Troy Lesesne is only looking up as D.C. United look to continue their playoff push against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, having won three of their last four games in MLS to close on the wild-card spots.
D.C. beat Toronto FC 3-1 last time out, with Dominique Badji and Gabriel Pirani netting late on to decide a game that remained level with 88 minutes played.
Lesesne's team are now 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, three points clear of 14th-placed Chicago and two adrift of Atlanta United in the final wild-card place.
"We're not going to back down," Lesesne said. "We still realise there's a lot to play for in 2024, but while there's an opportunity, we have to make the most of it.
"When it goes 1-1 like that, you have a choice. But for us, it's never a choice. We're going to keep trying to push."
Chicago, meanwhile, saw their own playoff hopes dented by a 4-1 defeat to pacesetters Inter Miami last time out, with Luis Suarez netting twice for the Herons.
Boss Frank Klopas knows the Fire have no time to dwell on that result, saying: "We have to rebound. With the performance, we could have been better against Miami, but I just felt the mistakes we made cost us.
"We let the game get out of hand. It's just about keeping things tight, not giving up more than one goal per game, because we will always get opportunities.
"Now every game, we've talked about the importance of it. Other than Miami every game is against someone fighting for those spots in the playoffs.
"We'll prepare well this week and make the right decisions about who we put out on the field."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chicago Fire – Georgios Koutsias
Koutsias came off the bench to score the Fire's lone goal in their defeat to Miami last Saturday.
Three of Chicago's last seven MLS goals have been scored by substitutes after only one of the club's first 26 regular-season goals in 2024 were netted by substitutes.
D.C. United – Gabriel Pirani
D.C., meanwhile, had three substitutes score in their victory over Toronto last time out, including Pirani.
Pirani has three goals in MLS this season, with only Christian Benteke – the league's leading scorer with 17 – outperforming him for D.C.
MATCH PREDICTION – CHICAGO FIRE WIN
Chicago have failed to win any of their last five matches in all competitions (one draw, four losses), following their 4-1 home defeat to Miami last time out.
They have scored in each of those games, though, and might fancy their chances of a different result against a D.C. team with just three wins in 18 away league games (seven draws, eight losses), a run that dates back to early July 2023.
Chicago are unbeaten in nine straight home matches against D.C. (three wins, six draws), last losing to them on their own turf in June 2015. This is their longest active home unbeaten run against any team in regular-season play.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Chicago Fire – 44%
D.C. United – 29.2%
Draw – 26.8%
Wilfried Nancy commended his Columbus Crew players for their commitment to the cause after a hectic schedule since their Leagues Cup victory, continuing with the visit of the Seattle Sounders in the MLS this weekend.
Since beating Los Angeles FC in the final at the end of last month, the Crew returned to league action with back-to-back wins, the latest of which came in dramatic fashion against New York City FC.
Derrick Jones and Jacen Russell-Rowe struck twice in injury time to seal a 4-2 win on home soil, keeping them within touching distance of FC Cincinnati at the top of the Eastern Conference table.
And while head coach Nancy was not overly satisfied with his side’s most recent display, he acknowledged the physical impact has taken its toll on his players.
“This is another way to win. I'm really proud of that,” Nancy said. “This is what I told my players, I said, ‘Yes, I was frustrated a bit by the fact that we didn't control the game the way we wanted to do it, but we found ways to score goals.’
“Knowing that this is our seventh game in 21 days, I cannot be frustrated. This is impossible for me. I have to respect what they did.
“Yes, it's been a long time that we haven't had the possession [over the opponent]. In first half, they had the possession for 56 or 57 percent. We suffered with that, but again, we were able to go back and to be together and to be clinical. This is what we did.”
Seattle, meanwhile, lost to Portland Timbers last time out, three days after being knocked out of the US Open Cup at the semi-final stage by LAFC.
The Sounders remain on course to reach the playoffs this season, currently occupying eighth place in the Western Conference table, six points ahead of Austin FC, down in 10th.
Head coach Brian Schmetzer believes his squad’s latest setback was part of their journey this campaign and is looking forward to seeing his players bounce back against the Leagues Cup winners.
“We have got seven games left and that is life,” Schmetzer started. “When there is adversity, you are going to have to get up and pick yourself back up.
“We have a tough road trip in Columbus, then we have three home games. Then we have more road games, and we end with Portland at the end of the year.
“There is still everything to play for.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi
Rossi has 49 goals and 25 assists in regular-season MLS play after recording one of each on Saturday against NYCFC.
Since his MLS debut in 2019, only six players have totalled at least 50 goals and 25 assists in regular season play.
Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak
Rusnak created six chances during Seattle’s defeat to Portland last time out, the most by any Sounders player in a regular season match in over three years.
The last player to achieve that total was Joao Paulo against Atlanta United in May 2021.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
The Crew have lost only one of their last 38 home matches in all competitions (W26 D11) dating back to May 2023. 17 of those wins in that time have been by a margin of at least two goals.
However, the Sounders have won five of their eight regular season visits to Columbus (D1 L2). Seattle (.625) has the highest road winning percentage of any MLS team that has played at Columbus eight or more times.
But they suffered consecutive defeats in all competitions for the first time since April last time out. It’s been over two years since the Sounders lost three straight games in all competitions (July 2022).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Columbus Crew – 64.1%
Draw – 19.1%
Seattle Sounders – 16.7%
Anguilla and Cayman Islands began their quest for promotion on a winning note as they blanked Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands (BVI) in contrasting manner in League C of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) on Wednesday.
Anguilla’s 2-0 win over Turks and Caicos Islands represents an historic feat as it was their first-ever victory in the Concacaf Nations League, while Elijah Seymour's solitary goal in Cayman Islands’ 1-0 win over BVI also had a hint of history on it. His goal marked the 1,000th goal in the Concacaf Nations League’s five-year history.
With the wins, Anguilla and Cayman Islands assumed pole position in Groups B and C, respectively, while Group A remain evenly poised after the Bahamas and US Virgin Islands played out a 3-3 stalemate.
Anguilla vs. Turks and Caicos Islands
Germain Hughes (58th) opened the scoring for Anguilla at TCIFA National Stadium when he pounced on a loose ball and slotted home.
Lamar Carpenter (74th) notched the second when he drove home a left-footer from deep inside the 18-yard box.
US Virgin Islands vs. Bahamas
It was a closely contested affair at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in Christiansted, as host US Virgin Islands fought hard for their come-from-behind stalemate.
Lesly St Fleur gave Bahamas a second-minute lead in a frantic start as he converted from the penalty spot.
US Virgin Islands were back on level terms in the 27th thanks to Naqwan Henry, who got on the end of Rakeem Joseph’s pass and slotted home.
However, Bahamas regained the lead in the 37th as Wood Julmis expertly headed home from Jordan Cheetham’s weighted cross.
Brandon Adderley added another in the 58th, with a close-range effort to put Bahamas 3-1 up.
But US Virgin Islands were in no mood to surrender the points and pulled one back through Joseph in the 77th, before Gabriel Catone-Highfield headed home in the 86th to secure the host a share of the spoils.
British Virgin Islands vs. Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands dominated proceedings for most of the way, but British Virgin Islands fought bravely to keep their hosts at bay until the 84th minute.
That was when Elijah Seymour’s all-important left-footed strike secured all three points for Cayman Islands, much to the delight of the fans at the Truman Bodden Complex.
Jaydon Hibbert, one of the brightest young stars in track and field, has undergone minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus, an injury he sustained during the Jamaica National Championships. Despite the setback, Hibbert still managed to compete at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal while performing with the injury.
The torn meniscus occurred when Hibbert landed in an under-prepared pit during the Jamaica national championships, leading to an injury that required careful management in the lead-up to the Olympics. His coach, Travis Geopfert, who is now the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Kansas State University, expressed immense pride in Hibbert’s ability to battle through the pain and deliver a commendable performance in Paris.
"Yeah, we had to work through it, man. We had to modify things a little bit. I'm just really proud of him in his efforts, you know, because he was not 100 percent, but man, he battled. He put it out there. He tried, just off the medal, which is really good considering the circumstance," said Geopfert.
Hibbert's grit and determination were on full display despite being physically compromised, showcasing his potential as one of the sport's rising stars. Following the Olympics, Hibbert underwent surgery to clean up the meniscus, a procedure Geopfert described as "not major." The young jumper is expected to make a full recovery and will be "good to go" once rehabilitated.
Although Hibbert’s injury forced him to miss the recently concluded World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Geopfert remains optimistic about his future.
Geopfert also praised his other jumpers who competed in Paris, including Wayne Pinnock, who won silver in the men’s long jump, Carey McLeod, who made the long jump final, and Romaine Beckford, a high jump finalist. Geopfert commended their perseverance in the face of adversity.
"I'm really proud of the group. Life is not perfect, and injuries are part of the sport. Managing the imperfections of the body is part of it too. What I'm most proud of is how these guys managed everything and fought through adversity. They competed extremely well at the Olympic Games," Geopfert said.
While Pinnock’s silver medal and the presence of multiple finalists were significant achievements, Geopfert emphasized that the high standards of the group always push them to aim higher. Despite injuries and other challenges, the coach was "nothing but proud" of how his athletes performed on the biggest stage in the sport.
Vancouver Whitecaps' latest arrival, Stuart Armstrong, is relishing the challenge of the MLS as he aims to aid his new side’s push for the playoffs, starting with FC Dallas this weekend.
Armstrong, who arrived at BC Place as a free agent following his release from Southampton last season, provides a wealth of international and domestic experience for Vanni Sartini’s team.
The Whitecaps returned to league action last week with a win over Austin FC, leaving them fifth in the Western Conference table, four points behind Colorado Rapids with two games in hand.
And Armstrong, who will reunite with former Dundee United team-mate Ryan Gauld at the club, provided insight into what fans can expect from him for the remainder of the campaign.
"Hopefully, I can bring position play from back to front and connect the midfield to the forward line. Hopefully I can chip in with some creativity, some goals and assists too," Amstrong said.
"Every player I speak to says to me that the changing room's the best they've experienced in their career. The first player that said that to me was Ryan (Gauld) and I didn't believe him.
"Once more and more, every player says it, you begin to believe it. And having met the boys, a few boys yesterday and everyone today and a few more when they come back, I can re-affirm that everyone's a very good guy and a very good changing room to be a part of."
FC Dallas, meanwhile, were on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller against the Rapids last time out, with Darren Yapi’s 93rd minute winner sealing the victory for the away side.
The Toros twice led the encounter but were unable to build on their dramatic win over DC United in their first MLS fixture since their disappointing run in the Leagues Cup.
Interim head coach Peter Luccin acknowledged his side must improve to have a chance of reaching the playoffs as they sit 11th in the standings, identifying his team’s home form as a particular area to strengthen.
“We knew from the beginning that we had to get points on the road,” Luccin said. “Now we are doing the opposite, now we are winning on the road and losing at home.
“It would be great to now do both at the same time, but in the end, I am not saying that it was crucial today that we lost three points, but it was important.
“But the content of the game, is a concern. We have to learn, because today was not good enough.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Gauld assisted Vancouver’s only goal against Austin last time out, his 10th assist of the season to go along with his nine goals.
The Scot, who recorded 11 goals and 12 assists last year, could become the first Whitecaps player to notch 10 goals and 10 assists in multiple MLS seasons.
FC Dallas – Petar Musa
Musa came off the bench to score for Dallas on Saturday, his fifth straight regular season appearance with a goal.
Only Jeff Cunningham (six in 2009) and Carlos Ruiz (seven in 2006) have had longer scoring streaks in FC Dallas’ MLS history.
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
The Whitecaps have lost only one of their last nine meetings with FC Dallas dating back to 2019 (W5 D3), including going unbeaten at home against Dallas in that time (W3 D1).
They have also won five of their last seven regular season matches (D1 L1), including a 1-0 victory over Austin. The 1-0 win marked Vancouver’s first clean sheet in league play since a scoreless draw against the same opposition in May.
However, Dallas’ 4-3 win against DC United marked a rare away victory. The last time they recorded back-to-back triumphs on the road in the MLS was in May 2018, when they secured wins against Toronto FC and LA Galaxy.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 50.2%
Draw – 25.2%
FC Dallas – 24.6%
Defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors made it two wins in two games with a comfortable 40-run win over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in match seven of the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at Basseterre.
Electing to bat first in rainy conditions could have been seen as a risk but Imran Tahir’s Warriors had no such qualms as they set about posting a sizeable score of 266-7 off their 20 overs. A rope had been dragged around the wet outfield before play began but the showery conditions failed to dampen the Warrior’s run rate.
In fact, Shimron Hetmyer took the ground conditions out of the equation all together by blitzing 11 sixes to all parts of the stadium to rack up 91 runs off just 39 balls. An incredible display of hitting in an innings that didn’t include a single four. It proved to be a decisive knock from Hetmyer who was later awarded Player of the Match.
The Warriors’ total was the second highest in CPL history, just one run behind the score made by the Trinbago Knight Riders against the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2019. The match also had a record for sixes in a CPL match, with 42 Republic Bank Maximums flying out of Warner Park.
In response, Patriots captain Andre Fletcher led by example at the top of the order by compiling 81 off 33 balls but when he was well caught by Dwaine Pretorious off the skiddy spin of Gudakesh Motie in the 13th over the Patriots chase lost its impetus and wickets fell steadily throughout.
A late delay for another rain shower couldn’t save Fletcher’s side as after a short break Pretorious served up the coup de grace by bouncing out Mikyle Louis to seal the win with 12 balls to spare. and condemn the Patriots to their third straight defeat.
Spin proved to be a decisive factor in the high scoring match, with Warriors captain Tahir bowling a pivotal double wicket maiden in the 10th over, outfoxing both Josh Clarkson and Odean Smith in a matter of balls. He ended with three wickets as did Motie with his cunning slow left arm.
The Warriors look a strong outfit with bat and ball as they set about trying to go back-to-back in this year’s CPL while the Patriots will be looking to bounce back against the Barbados Royals on Friday.
Members of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and the Trinbago Knight Riders received words of inspiration from the great Sir Vivian Richards on Wednesday morning.
The former West Indies captain and batting legend spoke to both camps on the eve of their Republic Bank CPL clash — due to be played on Thursday night at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The events were organized by Philip Spooner, the Falcons Director of Media and Phil Simmons, the TKR Head Coach.
“I’m a part of the Falcons family, so I came here to see my team and show my support for the boys as they head into the last home game. I’m really impressed with the talent I’m seeing and just wanted let them know that Sir Viv is still backing them despite the tough start,” Sir Viv said.
“I spent some time with the boys at TKR as well. It’s also about helping to develop all West Indies talent meet them and talk with them. I want what’s best for West Indies and these youngsters I met with today are very talented. They are the future.”
Reggae Boyz Captain and JustBet Ambassador Andre Blake made a significant contribution to his alma mater, Clarendon College, by donating $500,000 to support the school's athletic and infrastructural development. This donation reflects Blake's ongoing commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape his personal and professional life.
At a special handing over ceremony at the school on Tuesday September 3, 2024, Blake, a proud alumnus, expressed his deep gratitude for the role the institution played in his early development. "Clarendon College was one of the key institutions that contributed to my growth as a footballer and a person. The school means a lot to me, and I'm honoured to be able to give back in a meaningful way," Blake said. "I hope this donation will inspire the students here to pursue their dreams, both in academics and athletics."
The $500,000 donation, which was facilitated through Blake’s partnership with the Supreme Ventures Foundation and Sagicor Foundation, will be used to expand the school’s football playing facilities creating better opportunities for students in sports to develop their skills.
Principal David Wilson expressed his appreciation for the donation, noting its positive impact on the school's programs. "We are extremely grateful to Andre Blake and the Supreme Ventures Foundation for their generous contribution that will help us greatly enhance the sporting experience for our students," Wilson said.
Blake, who currently plays for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS) and serves as captain of the Jamaican national team, has a long-standing commitment to philanthropy and youth development. His donation to Clarendon College is part of his broader effort to support the next generation of athletes and leaders in Jamaica.
The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has officially named its National Senior Men’s Squad for the upcoming 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League C campaign. The 23-man squad, alongside the management team, is set to travel to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands this Thursday as they prepare for their opening matches.
Head Coach Kent Hall has expressed optimism about the team's development, building on the groundwork laid during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers and has chosen to blend experience with fresh talent as he looks to revitalize the squad following a challenging period.
Notably absent from the squad are Weymouth Wales’ Nadre Butcher and Elijah Downey, along with Tajio James and Akeem Hill. The squad will also be without the services of Thierry Gale, who is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained in February. Hall emphasized the importance of fitness and readiness for the physical demands of international football as key factors behind the selection of the new-look squad.
In goal, Nicoli Brathwaite will take the lead, providing a solid foundation for the team’s defense. In defense, the likes of Andre Applewhaite, who will captain the side, along with Ackeel Applewhaite, Sheran Hoyte, and Shay Prescod, are expected to form a formidable backline. These players will be joined by Khimani Cox and Nathan Walters, offering further defensive strength.
Midfield duties will be handled by experienced players such as Hadan Holligan and Jireh Malcolm, who will work alongside younger talents like Nathan Sealy and Justin Griffith. Hall’s midfield selection highlights a blend of creativity, dynamism, and control, which will be essential in executing the team’s game plan.
In attack, the team will look to the pace and precision of players like Ricardio Morris and Ethan Taylor, both of whom have proven their goal-scoring capabilities. Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse and Mario Williams are expected to add further depth to the attacking options, ensuring Barbados can compete at the highest level in their matches against The Bahamas and the US Virgin Islands.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Rupert Hunter as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), marking a pivotal moment for the organization. Hunter, who most recently served as Head of Brand Partnerships at the International Cricket Council (ICC), will officially assume his new role in October, based at CWI's headquarters in Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua.
Hunter brings with him an impressive 24 years of experience in the sports industry, having held senior roles at some of the world's top sports and entertainment agencies. His career includes significant stints at global firms such as Bates Worldwide Advertising, World Sport Group, Havas Sports, IMG Media, and Six Nations Rugby. During his tenure at the ICC, Hunter was instrumental in driving global sponsorships and partnerships, making him a valuable addition to CWI's leadership team.
Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton, Independent Director and Chair of the Human Capital & Recruitment Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for Hunter's appointment. "We're excited to welcome Rupert Hunter as our new Chief Commercial Officer. After a thorough selection process, Rupert emerged as the top choice for this very critical role. His global outlook is vital for building strong international partnerships, and he’ll be tasked with driving revenue growth and expanding our fan base in the Caribbean and beyond. With his extensive experience, we’re confident Rupert will hit the ground running and make a significant impact."
For Hunter, joining CWI represents an opportunity to further build on the region's rich cricketing legacy. "The opportunity to join Cricket West Indies, after hosting an outstanding T20 World Cup tournament, and to re-immerse myself in the world of international cricket is very exciting. West Indies cricket has a very meaningful heritage as well as global appeal, and so I look forward to realizing the full commercial potential of the brand, the teams, and the organization in the months ahead," Hunter said.
In his new role, Hunter will oversee CWI's Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Department, working closely with newly appointed Communication and Media Manager, Nyssa Pierre. This marks a significant strengthening of the senior executive team as CWI continues its strategic restructuring to improve overall efficiency and performance.
Hunter's extensive background and international experience are expected to bring fresh perspectives and commercial acumen to West Indies cricket, a sport deeply embedded in the region's cultural fabric. With this new addition to the leadership team, CWI looks set to bolster its commercial portfolio while expanding its reach and influence both in the Caribbean and on the global stage.
Jamaica’s practical pistol shooters demonstrated exceptional precision, versatility and resilience at the recently concluded Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting Competition in Barbados. The team secured top honours in every category, solidifying their reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier competitive shooting teams.
The Jamaicans stood out in this highly competitive Level 3 event, challenging elite marksmen and women from countries such as the United States of America (USA), Suriname, Columbia, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.
As a team, Jamaica secured first, second and third place finishes in the Production Optics, Production and Open Divisions, respectively.
The individual events saw Darin Richards leading the charge, as he copped first-place in the Standard Division and the esteemed International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) President’s gold medal. His outstanding performance set the tone for the entire team.
Adrian Randle and Rohan Wallace finished second in their respective divisions, while Alrice Palmer finished third in the highly competitive Open Division, further demonstrating Jamaica’s depth of talent. Lennie Moulton also placed second in the Open Division’s Senior Category.
The women were also a formidable force, as Yeonie Campbell and Florence Golding achieved a first and second place finish, respectively, in the Production Division lady category.
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) very own, Corporal Shayon Francis, captured the High Lady Award as the highest-placed female shooter overall in the match, marking a significant achievement for the team and the country. Their remarkable performances highlighted the strength and competitiveness of Jamaica’s female shooters.
“We are incredibly proud of the team’s performance at the Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting Competition,” said Yeonie Campbell, the Jamaica Rifle Association’s (JRA) Pistol Captain.
“This success is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and hard work of our shooters, and we are thrilled to bring home these well-deserved accolades,” she added.
Jamaica’s stellar performance at this prestigious event reaffirms the nation’s status in the shooting sports arena. The team’s achievements not only reflect their individual talents but also the strong support and training environment that has been cultivated within country’s shooting community.
“The JRA is dedicated to the promotion and development of shooting sports in Jamaica, providing opportunities for shooters of all levels to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels both regionally and internationally,” said Rohan Wilson, President of the JRA.
The Jamaican team returned home beaming with pride as they carried with them not just trophies and medals but also the pride of a nation that continues to excel on the regional and international stage.
Saint Lucia Kings continued their impressive start to the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Tuesday night.
Chasing 143 in Antigua, captain Faf du Plessis got the Kings off to a flier before they romped to the target with 18 balls to spare. It was a far less eventful chase for Kings than their remarkable season opening win over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. But it was more heartache for the Falcons, who suffered a fourth straight defeat in their debut season. The home side were unable to capitalize on a promising start from new opening partners Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves as their innings fell away after the PowerPlay.
Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad starred with 3-18 to restrict Falcons to a modest 142-7 - the lowest total in the CPL this season. Assistant coach Curtly Ambrose provided a passionate rallying cry for his team, but the Falcons attack struggled against the Kings' firepower as opener Johnson Charles anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 46 balls.
A desperate Falcons had been sent in to bat in windy conditions. Greaves, in his season debut, tried to provide a tonic and smashed a second ball boundary while Zaman soon found his rhythm with a stunning straight six off seamer Matthew Forde. But their blossoming 35-run partnership was broken when Zaman was well caught by a running Khary Pierre, who shortly afterwards clean bowled Kofi James.
Pierre continued to be part of the action when he caught a skier from Greaves, who fell on 36 after he gamely tried to hit into the breeze.
The Falcons were shackled by disciplined bowling in the middle overs, unable to hit boundaries as their innings flamed out.
Du Plessis made batting look easy and whacked quick Shamar Springer for three boundaries and a six in the second over. He smashed 28 in his first 11 deliveries before falling in the first over from spinner Imad Wasim.
The wicket of du Plessis and a brief rain delay at North Sound did not stop Kings' momentum as Charles and Bhanuka Rajapaksa bludgeoned monstrous sixes. Captain Chris Green took it upon himself to revive the Falcons with the wicket of Rajapaksa in the eighth over.
But in Green's next over when he dropped a return chance to reprieve Ackeem Auguste on the last ball before drinks. A rampant Tim Seifert finished off the match in style with a six as Kings made an early season statement.
After a challenging spell on the sidelines, England-born Reggae Boyz defender Amari’i Bell is back with the national team and is already setting his sights on greater success.
Bell, a seasoned fullback who has been a key figure for Jamaica, is thrilled to rejoin his teammates and play under new head coach Steve McClaren, with their first assignment being the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League.
The Reggae Boyz are set to host Cuba at the National Stadium on Friday before travelling to face Honduras four days later.
Bell, who missed significant time for both club and country due to a torn hamstring for which he had to do a repair surgery, expressed his excitement about returning to the Jamaican squad.
“It feels amazing to be back; it's been a long time now, but, you know, I'm happy to be here. It’s been tough being away from the pitch, and it was a big injury, one of my first of my career, so mentally it was hard to get back in a good place. But I went through the rough patch, and I'm now feeling good. I'm in good spirits and ready to go,” Bell shared.
“Like I said, it was a long time out and I had my ups and downs through the rehab process, but towards the end of it, I started to see the light a lot more and, yeah, mentally, my head is in a much better place,” he added.
Bell’s return comes at a crucial time for Jamaica, as they aim to build on their third-place finish in the last edition of the Concacaf Nations League.
The team’s performance was commendable, but Bell believes they have the potential to go all the way this time around, particularly with the guidance of McClaren, who brings a wealth of experience to the team.
McClaren, who has managed clubs in England’s Premier League and served as an assistant coach for the England national team, is known for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players.
“Yeah, for sure, for sure. Finishing third was a strong result, but we know we have the ability to do even better, so the plan is to go one step better this time and win it. That's the plan, and there's no reason why we can't do it. Everybody believes in ourselves and what we can do. So, yeah, we're going to go for it,” Bell said.
With his presence, Bell, who has 17 international caps since making his debut in 2021, adds depth and experience to Jamaica’s defensive line, a critical component as they aim to stifle the opposition in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
The 30-year-old’s ability to balance defensive duties with attacking support makes him a vital asset to the team’s ambitions.
“We’ve been building something special with this group. The chemistry is there, and the belief is growing. We know that winning the Nations League is a realistic goal, and we’re all committed to making it happen. We didn't do well in the Copa America as we thought we could have, but it's stepping stones,” Bell, who has two Concacaf Gold Cup and a Copa America appearance, noted.
For Bell, the opportunity to lift the Concacaf Nations League trophy would be a career-defining moment, much like it was when his club Luton Town earned promotion to the English Premier League (EPL).
Though his EPL experience was cut short due to the injury, Bell is eager to relive the experience.
“Yeah, man, that (Premier League experience) was amazing. It is something that everyone aspires to do in their career, and, you know, thankfully I got there. Unfortunately, it was cut short by the injury, so I still feel like I've got unfinished business there, and the aim with Luton is to get back promoted,” Bell declared.
The much-anticipated fourth edition of the Concacaf Nations League gets underway on Wednesday, when 16 League B teams begin their hunt for promotion to taste League A action in the tournament’s next edition.
Split into four groups, the countries will face each other twice during the FIFA Match Windows in September, October, and November. However, unlike previous editions, matches will now be played at a centralized venue per group to help alleviate some of the travel challenges in the region.
Group winners will be promoted to League A, while fourth-place finishes are relegated to League C. Additionally, the tournament will help to decide berths for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Group A
El Salvador, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Bonaire comprise the first group. El Salvador returns to League B after being relegated in last year’s tournament, while Bonaire makes its debut after earning a promotion from League C.
Montserrat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will try to build on their 2023/24 Nations League campaign, in which they both finished with nine points.
Group B
Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Saint Martin are the teams drawn into Group B.
Saint Martin was promoted to League B, coming off an undefeated run in last year’s Nations League, while Curaçao is back in League B for the first time in three years after being relegated from League A. Grenada is also back after being relegated for the first time in four years.
Meanwhile, Saint Lucia, which tallied 10 points last year, will be hoping to ascend to League A for the first time.
Group C
Haiti, Puerto Rico, Aruba, and Sint Maarten round out Group C.
Aruba returns to League B for the first time since 2019/20 via promotion. Haiti also is back after being relegated.
Sint Maarten and Puerto Rico will rely on top scorers Gerwin Lake and Ricardo Rivera to lead the way.
Group D
The four teams in Group D are the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.
Dominica arrives via promotion from League C to rub shoulders with Dominican Republic, and Antigua and Barbuda, who are on the hunt for a first-ever League A promotion, while Bermuda aims to improve after going 2-2-2 in last year’s edition.
At the conclusion of the group stage in November, the four group winners will qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage, and the two best second-place finishers will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims.
The Gold Cup Prelims are scheduled for March 2025.
Meanwhile, League C action is also scheduled for Wednesday, with Bahamas and US Virgin Islands to open their Group A accounts. Barbados is the other team in the group.
Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands are set to cross swords in Group B, which also includes Belize, while British Virgin Islands will visit Cayman Islands in Group C, which also has St Kitts and Nevis.
At the end of the Group Stage in October, the three group winners and the best second-place finishers will advance to the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Play-In. The Play-In will take place in November 2024.
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