Canadian men to open 2010 season against Jamaica

The Canadian Soccer Association has confirmed its men’s national team will open its 2010 season with an international friendly match against CONCACAF opponent Jamaica. Canadian head coach Stephen Hart will take the national team to Kingston, Jamaica for the friendly date on 31 January at the National Soccer Stadium.



“This camp provides me with the ideal opportunity to see some of our players that are on the winter break from their club season,” said Canadian head coach Stephen Hart. “We will also be provided with a good international test as Jamaica has proved to be a formidable opponent within CONCACAF in recent years.”



The Canadian team will meet in Fort Lauderdale, FL on 18 January to prepare for the 31 January match. Head coach Hart will draw mostly on players whose teams are on a winter break, including those players in North America and northern Europe.



Canada and Jamaica are familiar foes that have faced each other five times since 2006. The two sides most recently faced each other in Carson, CA for the opening match of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a 1:0 Canada win en route to a quarter-final finish in the biennial confederation championship.



In 2008, the two sides faced each other in the CONCACAF semi-final stage, a group of death” that eliminated both Canada and Jamaica. Both sides are now forging forward on the road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil under the direction of new head coaches.



Canada has always found Jamaica a tough place to play. Canada’s away record in Jamaica is one win, three draws and three losses in seven matches played, including an 0:3 loss on 19 November 2008. Canada still holds the all time head-to-head advantage with a record of seven wins, six draws, and three losses against Jamaica.



Canada is hoping for a successful 2010 season. Of note, Canada plans two home matches during the FIFA international match calendar, with venues and opponents to be named at a later date.