Under-17 Boyz seeking second win at Torneo del Sol

JAMAICA WILL go into today’s second game of their Concacaf U17 Men’s Qualifiers preparation against Seleccion Norte seeking a second-straight win after a tight 3-2 result yesterday against Seleccion Bajio at the Torneo del Sol competition.

The U17 Boyz will take on Seleccion Norte today at 10:30 a.m. in their second match of Group C after kick-starting the campaign in winning fashion, getting the better of Seleccion Bajio in an end-to-end affair.

Inter Miami’s Cadriano Marsh had opened the scoring for Jamaica in the 23rd minute as he rounded the goalkeeper to finish into an empty net.

Seleccion Bajio would respond soon after and take the lead with strikes in the 28th and the 39th minutes of play.

However, New York FC’s Seymour Reid would secure the win for the Boyz, bagging a brace within two minutes. Those efforts came in the 53rd and 55th minutes.

Tied in second place

The win sees Jamaica sitting second in Group C on three points, tied with Liga Premier, who boast a better goal difference.

Their next opponents, Seleccion Norte, will be hoping they can better their opening performance after being thumped 3-0 by the group leaders Liga Premier.

In other results, Panama drew 1-1 with Seleccion Sureste in their opening match while regional giants, and hosts, Mexico thumped Seleccion Centro 5-0 in their encounter.

Speaking before the start of the tournament, U17 Boyz head coach Altimont ‘Freddie’ Butler had stated the tournament would be used as the team’s final preparations for the Concacaf U17 Men’s Qualifiers in February.

“This tournament provides the perfect platform for us to compete against top-level national teams, which is crucial as we approach the final stretch of preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers,” Butler said.

Butler also said Jamaica’s final squad for the qualifiers will be announced after the conclusion of the tournament.

The team has been drawn in Group H for the qualifiers alongside El Salvador, the Cayman Islands, and St Lucia.

The winner of the group will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Men’s U17 World Cup in Qatar.

– Gregory Bryce