April 11 Friendly: United States vs. Jamaica

The week’s lone international friendly featuring a World Cup team is hardly one for the ages, but it does offer some sentimental value for fans of the United States as goalkeeper Tony Meola is likely to earn his 100th cap. Meola and an entirely domestic-based US side will take on a Jamaica team that failed to qualify for the World Cup but is forever a fan favorite simply for being called the Reggae Boyz. Because I need to stay in typing shape for the World Cup, I will be doing a LiveBlog during the match. Hope you’ll stop on by and join me. For now, here is a preview.

Game Details
United States – Jamaica
Cary, North Carolina.
Kickoff is 1am GMT, 7pm ET in US.

World Rankings
USA – 5
Jamaica – 45

Three Things You Should Know about Tony Meola

J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets: After gaining 15 seconds of fame playing keeper for the US in the 1994 World Cup, Meola tried out as a place kicker for the pointy ball New York Jets, a team that is from New York even though plays its home games in New Jersey, Meola’s home state. He didn’t make the cut which is just as well since the Jets sucked that year like they have for most of their history.

Off-Broadway: Failing as NFL kicker, Meola naturally turned his attention to theater where he co-starred in the play Tony and Tina’s Wedding in 1995. His performance was so bad that it made Tony Danza seem like a talented actor.

Who ate all the pies?: Through it all – the mullet, the failed acting career and the ever expanding waistline – Meola has managed to play a lot of footie. His first international appearance was in 1988 against Ecuador. With his 100th cap, he’ll have 99 more than US coach Bruce Arena, who also played keeper.

Three Things You Should Know About Jamaica

Caribbean Cup Champions: They might have only qualified for the World Cup one time only, in 1998, but the Raggae Boyz have captured three Caribbean Cup championships. Barbados is their bitch.

Ganja: Marijuana is considered the “wisdom weed” by Jamaican Rastafarians, as its use helps one to gain wisdom. It also helps one gain the munchies. Perhaps that explains Meola’s waistline?

Boys Town FC: One of the teams that plays in Jamaica’s domestic league. Sadly, they don’t have anybody named Father Flanagan on their roster.

Where to watch the game online
Video: Check here
LiveBlog

Predictions
WCB Bob: The US will give Tony Meola one last moment of glory with a 2-0 win. After the game Meola will be presented with a rocking chair and a burial plot in the endzone at Giants Stadium next to Jimmy Hoffa.

USA Blog Daryl: I’m predicting a decent size win for USA. With some pride to win back after Germany and with all the players having 2 weeks of MLS under their belts, I’m going for a 4-0 victory. Eddie Johnson has looked dangerous for Kansas City so I expect him to continue his tradition of scoring against weaker opposition. Brian Ching has scored 5 goals in 2 MLS games and knows his World Cup roster spot is slipping away, so I expect him to score. Tony Meola will get a shutout in his 100th (and final?) appearance.

Rosters

USA

Goalkeepers
Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)

Defenders
Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)

Midfielders
Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), John O’Brien (Chivas USA), Ben Olsen (D.C. United), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)

Forwards
Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)

–
Jamaica

Goalkeepers: Donovan Ricketts (Bradford City, England), Shawn Sawyers (Portmore United)

Defenders: Claude Davis (Preston North End, England), Omar Daley (Portmore United), Garfield Reid (Waterhouse), Damion Stewart (Bradford City, England), Demar Stewart (Portmore United), Oneil Thompson (Boys Town)

Midfielders: Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Rotherham, England), Fabian Dawkins (Harbour View), Jermaine Hue (Kansas City, MLS), Jason Morrison (Portmore United)

Forwards: Ryan Johnson (Salt Lake, MLS), Teofore Bennett (Village United), Newton Sterling (Village United), Khari Stephenson (GAIS, Sweden), Jermaine Johnson (Tivoli)

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