Blake seeks redemption for young Reggae Boyz

FOLLOWING DISAPPOINTMENT at the 2022 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championships, former Jamaica College schoolboy standout Romain Blake is eyeing a World Cup berth for the young Reggae Boyz this time around.

A 1-0 quarterfinal defeat to the Dominican Republic is still fresh in Blake’s memory, Jamaica falling just one game short of World Cup qualification two years ago.

Now, less than a week away from competition, Blake is hoping for better fortune this year, particularly after the senior men’s exploits at the Copa America.

“The last U20 Championship, we missed out on qualifying for the World Cup by one goal, losing to Dom Rep 1-nil,” he said.

“So my expectations now is that we need to qualify. It can do so much for us as players, and I think the country needs it as well after coming off such a disappointing Copa America tournament.”

Blake takes confidence from the chemistry he has seen in the lead-up to the tournament.

He said the time spent together during the qualifiers was vital experience in learning about each player’s ability and strengths.

“The team chemistry is good. Most of us were in Mexico in June while we were preparing for the tournament, and the way we stood together throughout the good times and the bad times and the way how we helped out each other, it was good.

“The togetherness that we had in Mexico and in the qualifiers is very important going into the tournament. We just need to go out there and give our 100 per cent and get the results.”

Blake reflected on his growth as a player since his days as a schoolboy.

He has been plying his trade at Chicago Fire for the past year and said the time with the club has made him a more mature player.

He is looking forward to the competition with Jamaica’s first game set for July 19.

“It’s a good feeling whenever you get called up in another squad to put that shirt on and go out there to represent the country and the people,” he said. “It’s just the other day I was just reflecting. I’ve been playing for Chicago Fire for a year now, and I’ve learned and grown so much both as a person and a player on and off the pitch.”

Jamaica are drawn in Group A alongside the United States, Costa Rica, and Cuba.

They play the US on the 19th, and Costa Rica on the 22nd, before taking on Cuba on the 25th.