JFF president Michael Ricketts (second right) and general secretary Dennis Chung (right) accepts one of five laptops from Dane Spencer, managing director of SMS, while AWDS' CEO Mark Anthony Bernard looks on.
Sherdon Cowan
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) general secretary Dennis Chung welcomed the addition of two new sponsors to their coffers, which he says reaffirms the Michael Ricketts-led administration’s efforts to raise the profile of the country’s governing football body.
Though the contributions of five laptops and two tents from Smart Mobile Solutions (SMS) and Awnings, Windows, Doors, and Shower Enclosurers (AWDS) by Bernie Limited, may not seem like much, Chung pointed out that they should not be understated, as every bit of sponsorship is very much valued by the JFF.
In fact, he revealed that the laptops donated by SMS are said to be worth $800,000, while AWDS’ two tents, also boast significant value.
“A lot of times what we talk about is the large sponsorships that come in right, but we certainly at the JFF want to assure everyone that we treasure every single contribution that comes in here because, as I said, they say every mickle, make a muckle. People who don't organize a game don't understand how important, for example, a tent is. The tents are extremely important to ensure that we have proper security and coverage just in case the weather changes,” Chung said during a press conference on Wednesday.
“So we're very appreciative of this, Mr. [Mark Anthony] Bernard; it definitely will enhance our capabilities and ensure that we don't have to rent everything that we want, and that's what helps us from a cash flow perspective. Certainly, Mr. [Dane] Spencer and his team were really appreciative of this; it couldn't have come at a better time, a time that we were actually looking at how we could acquire some laptops, and definitely they've come in at the right time. So we really appreciate the support,” he added.
These sponsorships come on the heels of a recent $200 million deal between the JFF and Wray & Nephew, as well as another partnership with marketing company 876Stream.
For President Michael Ricketts, it represents a positive step in the right direction that the JFF is finding favour with both large and small corporate companies.
“One-one cocoa full basket, and we’re just very appreciative of small companies coming on and making significant contributions. We got five computers and we got tents, which are something we really do need, and if every small company could come on and make a small contribution, then it would touch the lives of some boy or girl in some disenfranchised community,” Ricketts noted.
SMS Managing Director Dane Spencer explained that their partnership with the JFF is one that he hopes will have a far-reaching impact.
“This collaboration where we are providing technology is actually very important because now we can showcase not just that we contribute and give back in this way, but naturally we're also trying to show that we can foster sustainable partnerships and something that will actually bring some value to the Jamaican populace.
“Because football, for us, is a little bit more than just a sport or a game. We know that it is something that actually helps with social development and the upliftment of our youth. So, the laptops that we're donating are equipped with the latest technology and essential tools for the JFF administration, and we think that they will help facilitate better communication for the federation and its day-to-day operations,” Spencer shared.
Meanwhile, AWDS Chief Executive Officer Mark Anthony Bernard expressed optimism that his partnership with the JFF will also blossom into something bigger in the near future.
“We at AWDS would like to thank the JFF family for this opportunity to be a part of contributing to the national football program. We donated two tents, which is just a small contribution, but it's a start in the right direction. Hopefully, in the future, we can build on that and eventually become a part of this growing JFF family, where we'll be more present and be able to offer more tangible donations,” Bernard declared.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Austin FC v Charlotte FC: Smith proud of 'evolving' Crown
Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith believes his team have evolved as they aim to go three games without defeat against Austin FC.
The Crown came from behind to draw 1-1 with Columbus Crew on Wednesday, which followed an impressive 3-1 victory over high-flying FC Cincinnati last weekend.
Charlotte sit sixth in the Eastern Conference and a win on Saturday could see them move higher if other results go their way.
Smith noted how impressed he has been with the team's progress in recent weeks and backed them to get the job done this weekend.
"I think we've evolved as a team," Smith said. "As well as being really good without the ball, I think we're starting to learn how to use it a little bit better.
"[The players] believe in the way we play and the structure. I think the big thing is that there is belief in going and competing against these teams."
Meanwhile, Austin are 10th in the Western Conference, having lost their last two matches with a man sent off in both.
Having won just two of their last 10 games in MLS, head coach Josh Wolff admitted they needed to improve their discipline if they wanted to stay in with a chance of reaching the playoffs.
"We need to keep 11 guys on the field is the first thing," Wolff said, "that gives us a better chance.
"Discipline outside the red cards is also important. We have to make plays - getting a little more quality will help us, but we have to execute better by scoring goals.
"We do a lot of things good, but we can't shoot ourselves in the foot."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin – Gyasi Zardes
Gyasi Zardes has scored each of Austin's last three goals, with a brace against New York City FC prior to his goal against Dallas on Wednesday.
Zardes is the first Austin player to score three consecutive team goals since he, himself, did so in May 2023.
Charlotte – Patrick Agyemang
Patrick Agyemang has scored four goals in his last four matches for Charlotte, including each of the last two.
The only player in Charlotte FC's MLS history to score in three straight league matches is Karol Swiderski in October 2023.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
Austin won the only previous meeting between the sides, 1-0, in Charlotte in June 2022. Daniel Pereira scored the game's only goal from outside the box in the 62nd minute.
Over the last year (since July 21, 2023), Austin have lost 18 of their 37 matches in all competitions (nine wins, 10 draws). The Verde were held to one or zero goals in 24 of those games, including their 3-1 loss to FC Dallas on Wednesday.
Charlotte have collected 13 points from their last seven away matches (four wins, one draw, two losses), including a 1-1 draw at reigning MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew on Wednesday. Charlotte had totaled just eight points in their previous 15 regular-season away matches dating back to last May (one win, five draws, nine defeats).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Austin – 34.6%
Draw – 25.9%
Charlotte – 39.6%
Vancouver Whitecaps v Houston Dynamo: Sartini eyeing 'huge statement' win
Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini wants his team to put out a statement when they host Houston Dynamo in MLS on Saturday.
The Whitecaps are flying high this season after a five-match unbeaten streak in MLS has seen them move up to fourth in the Western Conference, just eight points off top spot with two games in hand.
While many did not expect to see Vancouver sitting so high in the table, Sartini is keen to prove why there should not be any doubts about his team's capabilities.
"If we do a great job, and we win, I think it's a huge statement to tell everyone we are a top-four team, and we are not there accidentally but because we deserve it," Sartini said.
"I think that should be one of the things to ignite us for a good performance because one of the criticisms of us is we're a good team, but we botch the important games.
"I don't agree, but it's a chance to show people it's not true."
Houston have lost just one of their last nine matches, bouncing back from two without a win to beat struggling San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 on Wednesday.
They sit eighth in the tightly packed table, but head coach Ben Osborn has challenged them to rise up the rankings by extending their recent impressive run.
"We've got to be selfish. Be greedy," Olsen said.
"Try to get more [points]. It's a quick turnaround, but we've fortunately got the depth, and we've got guys champing at the bit to get involved right now."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Fafa Picault
Fafa Picault, who scored Vancouver's winner against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, has scored four times in six career matches against the Dynamo, for whom he played in 2021-22.
Picault only has more career regular-season goals against Orlando City (five).
Houston Dynamo – Amine Bassi
Amine Bassi recorded his team-leading eighth assist of the season, setting up Daniel Steres for the lone goal in Houston's win on Wednesday.
In the nine matches that Bassi has recorded a goal contribution this season, Houston's record is six wins, two draws and one loss, compared to three wins, five draws and six defeats when he does not.
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
The Whitecaps have never lost a home match against the Dynamo (winning nine and drawing two, excluding neutral-site home games). The Whitecaps have scored in all 11 of their matches against the Dynamo in Vancouver.
Vancouver have also won three straight home matches after winning just two of their previous 11 at BC Place in all competitions (five draws, four defeats). The Whitecaps last won four in a row at home in September-October 2021.
As for Houston, they earned their fifth road win of the season on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory at San Jose Earthquakes. It is the first time Houston have won five road matches in a single regular season since 2013 (also five), while they have not won more since 2007 (seven).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 45.9%
Draw – 26.7%
Houston Dynamo – 27.4%
Minnesota United v San Jose Earthquakes: Under-pressure Ramsay chooses to see hope
Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay says the club are "onto a good thing" despite their nine-match winless streak as they prepare to face the San Jose Earthquakes.
Minnesota ended a six-match losing run against Houston Dynamo last weekend with a 1-1 draw but could not build on that in midweek as they let a lead slip in stoppage time against D.C. United to lose 3-2.
Sitting ninth in the Western Conference with teams below them are starting to close in, but Ramsay, who is starting to come under pressure due to this run of results, remains optimistic.
"I always see hope," Ramsay said. "We've got a group that is very willing to throw themselves into a challenge and a coaching staff that are largely very positive and constructive.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure that we roll from one game into another. We look at ourselves hard in the mirror, but we're also realistic, and I am absolutely adamant that we're onto a good thing here.
"The big thing is we remain calm and level, with lessons learned, and everything still intact."
Meanwhile, San Jose sit rooted to the bottom of the table having collected just 14 points this season.
Despite winning just one of their last 12 matches, interim head coach Ian Russell says he sees improvement in the team, especially defensively.
"We've had three games in a week, and you want to focus on each game, but that's really hard," Russell said.
"Defensively, we're better, but we've got to get the attack going. It's a fine line. It's a matter of every player buying in defensively, staying compact, small details.
"If you do that as a collective, you start seeing results and, defensively, we've been pretty good."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi
Minnesota's 3-2 defeat to D.C. on Wednesday marked the second time in club history that the Loons lost an MLS match when leading entering the 90th minute, also doing so at home against Seattle in August 2018.
Oluwaseyi scored the opener in that game, netting for the eighth time this season, and he will be key as they look to bounce back.
San Jose Earthquakes – Jacob Jackson
San Jose have lost four straight, and nine of their 11 road games this regular season (winning one, drawing one). The Earthquakes have allowed at least four goals in five of those 11 games.
Jacob Jackson has endured a torrid run in goal, and he will be keen to enjoy a shutout before the Leagues Cup break.
MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN
San Jose won each of their first four meetings with Minnesota, spanning the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Since 2019, the Earthquakes have managed just one win in 10 meetings with the Loons in all competitions (drawing four, losing five).
Minnesota are winless in a club-record nine straight regular-season matches (drawing two, losing seven) following a 3-2 loss to D.C. on Wednesday. The Loons have lost three straight home matches for the first time in the club's MLS history.
Meanwhile, San Jose's 14 points through 24 games this season equals the fourth-fewest at this stage of a season in MLS history, behind only the MetroStars in 1999 (nine), D.C. United in 2013 (13) and Chivas USA in 2005 (13).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 56.1%
Draw – 22.7%
San Jose Earthquakes – 21.2%
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