Forward Khallil Stewart (left) of Jamaica about to get by Aruba's Ginayla Geerman in last night's CONCACAF Under-20 Group A game at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. - Paul Clarke

Paul Clarke, STAR Writer

Western Bureau:

The junior Reggae Boyz had eight attempts on goal in the first half of their CONCACAF Under-20 game last night at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, twice hitting the post, but still failed to convert any of the chances to draw 0-0 with Aruba.

It was much of the same in the second half of a contest that held only academic interest for both countries, as they had no chance of advancing beyond the group stages.

To make matters worse, they had to play all of 21 minutes with 10 players, after goalkeeper Dane Chambers was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the area in the 69th minute.

Head coach, Theodore Whitmore, had no choice but to sacrifice striker Donjay Smith to bring in regular goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson for Chambers.

"Another disappointing result, another disappointing tournament for us; at least we should have gotten a victory against Aruba," Whitmore lamented.

"It was hard to motivate the players for this game given the previous results we had; but, to be honest, I would grade our performance in this championship four out of 10 based on our attitude and performances in games," added Whitmore, who said he was willing to carry on as head coach in spite of the country's poor showing.

However, what the Jamaicans lacked in goals they made up plenty by way of entertaining, high-paced football with the slick moving Khallil Stewart and the always dangerous Junior Flemmings bringing the sparse Jamaican supporters inside the stadium to their feet on several occasions.

The fleet-footed Cardell Benbow joined the fray in the 60th minute, replacing Martin Davis and immediately had an impact. He came close to winning a penalty when his legs got tangled up with Aruba defender Niels Ridderstap.

Flemmings shot in the 83rd minute skimmed the crossbar as the hosts kept searching for the go-ahead goal.

Jamaica again came close with Benbow throwing himself at a pass from Flemmings in time added on for stoppages after 90 minutes, but missed the ball at point blank range.

The Jamaicans ended the championship on a lowly two points, one more than Aruba.