Howell stunner blasts U20 Boyz into next round

A stunning strike from Jabarie Howell proved the difference for the U20 Reggae Boyz as they defeated Puerto Rico 1-0 yesterday to top Group B of the Concacaf Men’s U20 Qualifiers and advance to the Concacaf Men’s U20 Championship.

Howell scored the lone goal of the contest in the 32nd minute of play to secure Jamaica’s spot in the next round and a perfect run in the group.

With the win, the young Boyz have won all five of their group stage games, scoring 28 goals along the way without conceding.

Jamaica started the better of the two teams but found themselves stymied by a resolute Puerto Rican defence.

Defender Marlon van de Wetering crafted the first real opportunity of the contest when he dribbled into the midfield from out wide, playing the ball into Jahmarie Nolan who did just enough to lay it off for Howell.

Howell found himself crowded off the ball by a trio of Puerto Rican defenders before he could get his shot off.

Van de Wetering was again on hand for the second opportunity as he sent a dangerous ball to the back post, finding Claver Nugent who could not find the right angle, his shot strking the side netting.

Jamaica eventually found their winner when Howell scored a stunning opening goal worthy of their early pressure.

Lining up a free kick down the left wing, Howell defied everyone’s expectations as he went for goal from a tight angle, beating the Puerto Rican goalkeeper, and his defender, at the near post.

The Boyz went searching for another goal in the second half and should have doubled their lead when Nolan was set free with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The youngster was uncharacteristic tame in his execution as he hit the ball directly into the path of the goalkeeper.

Van de Wetering would again craft another opportunity, sending a low ball into the ball for Nolan whose shot was inches wide of the near post.

Puerto Rico had their chances at goal as well, with their best opportunity falling to Eddiel Marquez, who could not find the final touch before a diving clearance from Jamaican custodian Joshua Grant.

Despite Puerto Rico’s pressure, Jamaica maintained their lead until referee Ismael Lopez blew the final whistle.

With the result, Jamaica finish atop Group B with 15 points, ahead of Puerto Rico who finished second with 12.

Bonaire snuck into the third spot on the final day on seven points with a 3-2 win over the Cayman Islands while the Turks and Caicos Islands finish fourth with six.

St Kitts and Nevis fell to fifth in the standings on four points while Cayman remain rooted at the foot of the table having lost all five games.

Jamaica will advance to the Concacaf Men’s U20 Championship where they will compete for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Men’s U20 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The U20 Championship is set to kick off July 25 and end on August 9.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com