GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor

Deon Burton ... lone striker versus Canada. - ricardo makyn

toronto, canada:

Jamaica snatched a deserved 1-1 draw with Canada to open their CONCACAF semi-final round of World Cup football qualification Wednesday night. Here's a report card on what the Reggae Boyz did to secure a valuable point away from home:

GOALKEEPER: Excellent back-to-back saves in the 71st minute surely kept Jamaica in the game. But Donovan Ricketts showed a couple uncertain twitches as well, one early when he left his line but failed to collect, and a dangerous drop of a high ball which could have cost Jamaica dearly. No fault for the lone goal Jamaica conceded, but Ricketts must inspire more confidence as the campaign progresses. GRADE: C+.

DEFENCE: Ian Goodison looked like 'Pepe' on the 'Road To France' in 1998. His tough, commanding presence led a unit which kept Canada's attack in check for most of the game. His lunging challenge in the dying minutes after Ricketts' botched handling helped preserve the draw. Jermaine Taylor was quietly efficient next to him. On the flanks, Ricardo Gardner and Obrian Woodbine caused a few anxious moments, but overall this unit was solid, especially while missing the veteran presence of injured Tyrone Marshall. GRADE: B.

MIDFIELD: The enormous task of nullifying Canada's most dangerous players, orchestrating ball possession and transitioning into any possible scoring opportunities fell to a unit with only one proven veteran - Andy Williams. But the central pair of Evan Taylor and Rudolph Austin did a commendable job anchoring the unit. Williams's calming presence and goal directly from a corner kick was huge for Jamaica. His value from set pieces can never be overlooked. Demar Phillips's confidence continues to grow, but he was not consistent enough with the ball. One telling cross in the first half narrowly missed the overlapping Woodbine. Wolry Wolfe did not stand out in any particular category, but his tireless work marking, tracking back and helping to nullify Canada's engine deserves credit. Yet, overall, creative imagination was absent from Jamaica's own boiler room. GRADE: B.

FORWARDS: Working night for Deon Burton, who was often the lone man upfront with the task of holding up the ball for his advancing teammates. Hard to remember Burton ever threatening to score though, and Jamaica will need to show more punch in attack for the remaining fixtures. GRADE: C.

SUBSTITUTES: Forward Luton Shelton got the most time on the pitch and his late injection of pace certainly worried the Canadians. That role could be pivotal during this campaign. Jermaine Hue did not have time to show much, but if he stays the course, his skills and vision will be a big boost.

COACHING: René Simoes raised a few eyebrows with his team selection, but there is little doubt the technical director got his game plan on target against Canada. And Jamaica were prepared to execute it. Scouting reports told Simoes that Canada would not press Jamaica early or too far up the field and the Reggae Boyz needed to be organised in defence and patient with the ball. That worked. Grabbing a win late in the game did not, but a draw away from home is a good result for Jamaica and a huge boost going home for the September 6 clash with Mexico at 'The Office'. Simoes had the players ready to execute his plan, a big plus with overseas-based players available late. The team composition puzzle is not completely solved, but Simoes has been clear that whoever doesn't accept his way will not be tolerated this campaign. So far, so good.

GRADE: B.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States..