WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jamaica’s senior men soccer team rose above yet another explosive episode of internal conflict to beat the United States last month in an international friendly match played here.
The Reggae Boyz, troubled by disagreement with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) over player benefits, clipped the U.S. 1-0 on June 5 at Audi Field stadium.
The dispute with the JFF, the game’s ruling body on the Caribbean island, covered mainly financial compensation. It boiled over publicly when veteran player Kemar Lawrence voiced his frustration on social media, calling the situation “bulls..t”
Captain Andre Blake, also expressed frustration.
“It’s very difficult in moments like these,” Blake said. “… At some point we’ve got to take a stand, not just for us, but for the younger generations to come.”
However, head coach Theodore Whitmore declined to discuss the dispute.
“I think that’s a internal matter,” Whitmore said during a post-match press conference.
“That’s not something I want to discuss publicly. My role and job description is to prepare the team, both technical and tactical. So I think the powers that be dealt with that part of the situation.”
The Boyz handled their business on the field against the U.S. On the hour mark, substitute Shamar Nicholson collected the ball outside the box, dismissed his defender and rifled a powerful, curling shot into the net.
