Radzinski set up Julian de Guzman for Canada’s lone goal, and forced a sprawling save by Jamaican netminder Donovan Ricketts.
Despite his strong play, Radzinski and his teammates had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the opener of the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Stage III grouping, the next stage on the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Radzinski’s header off a Dwayne De Rosario kick was converted by de Guzman at the 47-minute mark, when he drove the ball home through Jamaican defender Rodolph Austin’s legs and just past Ricketts’ fingers.
Jamaica responded less than five minutes later, when forward Andrew Williams surprised Canadian goalkeeper Pat Onstad with a long curving corner kick to the near post. Onstad, who was playing out, got a hand on the ball, but not enough to stop the goal.
Other Canadians had opportunities to break the draw, including De Rosario and Rob Friend.
Canada’s best chance came in the 87th minute when de Guzman hit the crossbar.
“We were confident going into the game,” said de Guzman. “At some point, Jamaica got a bit tired and we took advantage. We were hoping to get a few more, but then Jamaica scored.”
“I think the performance was encouraging,” said Canadian coach Dale Mitchell. “Nothing beats winning when it comes to giving a team a boost, but our performance was encouraging. If we can play five more games like that, we will do well. I think all the games will be close in this group.”
Canada next sees action Sept. 6 against Honduras in Montreal, followed by games Sept. 10 in Mexico, Oct. 11 in Honduras, Oct. 15 in Edmonton against Mexico and Nov. 19 in Jamaica.
The top two teams advance to the CONCACAF final series.
dwiner@mississauga.net
