Jamaican football captains Andre Blake and Damion Lowe have been named to the Concacaf League A Best XI, following their standout performances during the Concacaf Nations League group stage in the October window. They are joined by right-back Tayvon Gray as the only other Jamaican selected for the Best XI.
Blake and Lowe, two of Jamaica's most capped players, with 78 and 71 caps respectively, anchored the Reggae Boyz’ solid defense. Jamaica ended the October window with two crucial clean sheets and clinched the top spot in Group B.
Blake, recognized for his composure and technical skills as a goalkeeper, played a crucial role in Jamaica's success. He finished the group stage with four out of a possible six points, ensuring that no goals were conceded in the final matches. With two clean sheets against Nicaragua and Honduras, Blake made 11 saves and recorded six clearances, achieving an impressive pass completion rate of 97.73%.
Blake expressed his thoughts on this recognition: "Being named to the Concacaf Best XI is always an honour and a testament to the hard work our entire squad has put in."
Lowe was a key player in Jamaica’s defense during the Reggae Boyz’s impressive away victory against Nicaragua. He demonstrated outstanding ball recovery skills and command on the field. With eight ball recoveries and a crucial clearance, he bolstered Jamaica's defensive efforts and his performance earned him a place in the Best XI.
"We strive for every win but also as senior players, set the standard on the pitch. This recognition fuels our desire to keep pushing for more and continue bringing pride to Jamaica."
Tayvon Gray was outstanding as Jamaica won 2-0 against Nicaragua. He effectively controlled the right flank and made two clearances to help maintain a clean sheet for the defense.
The Reggae Boyz will play against the USA in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on November 14 and 18.
After missing out on selection for last year’s Cricket West Indies Regional Super50, Amir Jangoo is not only happy to be included in Trinidad and Tobago’s squad for this year’s edition of the tournament, but he is also aiming to make the most of the opportunity.
The wicketkeeper/batsman, who has been enjoying a rich vein of form so far this year, has his sights set on maintaining that positive run to assist Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defend their title in the October 29 to November 23 tournament.
Jangoo tallied 500 runs for the Red Force in five regional four-day matches earlier this year, as he ended as the Twin Island Republic’s leading run scorer and the fourth-highest scorer in the competition. He was only bettered by Mikyle Louis (682 runs), Kraigg Brathwaite (565), and Kevin Sinclair (508).
The 27-year-old Jangoo, who also notched a maiden First-Class hundred during that tournament when he scored 218 against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners, was named the TT Cricket Board's (TTCB) National Cricketer of the Year earlier this month, a feat that has significantly boosted his confidence.
“Getting the award is just the beginning. It's basically a foundation for bigger things I want to achieve, like making the West Indies team. At this level, it's all about consistency, so I'm looking forward to the Super50 tournament, and I want to dominate that, as well as the upcoming four-day season next year," Jangoo told Newsday in a recent interview.
“I want to really push and go on to better things. I'll definitely say I'm in the best form of my life. It's all about how well you can develop your game and how quickly as well. Being 27, I've learnt a lot, and I'm in a pretty good space in my career right now,” he added.
Jangoo attributed his improvements to advice from compatriot and West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran.
"Pooran did some one-on-one work with us batsmen, and I think that actually helped me to understand my game a bit more. I actually just kept working on certain things with my technique. It was all about batting for longer periods of time and doing the right things for longer. That's what I really worked on,” Jangoo shared.
With Pooran’s advice still fresh in his mind, the left-hander pointed out that he is locked in and ready to go as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force is set to open their campaign against the Marooners on Tuesday.
“I really want to play the best for the team, whether it's keeping wicket or batting at the top or middle of the order. It's about adapting my game to the team's benefit,” he declared.
Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba handed Inter Miami a winning start to their MLS playoff campaign, with their goals helping down Atlanta United 2-1 at the Chase Stadium.
After already winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new MLS single-season points record, the Herons took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series ahead of Game Two.
The hosts needed just over a minute to take the lead when Diego Gomez picked out Suarez, who prodded the ball beyond Brad Guzan early on.
David Martinez then saw his effort strike the woodwork, but Miami were unable to make their sustained spell of pressure count as visiting forward Saba Lobjanidze levelled the contest in the 39th minute.
But the hosts restored their advantage just before the hour-mark when Lionel Messi picked out Alba, who struck a fierce effort from distance which proved to be the winner.
Miami should have had a more comfortable advantage, but were met with the imposing figure of Guzan, who made nine saves during the contest to keep the hosts at bay.
Data Debrief: Welcome to Miami
Having topped the Eastern Conference with 74 points, Miami are expected to reach the showpiece match, and their display proved why they were one of the best teams in the MLS during the regular season.
The hosts ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 3.38 from their 22 shots, 12 of which were on target and 14 of their efforts were inside the Atlanta box.
And though not getting himself on the scoresheet, Messi once again showcased his class. The Argentine registered a team-high 1.26 xG to Inter Miami's total, while also recording more shots on target (five), more touches in the opposition box (13) and creating more chances (five) than anyone on the pitch.
Brian Schmetzer is aiming to write more history with the Seattle Sounders in the MLS playoffs after signing a new multi-year contract extension with the club earlier this week.
Schmetzer, who took charge of the Sounders in 2016, has won 149 of his 321 matches at the helm in all competitions (D70 L102), and has led the club to two MLS Cup titles and two other appearances in the finals.
They welcome Houston Dynamo to Lumen Field in their first-round playoff tie, and Schmetzer insists the good work his side have done so far will not stop in the postseason.
“I’m thrilled to continue this journey with Sounders FC, a community and club that mean so much to me,” said Schmetzer. “Seattle is my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be working.
“We’ve built something special here together, and I’m excited to keep pushing for more success alongside our passionate fans, exceptional staff and outstanding players. The work will not stop – we have many goals to achieve and more history to write.
“Doing it at a club during a time of such great opportunity in the city I love makes it even more meaningful.”
Houston, meanwhile, ended their regular season on a high with an impressive victory over the LA Galaxy, subsequently seeing Greg Vanney’s side drop to second in the Western Conference.
The Dynamo faced off against the Sounders in September, losing 1-0 in the MLS, but coach Ben Olsen believes his team’s latest triumph can be used as positive momentum moving forward.
“Those are the great nights, those are the ones you remember,” Olsen said. “It had a playoff atmosphere; it was a great dress rehearsal for the playoffs because we’re playing a talented team.
“We wanted to win that game, but the other side was to get some rhythm and form because it’s been choppy over the last month. That, for me, was the most important thing.
“We needed to get those minutes together before going to Seattle. Overall, it was pretty good, but there is still a lot to clean up before we travel there on Tuesday.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak
Rusnak recorded 16 assists in the 2024 regular season, equalling Nicolas Lodeiro’s club record for the Sounders set in 2018.
He recorded primary assists to eight different teammates this season, tied for the most different teammates directly assisted to this MLS campaign.
Houston Dynamo – Amine Bassi
While Houston were the third-lowest scorers in the Western Conference, the creative flair of Bassi has been pivotal in reaching the postseason.
The Moroccan has the joint-highest goal involvements for the Dynamo this term (10, level with Ibrahim Aliyu), while he has also created more chances (78) than any of his team-mates during the regular season.
MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
This will be the third postseason tie between Seattle and Houston, with the Dynamo advancing in the 2019 Conference semi-final and Seattle advancing in the 2017 Conference Finals. The Sounders have never lost in 17 all-time home matches against Houston (W14 D3), winning the last eight in a row.
The Dynamo have also avoided defeat in nine away playoff matches in club history (W5 D4), advancing to the next round in eight of the last nine ties, only losing out against the New York Red Bulls in the 2008 Conference semi-finals. Houston have been eliminated each of the last four times they have lost on the road in the playoffs.
Seattle’s 1-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in last season’s Western Conference semi-final ended a run of 19 straight home playoff matches without defeat (W17 D2) that spanned back to the 2014 postseason. Seattle have lost only three of their 27 all-time home playoff matches (W20 D4).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 49.6%
Draw – 25.4%
Houston Dynamo – 25%
Nick Cushing is relishing the “underdog” title put on his New York City FC side as they prepare for their first-round playoff tie against FC Cincinnati.
The Pigeons finished the regular season with a 2-0 defeat to CF Montreal but had already confirmed their spot in the postseason with an impressive victory over rivals, New York Red Bulls.
Cushing acknowledged his side could have finished further up the Eastern Conference rankings, but said his team have shown positive signs they can compete in the playoffs.
“Whether we are the underdog or not, we always fancy ourselves,” Cushing said. “I have huge belief in every guy in that dressing room, and they have huge belief in each other.
“We’ve had some disappointing results and that’s why we sit where we do in the league. The most consistent teams are at the top, but we have also shown a positive reaction to those difficult results.
“For us, it’s about taking the positives. We have always done that. We have always faced up to the areas we need to improve and have always fronted the disappointment.
“We’ve had some top games against Cincinnati, and we’re confident we can put performances in, and we’re motivated for the end.”
Cincinnati, meanwhile, ended the season third in the division, finishing their campaign on a high with a triumph over the Philadelphia Union away from home.
The Orange and Blue have struggled for continuity within their squad in the regular season, with coach Pat Noonan forced to play 42 different line-ups in all 42 matches across all competitions.
Noonan deployed winger Luca Orellano, who has been shortlisted for MLS Newcomer of the Year, as a striker, with the Argentine impressing in that role.
And the Cincinnati boss believes that Orellano can make an impact in a more central role, but said improvements were needed for the visit of NYCFC.
“Yeah, there was a bit of risk in that," Noonan said of starting a player in a new position in such an important matchup.
"If you're looking at our goal threats, as far as personnel and who's contributed pretty consistently, it's been the three that were up top today, with Lucho, Yuya and Luca.
"There were still a few moments where I think he could have been more patient. But, for having not played in that specific role up to this point, I thought he did a good job."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has been the standout player for Cincinnati during the regular season, with his 30 goal contributions in the MLS the highest in the division (level with Lionel Messi and Evander).
He has recorded 13 goal contributions in his career against NYCFC (six goals, seven assists), including contributing to eight goals in his last five MLS matches against the Pigeons (four goals, four assists), contributing to at least one goal in each of those games.
NYCFC – Alonso Martinez
Martinez has scored eight goals in nine appearances since the MLS returned from the Leagues Cup break in August, tied with Messi and Luis Suarez for the most goals in the league in that time.
The Costa Rican has scored one goal against Cincinnati in his three appearances against them, but has only won one match against the Orange and Blue (L2).
MATCH PREDICTION: FC CINCINNATI WIN
This will be the first postseason meeting between Cincinnati and NYCFC. The Pigeons defeated Cincinnati in the last meeting between the two sides, after the Orange and Blue had won the previous five fixtures in all competitions.
Despite being favoured by Opta’s data-led simulations, Noonan’s side won only one of their final six regular-season home matches (D1 L4), including losing the last two in a row at TQL Stadium. Cincinnati had lost six of their previous 39 home league games before losing four of the last six.
But NYCFC have struggled away from home. They won only one of their final 13 away matches in all competitions (D6 L6) dating back to June. That run included a 4-2 loss against Cincinnati in the group stage of the Leagues Cup in August.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Cincinnati – 46.9%
Draw – 26.4%
NYCFC – 26.7%
Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream says it is business as usual for Dean Smith's team as they approach Sunday's MLS Cup Playoff clash with Orlando City.
Charlotte went unbeaten through their final five games of the regular season to finish fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando finished one point clear of them in fourth.
They visit Florida for the opening match of a three-game first-round series on Sunday, having ended a six-match winless run on the road by trouncing D.C. United 3-0 last week.
Former Fulham captain Ream, who has played a key role since returning to the United States in August, says nothing will change about their work in training ahead of the game.
"We're just going about it in the same way we have been doing in the last couple of weeks, doing the right things in training," Ream said.
"We have to make sure we take that into the game this weekend.
"I was expecting to come in and push myself and push the other guys around me from the get-go. It doesn't always work that way but I'm very pleased with where we are."
Orlando, meanwhile, are appearing in the postseason for a fifth straight year, and forward Duncan McGuire has enjoyed being part of a fluid attack under Oscar Pareja this term.
"I'm very excited to get to the playoffs. I think the way we've shown ourselves on the field in the past few months, it's a really good brand of football that I'm excited to be part of," McGuire said.
"The way we finished the season, locking in fourth place, is huge for us, and then we're very excited to host games, which helped us in the first round last year.
"We're very excited to get to Sunday, getting a bunch of numbers forward has allowed us to be successful offensively, having so many goalscorers across this team."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
Torres has been involved in five of the 10 goals Orlando have scored against Charlotte (three goals, two assists against them), including recording two goals and an assist in the two meetings between the sides this season.
Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang's goal last Saturday took him to 16 goal contributions for the season (10 goals, six assists), equalling Karol Swiderski (2022 and 2023) for the most in a single campaign in Charlotte's MLS history.
No other player in team history has ever recorded 10 goal contributions in a single campaign.
MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando ended a four-match winless run against Charlotte (two draws, two defeats) with a 2-0 victory in the last meeting between the sides on September 18. That win was the first of the sides' seven all-time meetings to be decided by more than a one-goal margin.
While Charlotte collected 13 points from their last five matches of the regular season, their best return in any five-game span in their MLS history, the Lions enter this one as favourites.
After missing the playoffs in each of their first five MLS seasons, Orlando have reached the postseason in five straight campaigns dating back to 2020, and their big-game experience could be key here.
They have won six of their last eight home matches in MLS play, drawing one and losing one, with five of those victories coming by a margin of more than one goal.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 52%
Charlotte FC – 23.5%
Draw – 24.5%
Reigning champions Mona High produced a six-star performance to start the second round of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Digicel Manning Cup as they hammered St Jago High 6-0 in a lopsided Group One affair at Stadium East Field on Friday.
A brace from Javier Dunn (30th, 56th), and one each from Denzel McKenzie (11th), Demarion Harris (37th), Carlton Brown (67th), and goalkeeper Riquelme Edwards with an 83rd-minute penalty conversion, did the damage for Mona High.
The win saw them take an early lead in the group, which also includes Campion College and St George’s College.
Earlier, St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) came from behind to hold Wolmer’s Boys to a 2-2 stalemate in the curtain-raiser of the double-header. Both STATHS and Wolmer’s Boys have a point in Group Three, with Hydel and Kingston College set to lock horns in the other group fixture on Saturday.
In the feature contest, Mona were always favoured to come out tops given their impressive run of form so far this season, while St Jago progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
It took Mona little time to assert their authority on the encounter as McKenzie drove home a firm effort from just over 20 yards out for his 13th of the season.
The lead was doubled in at the half-hour mark when Dunn slammed home a right-footer past Adriano Lawrence in goal for St Jago to finish off a decent build-up.
Harris then got in on the act seven minutes later as he fired home after St Jago failed to clear their lines from a corner to put Mona 3-0 up at the break.
The one-way traffic continued on the resumption as St Jago’s lone clearest shot on target was Reece Roman’s 54th-minute shot from a distance.
Two minutes later, Dunn extended Mona’s lead when his intended cross swirled towards goal and left the hapless Lawrence beaten all ends up.
As if things couldn’t get worse for St Jago, Brown struck what might arguably be the goal of the season as he unleashed a delightful drive from the top of the centre circle that gave Lawrence no chance at a save.
Edwards then capped the win with an easy conversion from the 12-yard spot after Brown was felled inside the danger area.
Earlier, STATHS came from behind twice, including a stoppage time equaliser to deny Wolmer’s Boys three points.
Wolmer’s opened the scoring in the seventh minute when captain Daquan Duhaney comfortably slotted home from close range.
However, the lead was short-lived as STATHS pulled level through Kennardo Gordon, whose deflected effort flew past Wolmer’s goalkeeper Yuri Dryden.
Wolmer’s regained the lead in the 34th minute courtesy of Alex Wright’s easy tap-in.
STATHS launched a series of attacks in the hunt for the equaliser and would have had on a few occasions, but for some excellent glovework by Dryden, who literally three his body on the line to keep Wolmer’s in front.
But, STATHS were not to be denied, as they inevitably got back on level terms when Ajetai Marshall fired home in the 90+5 minute to keep his team in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth.
The top two from each group will contest the quarterfinals.
West Indies batsman Kyle Mayers has been appointed Barbados Pride captain for the 2024 Super50 Cup.
Mayers replaces Shai Hope, who misses out due to international commitments, as Pride skipper.
Also out of the team from the 2023 squad are Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamar Brooks, Roston Chase, Akeem Jordan, Jair McAllister, Roshon Primus, and Kemar Smith.
Jordan has been listed as a reserve for the tournament.
The 2024 Super Cup will be staged in Trinidad from 29 October to 23 November.
Barbados has won the tournament six times with their last title coming in 2017.
They got to the semi-finals of last year's edition.
Full squad: Kyle Mayers (captain), Zachary McCaskie, Leniko Boucher, Kadeem Alleyne, Kevin Wickham, Raymon Reifer, Nyeem Young, Dominic Drakes, Chemar Holder, Kemar Smith, Jomel Warrican, Matthew Jones, Javed Leacock, Demetrius Richards
Reserves: Jonathan Drakes, Akeem Jordan, Tevyn Walcott, Hakeem Perryman, Nathan Sealy, Keon Harding, Amari Goodridge.
Concacaf has conducted the official draw for the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers. The region’s FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifying competition will take place from February 7-16, 2025, across six venues and include the participation of 35 Concacaf Member Associations.
The new Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers consist of a single round, in which the participating Member Associations are split into eight groups. After round-robin play, where each team will play against each team in its group once, the eight group winners qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The eight groups are as follows:
Group A: Canada, Bermuda, Curacao, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Group B: Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, British Virgin Islands, and Sint Maarten
Group C: Mexico, Nicaragua, Barbados, Belize, and Dominica
Group D: Honduras, Puerto Rico, Bonaire and Saint Martin
Group E: Haiti, Guatemala, Antigua & Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Group F: United States, Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and US Virgin Islands
Group G: Panama, Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Grenada
Group H: Jamaica, El Salvador, Cayman Islands, and Saint Lucia
Matches will be divided across six venues: Bermuda will host Group A, Costa Rica Group B and F, Mexico Group C, Honduras Group D, Guatemala Groups E and H, and Panama Group G.
Steve Cherundolo believes Los Angeles FC's home fans can play a decisive role in the MLS Cup Playoffs as last season's runners-up prepare to host the Vancouver Whitecaps.
LAFC sealed the Western Conference's top seed in dramatic fashion last week, pipping the LA Galaxy after their cross-city rivals suffered a last-gasp defeat to the Houston Dynamo.
Cherundolo's men – who were beaten by the Columbus Crew in last season's MLS Cup final – play host to wild-card side Vancouver in the opener of a three-match series on Sunday, and he believes home advantage could be key.
"We are always really focused on the next play and doing our jobs, and our jobs are to win games, to collect points and to be there if the other teams slip up," Cherundolo said.
"That's what happened, and when you do stay close to teams and don't let them run away with it, the pressure can mount up."
Touching on the impact of playing at home, he added: "Our crowd is like nothing else I've seen live in LA, it's pure passion, it's electrifying and it really has the ability to make our players better.
"We're trying to make memories and the fans are integral part of that. For us to be able to make another long or deep run in the playoffs, we need them."
Vancouver reached this stage by trouncing the Portland Timbers 5-0 in the wild-card round, equalling the second-largest margin of victory in playoff history.
"Everything went in our direction, it was possible because of the work rate of everyone," head coach Vanni Sartini said, reflecting on that comprehensive road win.
"Hopefully from now on it's going to be about improving and getting the team in that rhythm.
"Playing in LA is always really hard so we have a goal as a team to go there and be in their face and be aggressive, because we have a second chance even if it doesn't go well."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
Bouanga has scored seven goals in eight appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
His figure of 0.84 goals per 90 minutes in the postseason is the second-best of any player that has played 500 or more playoff minutes in MLS history (Carlos Ruiz – 0.87).
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Gauld scored the seventh hat-trick in MLS playoff history against Portland on Wednesday and the first by a Whitecaps player.
It marked the second hat-trick by a Whitecaps player against a Cascadia rival in an MLS match (including playoffs) after Kekuta Manneh scored three for Vancouver against the Seattle Sounders in October 2013.
MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN
This will be the third knockout tie between Los Angeles and Vancouver with LAFC sweeping each of the previous two.
LAFC won both legs by a combined scoreline of 6-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League before eliminating the Whitecaps in two games in the first round of last year's playoffs.
The hosts have also won six straight playoff matches against Western Conference opponents, outscoring them 15-5 en route to the last two MLS Cup Finals.
The only longer in-conference playoff winning streak in MLS history (excluding breakaway shootout wins) was a seven-match run by Seattle between 2018 and 2020.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Los Angeles FC – 64.1%
Vancouver Whitecaps – 16.7%
Draw – 19.2%
It is as you were between Jamaica's Cavalier FC and Dominican Republic's Moca FC in their Concacaf Caribbean Cup semi-final tie, after they played out a scoreless stalemate in first leg action at Estadio Moca 85 on Thursday.
The result means that both teams will still have all to play for in next Wednesday's second leg at the National Stadium to secure a spot in the final and, by extension, in next year's Concacaf Champions Cup.
Cavalier was the more dominant outfit throughout, as they bossed possession and created the best of chances to break the deadlock. Jerome McLeary got the first look at goal in the 26th minute, but he dragged his effort just wide of the target.
Dwayne 'Busy' Atkinson proved his usual menacing self and also went close in the 31st, but Moca's custodian Miguel Baez proved equal to the task.
Moca tried to play their game and had their best effort on goal courtesy of Clifford Thomas, whose 51st minute shot from just outside the 18-yard box did little to bother Vino Barclett in goal for Cavalier.
In the 55th minute, Atkinson worked his way into the danger area and pulled the trigger from close range, but Báez again came up big to deny him.
The nippy former Kingston College standout again showed his class to open space for a 65th-minute effort but put too much force behind his attempt, which sailed over the crossbar.
With Moca's defence struggling to contain him, Atkinson again found himself in a sweet spot with Baez at his mercy. However, it was not to be, as his strike from deep inside the box veered just wide of the right upright on the stroke of full time.
Greg Vanney says the LA Galaxy's failure to top the Western Conference was a reminder that "every play is precious" as they prepare for their first-round playoff tie against the Colorado Rapids.
The Galaxy suffered a last-gasp defeat to the Houston Dynamo on the final matchday of the regular season, allowing cross-city rivals Los Angeles FC to pip them to the West's top seed.
Vanney's team are now gearing up to host Colorado in Game 1 of a three-match first-round series, and the Galaxy coach says they must work to be on the right side of the fine margins.
"Obviously Colorado had a couple of little knocks near the end of the season, which from their perspective I'm sure they never really wanted," Vanney said.
"But we just have to prepare ourselves for whatever we might see and be the best version of us.
"The result in Houston was a reminder that every play matters and every play can be the difference in a championship, winning the West or being out of the playoffs quickly.
"So that's what we can take away from Houston, the reminder that every play is precious when it comes to this time of year."
The Rapids, meanwhile, only just held onto an automatic playoff spot after ending the regular season with four straight losses – the latest a 3-2 defeat at Austin FC.
"We'll take many things from it heading into the playoffs, but there are also good things in there," head coach Chris Armas said of that loss.
"The way we started the game, there was a good energy, a real focus and intensity to what we were trying to do.
"Overall, I think we had discipline and control, where in other games recently we were vulnerable in transition, so for the most part in areas where we wanted to get better, we did."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec
Galaxy trio Pec (16), Dejan Joveljic (15), Riqui Puig (13) and Joseph Paintsil (10) are the first set of four team-mates to all score at least 10 goals in a single regular season in MLS history.
Pec (16 goals, 14 assists) is the fourth Galaxy player to record 30 goal contributions in a single season, meanwhile.
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Mihailovic tied the Rapids' single-season club record with 23 goal contributions in 2024 (11 goals, 12 assists) while team-mate Rafael Navarro had 19 (15 goals, 4 assists).
Only one Rapids player posted 19 or more goal contributions in a single season from 2011 to 2023 (Diego Rubio – 23 in 2022).
MATCH PREDICTION – LA GALAXY
This will be the sixth playoff tie between the Galaxy and Rapids with LA advancing from each of the first four before the Rapids progressed from the most recent meeting in 2016.
The Galaxy have won three of their four home playoff matches against Colorado (one draw), keeping a clean sheet in all four games.
The Galaxy have also won 30 of their 36 all-time home playoff matches (three draws, including a breakaway shootout loss, three defeats) including their last nine in a row.
LA have not lost a home playoff game in 12 years, since a 1-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2012 Western Conference semifinals, and they approach Game 1 as favourites.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LA Galaxy – 56.2%
Colorado Rapids – 21.1%
Draw – 22.6%
The Pocket Rocket Foundation is set to host its 9th annual Six-A-Side ‘Peace Through Sports’ Football Competition, kicking off on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Red Stripe Sports Complex, 214 Spanish Town Road in Kingston.
The event will begin with an Opening Ceremony and Dress Parade. Over the course of five weeks, 20 teams will compete every Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a grand finale on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Entry is free to the public.
Founder Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce spoke about the competition’s mission, saying, “This is about more than just football. It’s an opportunity to bring people from rival communities together and use sport as a way to build unity, trust, and discipline. We want the players from these communities to not only enjoy the game but also take away valuable life lessons.”
Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, Executive Director of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, added, “The foundation is excited to facilitate this competition once again. It remains a powerful way to promote unity within communities and provide a platform for men with a passion for football to participate and compete for prizes. We are also grateful for the continued support from the Hunts Bay Police for their support in ensuring a safe environment, allowing players to focus on the competition and the camaraderie it fosters.”
Teams will be divided into five zones, competing in a round-robin format. The top team from each zone, along with the three best second-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. Prizes include cash awards, trophies, and individual accolades such as Most Valuable Player, Leading Goal Scorer, Best Defender, and Most Disciplined Team.
This year’s competition is made possible by sponsors NIKE, AFIMI, GraceKennedy’s 876 Water and Lucozade, FESGas, Rymax Lubricants, and Sanmerna Paper Products Limited.
After Sunday's Opening Ceremony and Dress Parade, six matches will be played from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
At 3, Real City will take on Red Stripe while Asoka Road face Dream Team. At 4, Fes Gas will take on Youths while Basement faces Friends For Real before at 5, Boom Riddim faces Legacy and Ball Spot takes on Basic 1.
Following an internal investigation by Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), significant gaps in training have been identified, leading to stewarding practices at Caymanas Park falling short of international standards. As a result, SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to address these issues and ensure the future integrity of horse racing in Jamaica.
The investigation was prompted after the Heroes’ Day race meet at Caymanas Park was abandoned on Monday, October 21, 2024. A group of punters reacted violently to the stewards’ decision in Race 2, leading to the event’s cancellation for safety reasons. Sharpe stressed that the current state of officiating is not up to par for a racing jurisdiction aspiring to world-class status.
“Our internal investigation has identified significant training gaps that have resulted in local stewarding practices falling short of international standards,” Sharpe said. He explained that while SVREL provides the facilities for racing, the stewards' oversight falls under the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), a government-appointed body. Sharpe believes this disparity between local and international standards must be addressed immediately.
In his statement, Sharpe emphasized that improving stewarding standards is critical for the growth of horse racing in Jamaica. He called for the implementation of mandatory certification programs for stewards, ensuring that they are properly trained to handle the complexities of modern racing. He also advocated for regular assessments and retraining of officials to maintain a high level of competence and consistency in their decision-making.
Sharpe further stressed the need for clear accountability frameworks to be established, so that all decisions made by stewards are transparent and based on consistent, well-defined criteria. This, he believes, would help avoid situations like the one on Heroes’ Day, where the lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration among punters. Moreover, Sharpe called for the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism that would allow for the review of stewarding decisions, ensuring fairness and trust in the system.
Sharpe explained that these reforms are essential to creating a level playing field and restoring confidence in the integrity of horse racing at Caymanas Park. He expressed frustration that despite previous discussions with the JRC about the need for improved officiating, little progress has been made.
The incident on Heroes’ Day, which caused significant financial losses estimated at over JMD$70 million, underscored the importance of addressing these issues urgently. While Sharpe acknowledged the passion of racing fans, he firmly condemned the violent behaviour that followed the stewards' decision, stating that it endangered lives and tarnished the reputation of the sport. "While we value our patrons' enthusiasm, any expression of discontent must remain within acceptable bounds of sporting behaviour,” he asserted.
Sharpe also expressed disappointment with the lack of response from industry stakeholders following the incident. He pointed out that many who are typically vocal about SVREL’s operations have remained silent on this serious breach of sporting conduct. He called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility for the sport’s integrity and to advocate for improvements in officiating and the overall management of races.
“The growth and sustainability of horse racing in Jamaica require more than just infrastructure investment and promotional efforts,” Sharpe said. “It demands the consistent application of international best practices across all aspects of racing.”
SVREL remains committed to modernizing Caymanas Park and advancing Jamaican horse racing. However, Sharpe made it clear that this vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility, with all stakeholders playing an active role in improving the industry’s standards and holding each other accountable.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry's growth not merely through words, but through actions, consistent engagement, and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on,” Sharpe concluded.
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