A trio of Vancouver Whitecaps FC players saw action for their national teams in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches last Friday and Tuesday.
Kenny Miller played in both of Scotland’s games this past week, and found the back of the net in his team’s 1-1 home draw with Macedonia at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Darren Mattocks, meanwhile, registered his second international cap for Jamaica, as The Reggae Boyz stunned the United States 2-1 in Kingston on Friday night.
Miller saves the day against Macedonia
Whitecaps FC Designated Player Miller captained Scotland in their match against Macedonia and struck the equalizing goal on the stroke of halftime.
Playing as a lone striker, Miller capped a decent passage of play for the home team. A through ball from James Morrison found Jamie Mackie, whose quality cross was converted by the 32-year-old.
It was Miller’s 17th goal in 62 appearances for his national team.
Speaking to Sky Sports News after the match, Miller was disappointed the team could only muster two draws from their opening games.
"It's not ideal, we set out to get six points and we've come away with two draws," he said. "We're bitterly disappointed because it was two home games and we've had good home form, but it's gone now."
In Saturday’s scoreless draw against Serbia, Miller started and played 81 minutes.
Mixed feelings for Mattocks and Richards
The Jamaican national team created history on Friday night when they beat CONCACAF powerhouse USA 2-1 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
It was the Reggae Boyz’ first ever win over the Americans.
Mattocks was brought on as a 64th-minute substitute and was able to cause a few headaches for the United States defence with his team in front.
"We have been saying that this team was going to get it done, we stood up to our words, it's a big accomplishment to finally beat the Americans and I think the jinx is finally broken, the monkey is finally off our backs,” the 22-year-old remarked to the Jamaica Gleaner.
The popular Whitecaps FC player is also starting to become a fan favourite on the Caribbean island.
"That just goes to show that what I have been doing overseas is being recognized by my own people and I am really proud,” he said. “Every time I touched the ball, I heard a lot of applause and I am really humbled by this experience.”
Speedy Vancouver winger Dane Richards was an unused substitute in the first match, but entered Tuesday's rematch as a substitute for Omar Cummings in the 76th minute. Jamaica ultimately fell 1-0 in Columbus, Ohio, as Herculez Gomez scored the winner for the Americans from a free kick ten minutes after the interval.
Jamaica is in third spot in CONCACAF Group A on goal difference behind Guatemala and USA.
Barbara’s Malta fall in opener, show fight against Italy
'Caps striker Etienne Barbara dressed for Malta's two matches, but didn’t see any game time in defeats to Armenia and Italy.
Malta were beaten 1-0 at home by Armenia on Friday before the Mediterranean island nation gave Italy some grief in a respectable 2-0 loss in Modena on Tuesday.
Clarke dazzles for Canada at under-20 camp
Whitecaps FC youngster Caleb Clarke impressed at the recent Canadian men's under-20 training camp in Florida. The striker from Richmond, BC, bagged a brace in Canada's 2-0 friendly win over Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday.
He followed up that effort with another goal in yesterday's 2-1 victory against the same opposition.
'Caps midfielder Bryce Alderson also took part in the eight-day camp and saw some game time in the first match.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC are preparing to launch a special offer for fans on 2013 Season Tickets. To thank fans for their continued support, those who purchase Season Tickets from Saturday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 3 will receive a special signing bonus of 12 per cent off. Fans can take advantage of this offer and renew or purchase their Season Tickets online at whitecapsfc.com or by phone at 604.669.9283.
