(ABOVE) Action from the 2014 Caribbean Cup game between host Jamaica and Haiti (white jersey) on November 16, 2014, in Montego Bay.
BALTIMORE, Maryland – In the second match of a 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinal doubleheader on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium, Caribbean champion Jamaica takes on Haiti at M&T Bank Stadium.
Here are Three Points to consider ahead of the game:
1) Caribbean Pride
It has been a banner tournament so far for the Caribbean as each of its four representatives have managed to advance out of group play. However, one team is guaranteed to head home on Saturday night as Jamaica meets Haiti in a quarterfinal showdown. The Reggae Boyz and Les Grenadiers last met in the 2014 Caribbean Cup’s group stage. On that occasion, Jamaica posted a 2-0 victory in Montego Bay en route to the regional title. Simon Dawkins (13’) and Darren Mattocks (20’) scored the goals that gave Jamaica a place in the final against Trinidad & Tobago.
2) Jamaica shorthanded
When Jamaica takes the field on Saturday night in Baltimore, they will be missing four of their most influential players. Unavailable for the Haiti clash are Major League Soccer standouts Jermaine Taylor (injury), Je-Vaughn Watson (yellow card accumulation), Darren Mattocks (red card) and Alvas Powell, who has returned to his club. In their absence, Reggae Boyz captain Rodolph Austin will have to be at his best, as will in-form winger Garath McCleary. Currently playing in England with Reading, McCleary has two goals already at the Gold Cup.
3) Eyes on Nazon
Haiti striker Dunckens Nazon has been a revelation so far at the 2015 Gold Cup. One of Haiti’s most impactful players, Nazon scored both of Les Grenadiers’ goals, slotting home against Panama and Honduras, respectively. Nazon, currently playing his club soccer in the French second division, will again need to be sharp if the Haitians are going to continue their Cinderella run. It will be a tall task, however, as Jamaica has not conceded a single goal in the last 223 minutes of play.
