Ryan Johnson scored on a thunderous left-footer as Jamaica edged Costa Rica 1-0 Sunday night in a friendly in Kingston in a match flush with MLS representatives.
The San Jose Earthquakes striker got on the end of a long ball in the 66th minute at National Stadium, shucked a defender and throttled a rocket past ‘keeper Patrick Pemberton to give the Reggae Boyz their fourth win in 20 attempts over their CONCACAF rivals.
New York Red Bulls winger Dane Richards was also a big part of the victory, constantly menacing los Ticos with his speed. Richards nearly opened the scoring on his own the 20th minute after getting free on goal, but was dragged down from behind by Ricardo Blanco, who escaped with a yellow.
Richards’ RBNY teammate Roy Miller gave Costa Rica their best chance just before halftime, heading just over Dwayne Miller’s goal from six yards out.
Johnson's goal was his second for Jamaica after scoring a header at Argentina in February. Houston Dynamo midfielder Lovel Palmer was an 81st-minute substitution for Richard Edwards.
Real Salt Lake star Alvaro Saborio was an unused sub for interim coach Ronald González after providing a dramatic equalizer for Costa Rica in their 2-2 draw at Panama last Friday night.
Jamaica now head to Florida where they will take on Peru at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday.
Theodore Whitmore’s squad will be joined by Donovan Ricketts, Shavar Thomas and MLS Player of the Week Omar Cummings, all of whom opted to remain with their club sides this past weekend.
