1 month ago
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REGGAE BOYZ defender Damion Lowe believes that Jamaica’s 1-0 defeat in their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal first leg against the United States on Thursday night wasn’t a true reflection of how well the team played.
“I think we gave it our all and the guys really put it to the test. An early goal is never good, but we fought adversity and dug deep. We got two opportunities to win the game but unfortunately, the scoreline didn’t attest to how we performed,” he said.
The Reggae Boyz conceded in the fifth minute of play as Ricardo Pepi notched his 12th international goal for the Mauricio Pocchetino-coached unit, giving his team a slight advantage going into Monday’s decisive second-leg encounter at City Park in St Louis.
Lowe said the team had already put the result behind it and will now shift focus to Monday’s second leg.
He also drew inspiration from last year’s quarterfinal tie against Canada when the team lost 2-1 on home soil before going on to beat Canada, away, 3-2.
“It’s football, it’s a cruel sport and we just have to take our chances. It’s a two-way tie so we can’t beat ourselves up because it’s a quick turnaround. Last year we were in the same predicament, so we just have to do it again,” said Lowe.
The Reggae Boyz vice-captain further explained that he believes the time is now for the Reggae Boyz to break barriers and start collecting silverware at this level. While he admits that the US are tough opponents, he’s a firm believer that they’re beatable.
“We have good enough players and we have enough motivation to know that USA are beatable and we are a good team. We know what’s on the line, we’re playing for trophies, so that alone says a lot. The USA has won it three years in a row, we’ve gotten so close and I believe it’s our time. I’ve told the guys, no more almosts, it’s time to take the next step and bring home a trophy for the nation,” he explained.
If the Reggae Boyz should progress to the semifinal stage, they’ll face the winner of the Costa Rica versus Panama tie.
A Jose Fajardo 66th-minute strike gave Panama a 1-0 victory in their first leg with the second leg also set for Monday.
English (US) ·