Tweet
Fit Mattocks ready for Canadian Championship final
Published: Wednesday | May 8, 2013
Mattocks
Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL striker, Darren Mattocks, is fit and ready for the final challenge, after assisting Major League Soccer (MLS) club Vancouver Whitecaps advance to the two-leg Amway Canadian Championship final.
The Whitecaps will tackle Montreal Impact FC for the championship, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Montreal on May 15.
Mattocks played the first 45 minutes in the second-leg semi-final against FC Edmonton, which the Whitecaps won 2-0 last Wednesday. They had won the first leg 3-2 for a 5-2 aggregate win. The Jamaican was replaced at half-time by Corey Hertzog, who scored the opening goal.
Club championship
"Personally, I am at the fittest I have ever been, at this time. It is important for the team to advance to the Canadian Championship final, as the winner will advance to the CONCACAF Club Championship. We could play against clubs from the region, including Jamaica. This is a big step for us," Mattocks told The Gleaner on Monday from Vancouver.
Although through to the Canadian Championship, Mattocks' side has been struggling in the MLS Western Conference and are currently in eighth position, on nine points, from nine games after two wins, four losses and three drawn games. FC Dallas lead the conference on 20 points.
Identity
Mattocks has been in and out of the starting team and has only scored once in the MLS this season.
"We are still trying to find our identity as a team. Some players have been in and out. It is up to the coach who decides the starting team for each game," Mattocks explained.
With regards to Jamaica's upcoming CONCACAF World Cup qualifier next month against Mexico at the National Stadium, Mattocks, who has not played for Jamaica since the semi-final stage, said he is always prepared.
"I always put myself in the best position in case I get called up to the Reggae Boyz team," the 22- year-old Mattocks said.
Mattocks, who spent two years at Akron University, after which he was drafted to the MLS last year, scored seven goals for his club in his rookie season.So far, he has netted eight goals in 24 appearances. He has played five times for Jamaica's national senior team and is yet to score since making his debut against El Salvador.
Published: Wednesday | May 8, 2013
Mattocks
Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL striker, Darren Mattocks, is fit and ready for the final challenge, after assisting Major League Soccer (MLS) club Vancouver Whitecaps advance to the two-leg Amway Canadian Championship final.
The Whitecaps will tackle Montreal Impact FC for the championship, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Montreal on May 15.
Mattocks played the first 45 minutes in the second-leg semi-final against FC Edmonton, which the Whitecaps won 2-0 last Wednesday. They had won the first leg 3-2 for a 5-2 aggregate win. The Jamaican was replaced at half-time by Corey Hertzog, who scored the opening goal.
Club championship
"Personally, I am at the fittest I have ever been, at this time. It is important for the team to advance to the Canadian Championship final, as the winner will advance to the CONCACAF Club Championship. We could play against clubs from the region, including Jamaica. This is a big step for us," Mattocks told The Gleaner on Monday from Vancouver.
Although through to the Canadian Championship, Mattocks' side has been struggling in the MLS Western Conference and are currently in eighth position, on nine points, from nine games after two wins, four losses and three drawn games. FC Dallas lead the conference on 20 points.
Identity
Mattocks has been in and out of the starting team and has only scored once in the MLS this season.
"We are still trying to find our identity as a team. Some players have been in and out. It is up to the coach who decides the starting team for each game," Mattocks explained.
With regards to Jamaica's upcoming CONCACAF World Cup qualifier next month against Mexico at the National Stadium, Mattocks, who has not played for Jamaica since the semi-final stage, said he is always prepared.
"I always put myself in the best position in case I get called up to the Reggae Boyz team," the 22- year-old Mattocks said.
Mattocks, who spent two years at Akron University, after which he was drafted to the MLS last year, scored seven goals for his club in his rookie season.So far, he has netted eight goals in 24 appearances. He has played five times for Jamaica's national senior team and is yet to score since making his debut against El Salvador.