Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has underscored the significance of the Nations League, particularly for players from the smaller islands in the Caribbean, as it provides them with a platform to compete against higher-level opposition and develop their skills on the international stage.
Montagliani, who was on a visit to the island, along with Bermuda and St Lucia Football Association presidents Mark Wade and Lyndon Cooper, believes that the tournament, which started in 2018, has been a game-changer for the region, offering crucial opportunities for exposure and growth that may have otherwise been limited.
In fact, the Canadian emphasized the role it plays in not only improving the competitiveness across the confederation but also in attracting heritage players to the Caribbean islands in particular.
“You've had coaches coming to want to coach here; you have players who never would have thought of playing for a country that they play for having the opportunity. Why? Because up until the Nations League, all you can offer them is one game every four years or two games every four years. That's not much of an international career. Now a player can play in the Nations League, can go to the Gold Cup, obviously a World Cup qualifying, and they have more of a body of work to attach themselves,” Montagliani said during a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday.
Jamaica in Nations League action against Honduras.
“And at the end, the player wants to sell himself or herself because, don't forget, we also have it on our women's programme in terms of our road to the Women’s Gold Cup, which is in essence the Nations League. So, if you play five, six internationals a year versus one, you're going to be seen more, and so you see more players wanting to play international football because of it,” he added.
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have used the tournament to test their mettle against the region’s best teams—United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama.
However, for other Caribbean nations like St Lucia, Bermuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and even Suriname, who will contest the quarterfinal stage for the first time, the Nations League has been a vital part of their football development, as it assists in nurturing young players who will form the core of their squad for years to come.
Montagliani pointed out that this kind of consistent international exposure is invaluable for teams aspiring to qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup or the Gold Cup.
“I know a lot of my presidents say all the time that they're getting calls from guys saying, ‘My dad was from wherever, and I play in League One or the championship.’ So it's really opening the doors to more players, more coaches, but also to more aspirations for the local players,” Montagliani reasoned.
“I just saw a great story about a 14-year-old goalie making his debut for Turks and Caicos in the Nations League group, so what I'm saying is that it gives an aspiration to a young player to say, ‘If Michail Antonio is playing at West Ham and he's playing for Jamaica now, that could be me down the road,” he shared.
Suriname celebrate their Nations League quarterfinal feat.
However, when it comes to the prospect of Jamaica hosting a future tournament or a knockout round of the Concacaf Nations League, Montagliani tempered expectations. He acknowledged that while Jamaica is a football-loving nation with passionate support, the infrastructure—most notably the National Stadium—currently isn’t up to the standard required to host a tournament of such magnitude.
“First and foremost, the National Stadium needs to be at the level that it sounds like it wants to be at. After having those discussions today (Wednesday), they tell me it's about a three- to four-year window here (for the Stadiums development). So when that happens, we can have those conversations,” he declared.
“But the reality is, just like FIFA, FIFA lives on one competition, the World Cup... that's 95% of its budget. Concacaf’s Gold Cup is about 80% of our budget. So the reality is, it's okay to move it around as it relates to a game or two, maybe even a group, but to have the significant majority of it outside a market that doesn't generate top dollar is not only unrealistic, but it's irresponsible as well. So we need to balance both,” Montagliani noted.
Montagliani went on to compare Jamaica’s situation with the Dominican Republic, in particular, as the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation is further ahead in terms of infrastructure development, resulting in its hosting numerous club and youth tournaments.
“What's happened is that through One Concacaf funding and through FIFA, you're starting to see a lot of other nations that didn't have any facilities now having facilities as well. So it's not a bad thing, because back in the days, you only maybe had two or three of our member associations having the ability to host a U-17, and that was great for Jamaica.
“But now you have a lot of member associations that have that ability to do it, and we're spreading it around. Not to say that we would not host here (in Jamaica), but now we have more options, which is a sign of early development,” Montagliani stated.
Cayman Islands players celebrate a goal in the Nations League.
He continued: “We are building our own facility in the Dominican Republic, the home of football, where we will have pitches and a small little stadium and facilities. So, you know, we're going to be using that as well for events. The good thing about that is that we can go anywhere now, and so it pushes you (Jamaica) to build your standards.
“Before, if you were the only one in town and you had no incentive to really push the standards to a top, top level, that’s fine, but now you almost have to, because if you don't, you won't even get looked at in the RFP process. But the good news is that we no longer limit it to two or three options.”
As Concacaf continues to expand the reach and impact of the Nations League, Montagliani reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all member nations, regardless of size, have access to opportunities that will help them grow.
“Having our One Concacaf programme increases not only funding but also accountability and responsibility. You can't just keep giving people fish; you need to teach them how to fish as well, and I think we've done a good job with that. In the end, it's always about the football, and really, one of the biggest successes I think that turned around this organisation is the Nations League,” he ended.
Tom Pearce is hoping to use his experience from suffering relegation and earning promotion during his time in England to help CF Montreal reach the playoffs this weekend.
Pearce joined the club in July from Wigan Athletic, a club he won the League One title with in the 2021-22 campaign, but was then a part of the Latics side who came straight back down the following season.
Montreal knows that a point will be enough to secure their spot in the postseason, though slipping up allows an opportunity for either Philadelphia Union or Atlanta United to pounce.
Having featured in high-pressure games throughout his career, Pearce is relishing the opportunity of helping his new team reach the playoffs.
“It’s exciting that we’re going into the last game of the season, and we’re going for the playoffs, we are looking forward to it and this past week has given us a chance to work on things,” Pearce said.
“We’ve had quite a lot of games over the past few weeks, so to have a little bit of time off and then working to this Saturday has been a positive for us.
“We have promotion and relegation in England so, I have been at both ends of the table during my time there. I wouldn’t say it’s all pressure, it’s more excitement and you take it step by step and hopefully, for us, it will be a positive one.”
NYCFC, meanwhile, kept their hopes of finishing in the top four of the Eastern Conference alive with a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC ahead of the international break.
The Pigeons are currently fifth in the standings but know a victory could push them ahead of Orlando City on Decision Day, with the Lions facing Atlanta in their final game of the season.
NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing was pleased with his side’s display in thier win over Nashville, saying their defensive resiliency is something they can build on ahead of the playoffs.
“Yes and no. We were 3-0 up and you know at some point that they are going to come back into the game,” Cushing said. “They were well coached by a new boss.
“I think it was more of them improving than us taking our foot off the gas. What I do think is that we showed a side that we did in the Cincinnati game and that’s a huge positive moving forward.
“Of course, we will review it and how we want to control games more, but it’s a positive when we defend so well. To show that steel is something I will take as a positive heading into the playoffs.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Montreal – Josef Martinez
Martinez has scored six career regular-season goals against NYCFC, one of eight opponents he’s scored against at least six times.
Only Alejandro Pozuelo (seven) has more goals against NYCFC than Martínez since he joined MLS in 2017.
NYCFC – Santiago Rodriguez
Rodríguez has a team-high 22 goal contributions this season (12 goals, 10 assists) for NYCFC, while Alonso Martínez has 19 (16 goals, three assists).
This weekend’s visitors have never had multiple players record 20 or more goal contributions in a single regular season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
NYCFC has won six of their last seven matches against Montreal (D1) including the last four in a row. NYCFC have never lost in Montreal, with their only away defeat in the fixture coming in Harrison, New Jersey in July 2021 (W6 D2 in Montreal all-time).
Cushing’s side have won three straight matches after winning just three of their previous 19 in all competitions dating back to mid-June. NYCFC have scored 11 goals over those three matches, their most in a span of three league matches since April 2022 (14).
Montreal enters the final match of the season with 10 wins in regular-season play in 2024. Montreal has recorded at least 11 victories in each of their last eight full seasons dating back to 2015 (excluding shortened 2020 season).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
NYCFC – 34.4%
Draw – 25.8%
Montreal – 39.8%
Grand Slam Track™, the new global home of professional track competition, launched earlier this year by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today officially announced the signings of Jamaican Olympians Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke.
Both athletes competed at the Paris Olympics this past summer, and they will now compete in all four Grand Slam Track™ Slams in 2025, giving fans the chance to see them race on the world stage.
“Ackera and Roshawn are incredible talents who have achieved major success at such a young age,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner.
“Both of them have already made their mark on the global stage, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in Grand Slam Track™. They represent the next generation of world-class Jamaican competitors, and I know they’re going to bring something special to the league.”
Nugent specializes in the 100m hurdles and is one of Jamaica’s top emerging athletes.
She holds the 2021 World U20 Championship title and set a national record of 12.28 seconds at the 2024 Jamaican Championships.
A rising star, Nugent competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and reached the final of the 100m hurdles. Nugent continued her international season after Paris and lowered her national record to 12.24 seconds at the Rome Diamond League making her the 4th fastest women in the history of the event.
Her progression from U20 champion to global contender has solidified her as one of the brightest young talents in the hurdles.
“For me, it’s all about growth,” said Nugent.
“I’m constantly looking for ways to get better, and Grand Slam Track™ gives me the platform to do just that. Racing at this level, over and over, against the best in the world, is what I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready to see how much more I can achieve.”
Roshawn Clarke, at just 20 years old, has already made a significant mark in the 400m hurdles.
After setting a world U20 record of 47.34 seconds at the 2023 World Championships, he went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the final.
His rapid rise has earned him recognition as one of Jamaica’s most promising young athletes.
“I like the idea of Grand Slam Track™ because it changes how things usually are in track,” said Clarke.
“I’m ready to jump into this and compete against the best while testing myself. This league gives me that chance. Racing in all four Slams means I’ll have the opportunity to show what I can really do.”
Nugent and Clarke join a stacked roster of talents announced so far in Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Grant Fisher, Josh Kerr, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Nikki Hiltz, Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, Ronald Kwemoi, Muzala Samukonga, and Clement Ducos.
Concacaf has conducted the official draw for Round One of the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers.
The World Cup qualifying competition will take place from January 27 to January 31, 2025, across four venues and include the participation of 22 Concacaf Member Associations.
The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers are the first to be played under a new two-round format.
For Round One, the 22 participating teams, all ranked fifth and below based on the Concacaf U-17 Women’s Ranking, were split into six groups.
The six groups for Round One are as follows:
Group A: Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Belize, and US Virgin Islands
Group C: Panama, Cuba, Guyana, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Group D: El Salvador, Guatemala, Curaçao, and Anguilla
Group E: Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Saint Kitts and Nevis
Group F: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Grenada
Round One matches will be divided across four venues. Puerto Rico will host Group A, Trinidad and Tobago Group B, Nicaragua Group D and E, and Dominican Republic Group C and F.
After round-robin play, between January 27 and February 1, the six group winners and the two best second-place finishers will advance to the Final Round, joining the four top-ranked teams, USA, Mexico, Canada, and Haiti (twelve in total).
The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers Final Round will also be played in a group format, consisting of three groups of four teams each.
After round-robin play, between March 31 and April 6, 2025, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher (four teams) will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Though they would have preferred to take all three points, Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert and Davion Ferguson of Mount Pleasant took heart from a point as their teams played out a 1-1 stalemate in an entertaining Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League clash at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.
Kimani Arbouine (12th) gave Arnett Gardens the lead before a Kimoni Bailey, now sporting a low cut instead of his signature dread locked, secured Mount Pleasant a share of the spoils with a 42nd minute strike, as both teams showed attacking flair and tactical discipline, in patches, as well as moments of real drama.
With the point, the ‘Junglists’ slipped to eight position on five points, while their St Ann-based opponents extend their tidy start to the campaign in fifth on seven points from three games.
Ferguson, an assistant to Head coach Theodore Whitmore lauded the performance by his players.
“We have managed to bring some good players to St Ann over the last two seasons, but overall I think we have a very good unit. I think we gave up a very easy goal but we created enough chances in the game to actually win the game. That is something that is plaguing us, but at the end of the day a point away to Arnett in the jungle is a point that we are always grateful for,” Ferguson stated.
Meanwhile, Gilbert believes his team gave a good account despite the heavy underfoot conditions caused by persistent rain.
“It wasn’t one of our best performance but we knew the conditions would have made things difficult. Still, I don’t think we were smart enough and the goal scoring opportunity that we got worked out how we wanted it to, but we didn’t do it consistently enough and that was my disappointment.
“But it was a tough contest for us, I am happy that we didn’t lose and that is important that we start getting back some points on the table. So it was a gutsy performance and we take it and move on,” Gilbert noted.
The contested started with high intensity as Mount Pleasant, in particular, sought to impose themselves early. They got off the first warning shot through Jean Claudio Rios Ferreira, whose right-footed effort from a distance, wasn’t far off target.
However, it was Arnett Gardens who found the breakthrough in the 13th minute when a mix up between Mount Pleasant’s goalkeeper Shaquan Davis and a defender, allowed Arbouine to pounce and fire home his third of the season.
Despite falling behind, Mount Pleasant didn’t back down. They responded with a few decent attacks which produced half chances that they failed to make count.
But, their persistence paid off just before halftime when Bailey fired home from a melee after Arnett’s custodian Richardo White spilled a freekick from Ferreira to level the scores at 1-1 at the break.
The second half was a similarly a thrilling affair, as both teams continued to attack with purpose. Arnett Gardens had a few chances to take the lead, particularly through the dangerous Arbouine, who went on the break in the 70th, but his effort was kept out by a firm hand from Davis.
Three minutes later, Warner Brown also went close for Arnett Gardens when he was allowed a free-header to Philando Wing’s weighted cross, but Davis again came up big to tip over the crossbar.
Mount Pleasant also had their moments, as their attacking front was ably aided by full-back and Man-of-the-match Gadial Irving, who caused problems with his distribution and vision.
One of those services should have secured the points for Mount Pleasant but Kyle Ming, who couldn’t keeper his header down in the 87th minute and so they were left to share the spoils.
Wednesday’s results
Waterhouse 2, Vere United 1
Montego Bay United 4, Molynes United 0
Arnett Gardens 1, Mount Pleasant 1
Harbour View 1, Portmore United 2
Racing United vs Cavalier (Postponed)
Dunbeholden FC vs Tivoli Gardens (Postponed)
Wilfried Nancy insisted that Columbus Crew’s record MLS win tally achieved in their last game was secondary ahead of their final game before the playoffs.
The Crews’ 4-0 win over New England Revolution before the international break was their 18th of the season, while also setting a new best of 69 goals scored in regular-season play.
Nancy’s side are guaranteed second in the Eastern Conference and will play this weekend’s opponents, New York Red Bulls, in the first round of the playoffs.
The Crew head coach lauded his players for their contribution to the season, saying: “Listen, this is not easy, but this is the challenge. The challenge is, yes, we have few players who played a lot, it's normal, but everybody knows their role, I would say.
“The idea is also to be honest with the players. After that, in terms of results, I don't know, but the performance for me is really important. I'm really happy when I can see any kind of player that I can put in and they bring something. For me, this is the key point.
“[Saturday], this is not about New England, this is not about the opposition - this is about the fans. This is about the people who try to fight to keep the club. I'm really pleased for that.”
NYRB, meanwhile, come into the encounter on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United, but have already guaranteed their spot in the postseason.
Despite the loss, head coach Sandro Schwarz was pleased with his side’s display, but acknowledged they must be more clinical in the final third.
"We had the penalty situation then, and we scored two times," Schwarz said. "But for me, the behaviour after that was good, the behaviour that we are fighting together, that we have the energy, but we need this energy at the beginning, directly in the game."
And Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis is relishing the opportunity of facing Columbus, believing a win will give the group positive momentum moving forward.
"That's what you want as a player, as a competitor, you want to go up against the best," Nealis said. "And they're defending champs. They had a great year last year. They had some great games this year, earlier in the year, they beat us, so we want to kind of avenge that.
“And I think if we end up playing them, we're looking forward to that. They're a great team but we're confident in ourselves, and we'll be ready for the challenge when the time comes."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
NYRB – Lewis Morgan
Morgan enters the final match of the season with 18 goal contributions in 2024 (13 goals, five assists).
No Red Bulls player has tallied 20 goal contributions in a single regular season since Bradley Wright-Phillips (28) and Kaku (20) did so in 2018.
Columbus Crew – Alexandru Matan
Matan scored his first hat-trick with Columbus on Saturday, the second Crew player with a hat-trick this season after Cucho Hernandez.
This is the second time in team history that two Crew players have scored a hat-trick in a single season (Edson Buddle and Ross Paule in 2004).
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
While the Crew are favoured by Opta’s data-led simulations, The Red Bulls have lost only four of their last 27 home matches against Columbus in all competitions (W17 D6) dating back to September 2003.
NYRB have scored at least once in 26 of those 27 matches, including in 21 straight, last failing to score at home against the Crew in 2006, while they have also lost only eight times all season, with only four teams having fewer defeats in 2024.
However, Schwarz’s side face a tough task stopping the Crew. Columbus’ win over New England on Saturday was the team’s seventh game with at least four goals this season. Only three teams in MLS history have scored at least four goals in more matches in a single season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
NYRB – 26.3%
Draw – 23.6%
Columbus Crew – 50.1%
Montego Bay United delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, blanking Molynes United 4-0 to take sole possession of the top spot in the Jamaica Premier League standings. The victory saw Montego Bay soar to 12 points after four matches, maintaining their unbeaten run in this season's competition.
Montego Bay’s dominance began in the 24th minute when Owayne Gordon confidently converted a penalty, putting his side ahead. Just two minutes later, Shaniel Thomas doubled the lead, putting Molynes on the back foot early. Thomas, in sparkling form, struck again in the 60th minute, completing his brace and further solidifying Montego Bay's grip on the match. The final blow came in the 75th minute when Brian Brown added his name to the scoresheet, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 win for the Montego Bay side.
The victory not only cements Montego Bay’s title ambitions but also highlights their attacking prowess, with their goal tally standing strong at 10 goals in four matches. Molynes, on the other hand, continue to struggle, remaining winless this season.
At the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, Arnett Gardens FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Mount Pleasant in an exciting matchup. Kimani Airbourine gave Arnett an early lead, netting in the 13th minute, but Mount Pleasant found their way back into the game before halftime when Kimoni Bailey equalized in the 42nd minute. Despite both teams pushing for a winner in the second half, neither side could find the breakthrough, resulting in a hard-fought draw.
At Drewsland Stadium, Waterhouse FC overcame an early setback to defeat Vere Phoenix United 2-1. Daye Ewan put Vere in front with an early goal, but Waterhouse responded swiftly, with Atapharoy Bygrave scoring in the 19th minute to level the match. Bygrave was the hero once again, scoring his second and Waterhouse’s decisive goal in the 47th minute, ensuring his team secured all three points.
With these results, the Jamaica Premier League standings remain competitive as teams continue to battle for top honors in the 2024-2025 season. Montego Bay United's victory pushes them to the top, while Waterhouse FC and Arnett Gardens maintain their pursuit of the leaders.
Youth football fans are in for a treat this Saturday, October 19, 2024, as the best young talent in Jamaica takes the field at the Constant Spring Football Field for the All-Island U11 Championship Finals. Kicking off at 10:00 am, the tournament will see 12 top primary and preparatory schools compete for the coveted title, with the finals set for 3:30 pm. The opening ceremony, celebrating the young athletes and their achievements, starts at 9:15 am, marking a full day of thrilling football action.
This year’s Youth Football League (YFL) tournament, in partnership with the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), has seen an impressive display of skill and determination from schools across the island. After fierce regional competitions in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Manchester, the final 12 teams have emerged as the best of the best.
The advancing teams are Mineral Heights Primary, Emmanuel Christian Academy, Corinaldi Primary (Champion), Howard Cooke Primary, Lannaman’s Prep (Champion), Iris Gelly Primary, Belair Prep, Hillel Academy, Granville Primary, El Instituto de Mandevilla (Champion), Liberty Academy, and Port Antonio Primary. These schools will now battle it out for the championship, bringing their young stars to the forefront of Jamaica’s youth football scene.
Paula Pinnock, Managing Director of the YFL, shared her excitement about the upcoming finals. “This tournament isn’t just about football—it’s about giving these young athletes a chance to shine both on and off the field. The YFL nurtures their potential while teaching them values like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. We’re thrilled with the talent we’ve seen so far, and the finals will be a true celebration of Jamaica’s future in football.”
JISA President Tamara McKenzie also praised the participating schools for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the tournament’s role in fostering inclusivity and personal growth. “We’re providing opportunities for every child, regardless of background, to experience the joy of competition and development. Special congratulations to the six preparatory schools—Lannaman’s Prep, Belair Prep, Hillel Academy, El Instituto de Mandevilla, Liberty Academy at the Priory, and Emmanuel Christian Academy—for their stellar performances. We look forward to watching these young athletes excel not just on the field but in all areas of life.”
Adding to the excitement, the YFL has rolled out the Gears 4 Greatness initiative, encouraging Jamaicans at home and abroad to donate boots and shin guards for players in need. This initiative ensures that no young footballer is left without the necessary equipment, helping level the playing field and supporting the league’s mission to develop Jamaica’s next generation of football stars.
With total prizes and trophies valued at over $500,000, Saturday’s final promises to be a thrilling day of football, showcasing the best in youth talent. Whether you’re a fan, a parent, or simply a lover of the game, the All-Island Championship Finals is an event not to be missed.
Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is set to switch his international allegiance to Jamaica from England, according to a report from TEAMtalk. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has represented England from U16 to U21 levels, has never earned a senior cap for the Three Lions, making him eligible for the switch under FIFA regulations.
Hayden, who qualifies for Jamaica through his father, has agreed to join Steve McClaren’s Reggae Boyz as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America. The paperwork for his switch is reportedly being finalized ahead of Jamaica's November international fixtures.
This decision is part of McClaren’s strategy to boost Jamaica’s squad by incorporating English-born talents. Hayden, who joined Newcastle from Arsenal in 2016 and has made 171 appearances for the club, will be a key addition as the Reggae Boyz push for World Cup qualification. However, Hayden's future at Newcastle remains uncertain, with the midfielder not currently part of Eddie Howe’s first-team plans and spending last season on loan at Standard Liege and Queens Park Rangers.
Hayden’s decision to represent Jamaica follows his comments last year about not wanting to take the place of someone in Jamaica’s squad, but after over a year of consideration, he has now committed to the switch. This move comes after McClaren’s successful recruitment of other English-born players, including former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood, who is also reportedly switching allegiances to Jamaica.
As Hayden prepares to don the Jamaican colors, fans eagerly await how his experience and skill will contribute to the Reggae Boyz's journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen is relishing his side’s must-win game against Orlando City this weekend and is confident his team can reach the playoffs.
The Five Stripes go into the final day in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, level on points with Philadelphia Union, and three points behind the cut-off line.
While needing favourable outcomes from the matches involving CF Montreal and D.C. United, Gregersen said the focus must remain on their own performance, while also trying to maintain momentum from their win over the New York Red Bulls last time out.
“I think it's a little bit sad that we had the break because we were so good into this match, but of course, we have to look back at it and keep up,” said Gregersen. “Continue with the confidence we had after this game and continue this weekend, in the training.”
“Every match has its pressure, but this one will be a little bit more special. But we need to focus on ourselves because we know that we have to win.
“After that, we will see what happens with the other teams. I don’t want to know what happens in the other games because we have to win. We can’t control what they are doing. We have to focus on ourselves and then we will see.”
Orlando, meanwhile, have already confirmed their place in the postseason, but are arguably the most in-form team heading into the playoffs.
The Lions’ last fixture before the international break saw them sweep aside FC Cincinnati away from home, earning their sixth win from their last seven MLS games (L1). During that run, they have also scored 19 goals.
Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja understands what is at stake for Atlanta this weekend but highlighted the importance of his team scoring the first goal to control the pace of the game.
“We have found net. We have found answers from our forwards. The offensive side of the team has improved tremendously. I think the compromise that they have had with our defensive phase has brought that product,” Pareja said.
“It doesn't make sense, but that they are scoring goals because they are defending better, and we are much, much better team when we have this commitment that the boys had up front and we're happy to do it. It's the same as we ask the defenders.
“And I said, you have to be proactive to play with the ball, and you have to have personality to play with the ball because that's the best way to defend, just being offensive. So, I'm very proud of the guys. The guys are doing a good job.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
Torres has recorded 19 goal contributions this season (14 goals, five assists) tied for the second-most in a single season in Orlando's MLS history.
The only player with a season with 20 or more goal contributions for the Lions was Nani, who recorded 22 goal contributions in the 2019 campaign.
Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze
Lobjanidze enters the final match of the season as Atlanta’s leading scorer with eight goals.
The Five Stripes have had at least one 10-goal scorer in each of the team’s first six full MLS seasons (excluding shortened 2020 season) with at least one player scoring 12 times in each season.
MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN
The last 10 meetings between Orlando and Atlanta have been split, with each side winning three times and drawing four. Neither team has won two consecutive times over those meetings with Atlanta recording a 2-0 home win in the last matchup on March 17.
However, the Lions have won 10 of their last 13 regular-season matches (D1 L2), including the last three in a row. No team has collected more points than Orlando’s 31 since the beginning of July.
Atlanta have 37 points entering the final match of the season. The fewest points the Five Stripes have totalled over a full MLS season (excluding shortened 2020 season) is 40 in 2022.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 57.9%
Draw –21.9%
Atlanta United – 20.2%
Shohei Ohtani hit a mammoth three-run homer, Kike Hernandez added another postseason home run and the Los Angeles Dodgers notched their second shutout of the NL Championship Series, 8-0 over the New York Mets for a 2-1 lead on Wednesday night.
Los Angeles rebounded from a loss at home to grab the advantage in the best-of-seven series by pitching its fourth shutout in the past five playoff games.
Ohtani connected in the eighth, a 410-foot drive that soared into the second deck in right field and barely stayed fair above the foul pole for a 7-0 lead.
Max Muncy went deep in the ninth for his 13th career postseason homer, tying Corey Seager and Justin Turner for the franchise record. Muncy also connected in Game 2.
A fired-up Walker Buehler struck out Francisco Lindor to leave the bases loaded, and the Dodgers got five stingy innings from their hard-throwing bullpen. Buehler combined with four relievers on a four-hitter and Dodgers pitchers finished with 13 strikeouts.
Game 4 is Thursday night in Queens, with $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto scheduled to start for Los Angeles against veteran left-hander Jose Quintana.
Luis Severino fell behind 2-0 in the second, partly due to some shoddy fielding. He did not permit an earned run but threw 95 pitches and walked four in 4 2/3 innings, taking the loss.
Reed Garrett served up Hernandez’s homer and Tylor Megill gave up four runs in three innings, including homers by Ohtani and Muncy.
History-making Maldon High had a positive start to the second round of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Wata daCosta Cup as they played out a 1-1 stalemate with Brown’s Town in their Group 4 encounter at Jarrett Park on Wednesday.
Maldon, who are contesting the second round for the first time in the school’s history, ensured they remain in contention to go even further, as the stalemate placed both teams jointly atop the group, which includes Alphansus Davis and favourites Munro College.
Wednesday’s Results
Ocho Rios 0, Black River 0
Maldon 1, Brown’s Town 1
Christiana 0, Garvey Maceo 1
Happy Grove 3, Holmwood 2
Manning’s 0, Manchester 1
STETHS 2, Knibb 0
Paul Bogle 3, Titchfield 0
Cornwall 1, Kemps Hill 1
McGrath 8, St Mary High 1
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has praised Jamaica’s recent achievements in football, highlighting the success of both the senior men’s and women’s national teams as evidence that the island’s football is in a strong position.
Montagliani, who is currently on a visit to the island, along with Bermuda and St Lucia Football Association presidents Mark Wade and Lyndon Cooper, expressed optimism about Jamaica's football future, particularly with the announcement of much-anticipated upgrades to the National Stadium.
The Reggae Boyz are set to contest the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against United States in November and are pushing to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Reggae Girlz made history with back-to-back appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the knockout stage last year, a feat that solidified their standing as one of the top teams in the region.
These accomplishments, Montagliani believes, are key indicators of the country’s footballing growth.
“Obviously, I am very excited to be back in Jamaica; we know the success that's been happening on the field, starting with your two senior teams. Obviously, the men who've now qualified for the Nation's League quarterfinal in November and obviously your women's team that has qualified for the last two Women's World Cups is obviously favoured to qualify for the next one with arguably the best player in the world [Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw] playing for them,” Montagliani said during a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani accepts a specially designed jersey from JFF president Michael Ricketts.
“So things are looking really good in that gold and green jersey that's being worn in our region. Even your youth teams have been very successful, U-20 and U-17, and obviously the talent has always been here since, I think the momentum of the 98 (1998 World Cup accomplishment) in terms of how things were being done. I think in the last few years, with the opportunities that the players are having through our Concacaf competitions, you're seeing things now come to fruition here in Jamaica in terms of the success both on the women's side and on the men's side,” he added.
In addition to commending the on-field success, Montagliani expressed delight at the news that Jamaica's National Stadium is set for much-needed upgrades. He hinted that the improvements could open the door for future Concacaf tournaments to be hosted on the island, a move that would further cement Jamaica’s position as a football hub in the Caribbean.
The renovation project, to be done in phases, will see the capacity of the National Stadium increase from 28,500 to 35,000.
“It was announced publicly yesterday (Tuesday) in terms of the major renovations that are going into your National Stadium; that put a smile on my face because, as you know, we brought for the first time ever into really the Caribbean and really outside of North America; we brought a Gold Cup game here in Jamaica in 2019 with tremendous success. But the reality is now the standards of international competitions, and when I say international competitions, I don't mean just at the FIFA level. I mean even at the Concacaf level.
“The standards are getting higher and higher with respect to what is expected by audiences both at the stadium and also those watching on TV and ultimately the players that are playing in it. So now that there's major renovations to bring the National Stadium to an international level bodes well for the future of both the JFF and Jamaica itself as a country, to bring events here,” Montagliani reasoned.
(from left) JFF president Michael Ricketts; Concacaf president Victor Montagliani; Lyndon Cooper, St Lucia FA president; Bermuda FA president Mark Wade, and JFF general secretary Dennis Chung share a photo opportunity.
“Whether it be regional events or even at the ultimate international level, and so we look forward to it. We told the minister [Olivia Grange] that we're here to help them in any technical way we can when they're going through the processes of design and all that. Because that's part of our job to make sure that if they're going to do it, they build it the right way. And so very excited about that,” he shared.
The president also reaffirmed Concacaf’s commitment to supporting Jamaica’s footballing infrastructure and working closely with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to help develop the sport at all levels.
“Any decision that is made is always done for the good of the game, with the good of the game being first and foremost the players and obviously everything else that surrounds the players, coaches, administrators, and referees. After seeing the facility in Mona, I see that that spirit lives well here in Jamaica, which puts a smile on my face,” Montagliani said.
He continued: “Obviously Concacaf is here to support football. The JFF is obviously an important part of our family, and I'm also very pleased that we were joined today by two other presidents from Bermuda and St. Lucia.
“As you see by our logo, we changed it because it was very important for us to start not only talking but walking and sounding like a family. And that circle of 41 member associations represented by 41 diamonds is illustrated in this collaborative day. I'm very proud to be here, and we will continue to support the JFF and Jamaica to reach the heights that they deserve to reach.”
CANOC (Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees) President Keith Joseph has praised the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for its strong commitment to using sport as a key pillar of the nation’s development strategy. Joseph's remarks came after a productive meeting held on Tuesday, October 15, at the Ministry of Education’s headquarters in Providenciales, signaling the start of CANOC’s week of activities in the country.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services; Permanent Secretary Chery-Ann Jones; Director of Sports Keisha Taylor; Deputy Director of Sports Amin McCartney; Deputy Permanent Secretary Jarrett Forbes; and Alvin Parker, Deputy Director of the TCI Sports Commission. CANOC representatives at the meeting included General Secretary Brian Lewis and Second Vice President John Abramson Jr.
During the discussions, Minister Taylor and her team outlined various initiatives aimed at integrating sports into the nation’s overall development framework. Topics included government support for national sports federations, the importance of sports in schools, coaching development, and the potential for sport tourism to boost the economy. The conversation also touched on gender equality in sport, a global issue that remains relevant to local development efforts.
Joseph commended the government’s efforts, noting the key role sport can play in youth development. "We are very pleased with the Turks and Caicos’ proactive approach in using sport as a tool for addressing some of the challenges facing today’s youth. It’s encouraging to see a comprehensive strategy that focuses not only on competitive success but on using sport as a means to build character and develop the nation’s children into well-rounded individuals."
Minister Taylor highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to engage youth in sports, emphasizing their broader goal of fostering commitment to the well-being of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Sport is seen not only as a path to healthier lifestyles but as a vehicle for national pride and community development.
The Turks and Caicos Islands also aim to capitalize on their natural beauty and strategic location to enhance sport tourism, a growing sector within the region. The government's vision includes developing policies and programs that position the islands as a premier destination for sporting events, training camps, and international conferences.
CANOC expressed its appreciation to the government for their continued support of the Commonwealth Games Association of the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially for hosting the meetings of the Commonwealth Games Federation, the CANOC Annual Workshop and General Assembly, and the first-ever CANOC Caribbean Sports Awards Gala.
Joseph reaffirmed CANOC’s commitment to working closely with the Turks and Caicos Islands to further enhance sport development in the region, underscoring the importance of sharing knowledge and best practices across Caribbean nations.
With the government’s strong backing and CANOC’s ongoing support, the Turks and Caicos Islands are poised to make significant strides in both national development through sport and sport tourism in the coming years.
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