TRIAL AND ERROR: Reggae Boyz win, but concerns remain

WASHINGTON DC, United States:

An unexpected twist in game strategy by Theodore Whitmore produced a 2-0 win for Jamaica against El Salvador on Wednesday night.

The result underlined the head coach's willingness to inject the Reggae Boyz with innovation. But mixed signals emerged from the friendly football international ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against the United States. Here's a report card on Jamaica's performance:

Players

GOALKEEPER: Dwayne Miller came up big, pulling off critical saves to preserve Jamaica's clean sheet. A few gems stood out, starting in the 12th minute when he stretched far to his left to deny Eliseo Quintinilla's curling free kick. Donovan Ricketts is Jamaica's number one, but Miller showed he's primed to step in.

B

DEFENCE: Hardly convincing. Shavar Thomas returned at sweeper as Jamaica abandoned the flat back four seen in two June World Cup qualifiers. Dicoy Williams and Jermaine Taylor flanked the captain. Lovel Palmer lined up on their right and Andrae Campbell, left.

Yet, even with the extra man, El Salvador's attackers had too much room to roam. Missed marking assignments were glaring, among the worst when Lester Blanco was allowed a free header as Jamaica's defenders watched. The unit dropped too deep, too often and hesitated to shut down spaces.

However, Palmer attacked effectively at times, sending in dangerous crosses. Campbell found himself forward too, but was tentative, especially with the ball on his right foot. Good to see Williams back from injury, but he needs work to regain full sharpness.

C

MIDFIELD: The combination of Damian Williams and Je-Vaughn Watson battled hard to cope with El Salvador's five-man swarm. On the ball, however, the pair didn't do badly, even without consistent support.

In the absence of quality playmakers for Jamaica, Watson's rare opportunity in the centre should give the coach food for thought. He has vision and poise, but craves a creative rein. Williams staked his own claim for a permanent place. But the gas in this engine room evaporated fast and, with Jamaica up two goals, Whitmore replaced both, adding a third midfielder for a forward to secure the game.

C+

FORWARD: The triple threat of Luton Shelton, Omar Cummings and Ryan Johnson put El Salvador under pressure, creating chances with speed and quickness. Shelton's first goal was ruthless, taking a pass, swiftly dismissing a defender before smashing a left footer inside the near post. Cummings looked fit and fast, but his shooting was way off, swinging hard and missing once and miscuing other attempts. Johnson, too, missed clear cut chances, but his effort and cross from the left flank resulted in Shelton's second score. Substitute Darren Mattocks got enough time on debut to show he, too, is a legitimate threat, but bushed a pair of legitimate scoring opportunities.

B-

OVERALL: A win does wonders and Jamaica should welcome this one, flaws aside. Whitmore's revelation that Jamaica hardly rehearsed the starting formation was puzzling. Still, the coach may have tapped into a previously unchartered well of Reggae Boyz potential. If Jamaica gets proper balance in midfield and defence, the three-pronged option up front appears an intriguing option that should concern teams like the US.

C