Honduras edge scrappy Boyz

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz suffered a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Honduras in their second Concacaf Nations League League A Group B encounter at the National Stadium yesterday.

The defeat left Jamaica joint second in the table with El Salvador, who have played a game less, and Honduras.

Keyrol Figueroa scored in the 14th minute to hand the visitors all three points.

The three teams, on three points each, trail group leaders Suriname on six.

Coming into the game, Boyz coach Rudolph Speid pointed out that the Central Americans, who lost their opening game, would come hunting for maximum points and, after a cagey first 10 minutes, it was the visitors who gradually wrestled control of the match.

They also had the first few attempts at goal before Figueroa opened the scoring.

The Honduras striker stabbed home a Jonathan Rubio cross from six yards out after good combination play down the right flank.

The Reggae Boyz, who were forced to substitute the hero of the previous match, Renaldo Cephas, after he pulled up with a leg injury in the ninth minute, eventually got their attack going through some good play from Kaheim Dixon on the right.

The winger delivered a delightful ball to Bailey Cadamarteri at the back post in the 21st minute, but the striker could not turn his effort on target.

Moments later, Kacey Palmer found room inside the box but kicked straight at goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar.

Cadamarteri then broke free a minute later but failed to beat Menjivar with a powerful strike.

Nevertheless, Honduras remained a threat and squandered a good headed opportunity through Luis Palma near the end of the half.

The Reggae Boyz’ scrappy play continued into the second half and they looked far removed from the quality football Speid had promised.

They did not produce a meaningful effort on goal until the 63rd minute, when Cadamarteri’s terrific shot from the edge of the area sailed just over the bar.

Moments later, Honduras suffered a severe blow in their quest for three points when Dereck Moncada was red-carded for a violent challenge on Ronaldo Webster.

However, the Jamaicans remained toothless in attack and had a real scare of falling further behind when Alenis Vargas broke down the left and delivered a dangerous cross that a couple of Honduras players failed to make the most of.

Dixon was the Boyz’ brightest spark and, in the 77th minute, he sent a vicious shot just wide of the upright.

They had another good opportunity two minutes later when a loose ball fell to Javon East on the edge of the area, but he failed to connect cleanly and his shot was easily saved.

Honduras then threatened through Vargas, whose low strike forced Andre Blake to parry wide.

However, try as they might, the Boyz could find no way through the Honduran defence and had to settle for defeat.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com