Campbell scores vital brace as Jamaica flies past Trinidad 3-0

#17, Goal Scorer, Miguel Ricketts (Jamaica)-- Caribbean Cup Soccer Images

Jamaica coach Arthur Mikes uses a "secret" tactic to guide his side to a well deserved victory against Trinidad and Tobago, thanks to a double by Romario Campbell and Miguel Ricketts' finish.

After a poor start of the New York Caribbean Cup Soccer 2016, Jamaica is looking more like last year's champions as they go on a two game winning streak after a comfortable 3-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday evening at Thomas Jefferson High School Field.

Former Jamaica international Romario Campbell netted the first two goals for Jamaica in the second half before Miguel Ricketts put himself in the score-sheet as well in the 82nd minute as the Reggae Boyz put on an exquisite passing display for the spectators.

This win sends the reigning Caribbean champions to second place in the Eastern Zone with seven points--only one point shy off first place Grenada-- meanwhile Trinidad remains fifth in the table with three points.

Jamaica coach Arthur Mikes is content that his team was able to overcome one of their worst start ever in the Caribbean Cup with this win-- they only bagged one point from their first two games, scoring one goal.

"I'm very pleased," Mikes said about the win over Trinidad, "because this is the first year Jamaica team ever got four points in the regular season [early in the season] so we needed this game to step up, now we got seven points, we're looking very good.

"We're looking very good to either win the division or come in second place."

After a scoreless first half, Mikes' side got their first goal of the game shortly before the hour mark. The Jamaicans were rewarded a free kick from midfield as Trinidad's Dwane James picked up the first and only yellow card of the encounter.

After a step of hesitation Makesi Lewis launched the setpiece towards Ricketts, who passed the ball to an open Campbell in the penalty area. Campbell took a couple of touches before firing the ball past T&T  keeper Marcus Maurice.

Romario Campbell @ goals for Team Jamaica-- Caribbean Cup Soccer Images

Campbell found himself open again and scored a second goal twelve minutes later. Andre Farlone hit a magnificent through ball to an unmarked Campbell. The 26-year-old was one-on-one with the opposing keeper, whom he dribbled around before rolling the ball in the net.

The midfielder spoke of his brace after the game. "I must say congratulations to the team, it's always a positive thing when you can get two goals in a game."

Campbell failed to score a hat trick but Jamaica did put a third one in the net. Andre Farlone found a free Ricketts in the six-yard box with a low cross. Ricketts scored one of the easiest goals he will ever score in his career as he faked the keeper and kept his shot on target from close range eight minutes from time.

Ricketts ended the game with one goal and one assist but doesn't think that was his best. "I'm pleased by my performance but it could've been better," the Jamaican said after the game.

All the three goals TNT conceded was because a defender failed to stay on his man. This is Trinidad's third consecutive loss this season after they had won their opener against  Dominica 5-3.

On the other end, Jamaica moves to a two game wining streak, outscoring their opponents 7-0. The 12th times champions' coach revealed the secret behind his latest win.

"Motivation." coach Mikes said. "You tell the guys on the bench to start warming up, so when the players on the field see guys on the bench start to warm up, they know that their games are in jeopardy. It's up to them to stay on for 90 minutes or go on the bench.

"That's the trick, motivate the players."

Coach Mikes will try this "motivation" tactic again as they face their next opponent Dominica on July 24th at 3:15 p.m. And for Trinidad they will look to turn their season around when they go against Antigua and Barbuda on July 31st at 1:30 p.m.

Statistics

Jamaica

Shots (on target): 18 (6)

Saves: 5

Fouls: 10

Offsides: 3

Yellow cards: 0

Red cards: 0

Corners: 5

Trinidad and Tobago

Shots: 12 (5)

Saves: 3

Fouls: 9

Offsides: 1

Yellow cards 1-- Dwane James

Red cards: 0

Corners: 1


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