The Albany Gazette - Jamaicans grab group lead with World Cup qualifying win

The "Reggae Boyz" improved to 3-1 and jumped atop the group with nine points while winless Bermuda was eliminated from World Cup contention.

Curacao, which had been leading the group, was on eight points after two wins and two drawn while the Soca Warriors stayed third, going to 1-1 with two drawn for five points.

Two CONCACAF (North American) qualifying matches remain for each club next month.

With CONCACAF nations United States, Mexico and Canada co-hosting next year's World Cup, tweaks were made to North American regional qualifying.

The last 12 teams were split into three groups, with each group winner advancing to the World Cup and two runner-up teams facing squads from other regions to determine World Cup spots.

Host Jamaica improved to seven wins and two drawn over Bermuda without loss in their all-time rivalry.

Bermuda back Dante Leverock's own goal lifted Jamaica ahead in the 24th minute but the Reggae Boyz added a blast from Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the 26th minute for a 2-0 Jamaica lead.

Shamar Nicholson gave the hosts a 3-0 lead in the 35th minute and Dujuan Richards added a final Jamaican goal in the 76th minute.

Host Curacao grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute on Kenji Gorre's right-footed shot from the heart of the box into the upper right corner.

The Soca Warriors equalized in the 58th minute on Tyrese Spicer's left-footed shot into the top left corner.

Trinidad and Tobago lead their all-time rivalry 7-3 with six drawn.

In later Group A matches, Guatemala was at El Salvador and Panama played host to Suriname.

(A.Thompson--TAG)