points from two games after victory over Guatemala and a goalless draw with Antigua and Barbuda. The USA also have four points, while the other two group members have a point each.

"There will be a big game in Washington, DC, where our Reggae Boyz, who are preparing to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, will continue with our preparations," Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Captain Horace Burrell, announced during yesterday's launch of the JFF Sherwin Williams Women's Football League at the federation's head office.

"The game is going to be against El Salvador at the RFK Stadium. The last time we played there, in excess of 60,000 people were there and I believe that more people will be there this time," he added.

According to FIFA's website, the two countries have met on 18 occasions with the 60th-ranked Jamaica winning seven to the 55th-ranked El Salvador's five. Their previous meeting at the RFK Stadium ended 0-0, while their most recent encounter, which was played in El Salvador of March 29 last year, saw the Boyz triumph 3-2.

Burrell is also looking forward to Jamaica's September 7 WCQ against the USA.

"Our next World Cup game is going to be against the big USA, but they are coming into 'The Office' (National Stadium) and what are we going to do in 'The Office'? We are going to deal with them in 'The Office'," Burrell stated.

"We are so far receiving heavy demand for tickets and, therefore, I would want to encourage everyone to purchase tickets early," he added.

Prices

For the September 7 encounter, it will cost patrons $1,500 to enter the bleachers, $5,000 for a category one seat in the grandstand and $3,500 for category two.

"These prices might sound high, but they aren't because these are the same prices which we charged four years ago," Burrell pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Football Union Under-17 qualifiers for men will commence on July 11, with Jamaica playing host to Bermuda, and Antigua and Barbuda. Games will be played at Waterhouse Football Stadium.

ryon.jones@gleanerjm.com